| ILLUMINATED SITES
OF DELHI RASHTRAPATI
BHAWAN
(Illuminated during Republic
Day Celebrations in January).
The Rashtrapati Bhawan or the
President's House, is the official residence of the President of India. Being the largest
presidential residence in the world, it covers the same area as the Trafalgar Square in
London.
Built of cream and red sandstone and
several varieties of marble the building is a synthesis of Hindu, Muslim and colonial
architecture. The Bhawan comprises the magnificent Durbar Hall, the Ball Room, the State
Dining Room and private chambers. It has 227 columns, 35 lobbies, 37 fountains and 340
rooms. At the Southern gate lies the famous Mughal Gardens with a large variety of roses.
If you are in Delhi during the Republic Day celebrations, do stay to watch the Beating
Retreat at the Vijay Chowk after which you may witness one of the most spectacular display
of lights and fireworks.
INDIA GATE
(Illuminated Daily)
India Gate is the famous war memorial
situated at the east end of Rajpath facing the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Designed by Lutyens, it
commemorates those thousands of Indian soldiers who died in World commemorates those
thousands of Indian soldiers who died in World War-I. Its 43 cm high arch stands on a base
of Bharatpur stone and rises in stages. Under the arch is the Amar Jawan Jyoti (the
Eternal Torch), commemorating the Indian armed forces losses in the India-Pakistan war of
1971. From the base of arch one can get a good view of Rashtrapati Bhawan.
PARLIAMENT HOUSE
(Illuminated during Republic
Day Celebrations in January.)
One of the most graceful monuments of t his
metropolis is the Parliament House, situated on the left of the Parliament House, situated
on the left of the Rashtrapati Bhawan. This circular edifice measures 1.6 kms. In
circumference with a continuous. Inside are three huge halls where the upper and lower
houses of Parliament meet. Entry is restricted to authorized persons only.
BAHAI HOUSE OF WORSHIP
(Illuminated Daily)
This wondrous creation built in 1987
next to the famous Kalkaji T emple signifies the purity and equality of all religions.
Open from 0930 Hrs to 1730Hrs (October to March) and 0900Hrs ton1900 Hrs (April to
September). The temple built by followers of the Bahai is in the shape of a lotus. With
not a single pillar to support its interior, the concrete petal domes majestically face
the sky. The brilliantly arranged illumination the architectural details. Inside the
spotlessly clean prayer hall, bathed in fresh air and sunlight, lie directly below, the
inner petals of the partially open lotus.
No one can resist the magnetism of
nostalgia that emanates from the monuments of Delhi, the capital city of magnificent
India. Delhi Tourism therefore considers it most befitting to flood light some of these
monuments by making their presence dazzle even at night. Besides the monuments, several
other sites are also lit up to add to the glitter and contribute towards brightening and
beautifying Delhi's skyline at night.
MUSICAL FOUNTAINS
Delhi has taken on an all new and
chirpy hue with the addition of a grand musical fountain at Ajmal Khan Park. Spread over
an area of 5 acres its fountains are a refreshing getaway from he usual everyday hustle
bustle of this busy metro. The gentle music, the soft dancing sprays and dream lighting
combine to make this a hot favourite with Delhiites. Inaugurated in December' 95, this
musical fountain has already attracted over 40,000 visitors. The musical fountains are on
after sunset. For timings contact at site or on Phone No, 524834.
Apart from this, the Musical Fountains
are in operation at Kalkaji (South), Janakpuri (South-West), Pitampura (North-West),
Netaji Nagar (South), Punjabi Bagh (North-West) and Baldev Park (Trans Yamuna). The
concept of these programmable dancing fountains is based on the most advanced multimedia
technology wherein computers have been used to control the sequence of dancing water jets,
illumination and synchronized music. The perfect synchronization of music, light and
dancing water patterns create a haunting illusion of folk or group dance. While the
fountains at Netaji Nagar and Pitampura provide for a seating capacity of 400 persons
around it, the one at Janakpuri has a seat-in facility for 1000 persons ! The fountains
have been constructed by the various local bodies in an ecologically friendly manner, with
the principle of re-circulation used to conserve water.
SOUND & LIGHT SHOWS
(PURANA QUILA - RED FORT)
(Illuminated only during show)
Shr ouded in antiquity, the lofty
walls of the Purana Quila, neighbouring the Pragati maidan Exhibition grounds, rise on the
sire of the ancient city of Indraprastha, supposed to have been founded by the
Pandavas-the heroes of the epic Mahabharata. It is believed to be the site of the first
city of Delhi. The high rise walls and imposing entrances to the Quila are credited to
emperor Sher Shah Suri.
Purana Quila, now the site for the
sound and light show, has seen centuries of history unfold before it. The show,
inaugurated on 2nd October 1996, is perhaps the biggest of its kind in India. Entry Ticket
is Rs. 25.00 per head. The one hour show each in Hindi & English is
held after sunset except on days when it rains. For exact timings contact any of the
information centres or Phone 4603178.
The Red Fort is the venue of another
Son-et-Lumiere. Of the two shows held here, the first is in Hindi and the second, in
English. The shows, through skillful use of light and sound, bring to life bygone days of
Delhi's history from the Mughal period.
THE QUTUB MINAR
(Illuminated Daily)
Over 700 years old, the Qutub Minar is
the architectural masterpiece of Delhi - an ancient four-storied structure, and an
outstanding example of Muslim architecture.
Situated in Mehrauli, 15 Kms. towards
the South of Delhi, this towering minaret is an excellent spot for a picnic.
Rising from a base diameter of 14.32 m.
the minaret tapers to a diameter of 2.75 m. It measures a height of 72.5 m. and contains a
spiral staircase of 379 steps.
Just next to the minaret is the Iron
Pillar, a marvel of metallurgy, totally resistant to corrosion. Qutub Minar is the venue
for the Annual Qutub festival held in October every year with maestros performing with
illuminated Qutub Minar in the backdrop.
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