All set for the D-day, New Delhi is ready with red carpet rolled out all over the capital city along with brightly lit fountains, sculptures, eye catching murals, well-manicured flora and fauna to welcome the visiting heads of the states. The city walls and underpasses are painted in vibrant colours with a string of planters lined up along-side the roads. The crowded streets have been resurfaced. Streetlights are illuminating once dark sidewalks. The street art depicting the length and breadth of Indian history, mythology, art and culture, the capital city has underwent some major revamp in the past few days. New Delhi is actually looking ‘New’!
A “beautification project” with a price tag of $120 million, will help showcase the world’s most populous nation’s cultural prowess and strengthen its position on the global stage. The two-day global summit will take place at the newly constructed Bharat Mandapam building, a sprawling exhibition centre in the heart of New Delhi near the landmark India Gate. A 28-foot tall statue of ‘Nataraja’, believed to be the world’s tallest, is being installed at the venue. The statue was made using the ancient lost-wax technique of metal casting that was used for making the famed Chola bronzes. The ‘Nataraja’ statue symbolises Lord Shiva as the ‘lord of dance’ and his cosmic power of creation and destruction. A number of fountains dot the Pragati Maidan area — 13 fountains from gate no 4 to 7 of Bharat Mandapam; four statues of crowns with jet fountains; and nozzle and jet fountains surrounded with shrubbery and plants such as bamboo, calendula, numerical alba, hibiscus and bougainvillea.
Nearly 6.75 lakh pots of flowering plants and foliage will adorn designated roads and venues in Delhi. While the forest department and the Delhi Parks and Garden Society placed 3.75 lakh plants (1.25 lakh foliage and 2.5 lakh flowering), the PWD placed 50,000 (35,000 foliage and 15,000 flowering), the DDA one lakh (85,000 foliage and 15,000 flowering), the NDMC one lakh and the MCD 50,000 pots.
Picture : Twitter/ ANI
For security, the PWD has installed 44 more CCTV cameras in addition to 1.20 lakh existing ones across Delhi. Further, quick response teams, wearing a special uniform, will be stationed at key roads which will work in coordination with Delhi Police and security personnel.
The G20 includes the world’s 19 wealthiest countries plus the European Union. India currently holds its presidency, which rotates annually among the members.
The theme of the summit is “Atithi Devo Bhava,” signifying India’s tradition of treating guests like God, with a warm and luxurious welcome. Delegates will be treated to a diverse array of culinary delights, ranging from Southeast Asian and Arab cuisines to East Asian flavours and traditional dishes from various Indian states.
The arrival schedule for world leaders would begin with US President Joe Biden, expected to land on September 8, while leaders from other G20 and invitee countries will arrive the following day. Many leaders will be accompanied by their spouses and sizable delegations. The spouses of G20 leaders will embark on guided tours of Delhi’s renowned landmarks, and special shopping arrangements have been made. The Centre has assigned responsibilities to different Union ministers of state to welcome the dignitaries, according to sources.
#WATCH | Delhi: The national capital is all decked up to welcome the delegates for the G20 Summit that will be held here on September 9-10. pic.twitter.com/B2o9fuhsBY
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023
The host hotels too have left no stone unturned in preparing themselves well in time. They will roll out an extravagant culinary spread for their distinguished guests. Catering at the summit venue will be overseen by ITC Hotels. Vice President and General Manager, Le Meridien, Meena Bhatia said, “G20 is a historic opportunity for the country as well as the hotel. We are following high standards for their accommodation, food and security. We plan to serve main dishes from all the states of India to the visitors.” “All preparations have been made. We are trying to make the experience of the guests memorable,” said General Manager, Hotel Shangrila, Abhishek Sadhu.
#WATCH | Delhi: For the G20 Summit, the national capital has been adorned with mural paintings.
(Visuals from Lotus Temple) pic.twitter.com/eimW5AhvUp
— ANI (@ANI) September 8, 2023
On the entertainment side, celebrating the country’s rich musical heritage, an ensemble of virtuoso instrumentalists bringing different styles of classical and contemporary music will perform for world leaders . The performance ‘Bharat Vadya Darshanam’ — Musical Journey of India, by the ‘Gaandharva Aatodyam’ group will be showcased during the ceremonial dinner that will hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in the honour of G20 leaders on September 9. The ensemble is a “unique and groundbreaking musical presentation, a harmonious journey of Bharat through music.” Some of the prominent styles that will be depicted include the Hindustani, Carnatic folk and contemporary music.
With months of hard work being put in to make the capital city look stunning and vibrant, welcoming the guests with open arms, one hopes India successfully achieves the purpose of hosting G20.
