Bharat's rich culture, art and crafts are being exhbited at G20 summit venue
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
Leave a Comment