R-day: Buildings illumination add to grandeur in poor weather

NEW DELHI: Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, Central Secretariat complex and other important government buildings lit up on the occasion of Republic Day brightened up an otherwise dull day on Thursday due to bad weather.

Heavy overcast conditions plunged the national capital into near darkness towards the fag end of the Republic Day celebrations on Rajpath even as heavy rains lashed the city slowing vehicular movement in several areas.

However, in Lutyens’ Delhi, home to several historical Raj-era buildings, the illumination added to the grandeur of the day, as it made up for heavy overcast conditions that made the afternoon resemble a late evening.

Besides the iconic President’s Estate, North Block and South Block, other buildings which have been lit up on the occasion include Baroda House, Rail Bhawan, Krishi Bhawan, Udyog Bhawan, Parivahan Bhawan, Shram Shakti Bhawan and Delhi GPO. LED lights have been used for illumination on these landmarks, and Lutyens’ Delhi has been decked up like a bride.

Despite rain and inclement weather, many people from several parts of the Capital gathered at the Raisina Hill to admire and capture the illumination of Rashtrapati Bhawan and North Block and South Block, which will stay on till Beating Retreat ceremony.

Rashtrapati Bhawan, designed by British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, which served erstwhile as the Viceroy House, was inaugurated in 1931 along with the formal opening of the new imperial capital. Jaipur Column, located in its forecourt and also richly decked up, adds to the grandeur of the historic building.

Parliament House, designed by Sir Herbert Baker also added to the grandeur of the area, the wet streets reflecting its illuminated glory.

In Civil Lines area, iconic Old Delhi Assembly richly illuminated added to the august atmosphere. The Assembly premises has been made accessible to people for visiting on the occasion.