New Delhi: India is showcasing its rich culture and traditions at the G20 summit in a variety of ways, including through the exhibition of GI products. GI products are those that have a geographical indication, which means that they have a specific origin and that their quality or reputation is due to that origin. One of the GI products being showcased at the G20 Crafts Bazaar is Madhubani paintings from Bihar. Madhubani paintings are a type of folk art that is characterized by its vibrant colors and intricate designs. They are painted on cloth or paper using natural dyes and brushes made from twigs. The paintings often depict scenes from Hindu mythology or everyday life.
VIDEO | GI products, including Madhubani paintings, from Bihar being showcased at G20 Crafts Bazaar, Delhi.#G20India2023 #G20SummitDelhi pic.twitter.com/2GWLPi2B7L
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 8, 2023
The summit is scheduled to take place at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, popularly known as Bharat Mandapam, situated within New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. This modern complex was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, 2023. It is equipped with cutting-edge amenities such as a convention centre, expansive exhibition halls, and a splendid amphitheatre.
During the G20 Summit, Bharat Mandapam, known as the “culture corridor,” will serve as a platform to showcase diverse traditions from 29 countries, including India and the special invitees to the G20. This exhibition will offer a blend of physical and virtual displays, creating an immersive experience for visitors.
India is delighted to host the 18th G20 Summit on 09-10 September 2023 at New Delhi’s iconic Bharat Mandapam. This is the first ever G20 Summit being hosted by India. I look forward to productive discussions with world leaders over the next two days.
It is my firm belief that…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 8, 2023
On Tuesday, an impressive 27-ft-tall bronze statue of Nataraja, crafted from Ashtadhatu and weighing approximately 18 tons, was unveiled at Bharat Mandapam. Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty and his team from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu completed this remarkable sculpture in a record seven months. Prime Minister Modi shared images of the installation on X (formerly Twitter), expressing, “The magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life facets of our rich history and culture. As the world convenes for the G20 summit, it will stand as a tribute to India’s time-honored artistry and traditions.”
The magnificent Nataraja statue at Bharat Mandapam brings to life aspects of our rich history and culture. As the world gathers for the G20 summit, it will stand as a testament to India's age-old artistry and traditions. https://t.co/uFEcx22jgi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 6, 2023
What is Bharat Mandapam?
Bharat Mandapam, derived from Sanskrit, translates to “Hall of India.” This grand facility is situated in New Delhi and stands as a pivotal component of the Pragati Maidan redevelopment initiative. Designed to accommodate large-scale international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, and esteemed events, it serves as a testament to India’s architectural prowess and cultural heritage. The name Bharat Mandapam pays homage to the ancient Indian tradition of constructing mandapams, expansive halls or pavilions utilized for communal gatherings and ceremonies. These mandapams found their place not only in temples and religious settings but also in secular contexts, such as trade fairs and festivals.
The world’s tallest 28 feet tall statue of Nataraj at Bharat Mandapam adds to the state-of-the-art grandeur of one of the world’s most magnificent conference venues as it waits to host #G20SummitDelhi #BharatMandapam #G20 #G20Bharat #G20Summit2023 pic.twitter.com/f6vIf7dCvF
— Chandra Mani Bhardwaj सनातनी 🇮🇳 (@CMBhardwaj1) September 8, 2023
Bharat Mandapam embodies a contemporary interpretation of these traditional mandapams. Featuring a vast, open space crowned by a soaring roof supported by columns, this multifaceted venue offers flexibility and adaptability to cater to a wide array of events. The inspiration behind Bharat Mandapam can be traced back to the concept of Anubhav Mandapam, a platform for public ceremonies conceived by Lord Basaveshwara, a 12th-century Indian philosopher and social reformer. Open to the public, Bharat Mandapam is fully equipped to support the nation’s journey towards modernity and development.
#G20SummitDelhi ||
Exclusive visuals from #BharatMandapam, which is the venue of #G20 Summit. The summit will begin on Saturday. A 28 feet Nataraja Statue has been installed in front of Bharat Mandapam.🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/tBY6RmrkD1— Haresh 🇮🇳 (@HARESHRJADAV3) September 5, 2023
Architectural Design
The architectural design of Bharat Mandapam masterfully blends India’s rich heritage with modern amenities, symbolizing the nation’s confidence in its traditions while embracing contemporary living. The building’s distinctive shape draws inspiration from the graceful form of the Shankha, or conch shell—an object of great sanctity in Hinduism, symbolizing purity, prosperity, and good fortune. The building’s contours are also likened to the rising sun, representing India’s radiant future. Various walls and facades of the Convention Centre intricately showcase diverse facets of India’s traditional art and culture. These include:
India is all set to host 18th #G20 Summit in New Delhi. Bharat Mandapam, the main venue of G20 Leaders Summit at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi has decked up to welcome the Heads of State and dignitaries.@g20org @DrSJaishankar @PiyushGoyal @Rajeev_GoI #G20SummitDelhi #G20India2023… pic.twitter.com/PtNNsvccGa
— Upendrra Rai (@UpendrraRai) September 8, 2023
Surya Shakti: A mural depicting the sun god Surya, symbolizing energy and power
Zero to ISRO: A mural celebrating India’s achievements in space exploration, from the inaugural satellite launch in 1975 to the recent Chandrayaan-2 mission to the moon.
Pancha Mahabhuta: A mural illustrating the five fundamental elements of the universe: space, air, fire, water, and earth.
Additionally, the Convention Centre is adorned with an array of paintings and tribal art forms representing various regions across the country. These artworks pay tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage and its diverse populace.
In essence, Bharat Mandapam stands as a powerful symbol of India’s progress and its unwavering commitment to its cultural legacy. It serves as a gathering place where individuals from around the world can come together to celebrate India’s diversity and its promising future. India is showcasing its rich culture and traditions at the G20 summit in a variety of ways, including:
Performing arts: There have been performances of classical Indian dance, music, and theater. For example, the opening ceremony of the summit featured a performance of the Mohiniyattam dance, a classical dance form from Kerala.
Visual arts: There have been exhibits of Indian art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. For example, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Delhi hosted an exhibition of paintings by Amrita Sher-Gil, a renowned Indian artist.
Handicrafts: There have been displays of Indian handicrafts, such as textiles, jewelry, and pottery. For example, the Ministry of Textiles organized a textile exhibition at the summit venue.
#G20 Summit to showcase traditional Indian handicrafts at the G20 Crafts Bazaar!
G20 Crafts Bazaar will bring together handicraft items from across India under one roof with a special focus on the One District One Product initiative.
Leaders, delegates and accredited media… pic.twitter.com/ouXPUkeO81
— G20 United States (@g20org) September 6, 2023
Food: There have been food stalls serving traditional Indian cuisine. For example, the Ministry of Tourism organized a food festival at the summit venue.
Festivals: The summit coincided with the celebration of several Indian festivals, such as Diwali and Holi. These festivals were celebrated at the summit venue, and delegates were invited to participate.
Food was certainly the way to the heart of #G20 delegates who got a chance to explore & experience India through its lip smacking cuisine. (1/2)#AmritMahotsav #CulturalPride #FlavoursOfIndia #CultureUnitesAll #MainBharatHoon @g20org pic.twitter.com/ow0dqBO1Qk
— Amrit Mahotsav (@AmritMahotsav) September 8, 2023
These are just a few examples of how India is showcasing its rich culture and traditions at the G20 summit. The goal is to promote India as a vibrant and diverse country with a rich heritage.
Here are some other specific events that have been held to showcase India’s culture and traditions at the G20:
- A fashion show featuring traditional Indian clothing was held in Mumbai.
- A food festival showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine was held in Delhi.
- A classical music concert was held in Chennai.
- A dance performance featuring traditional Indian dance forms was held in Kolkata.
- A film festival showcasing Indian cinema was held in Hyderabad.
These events have been well-received by the delegates, who have expressed appreciation for India’s rich culture and traditions. The events have also helped to promote India as a tourist destination.
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