New Delhi

The G-20 Summit will be remembered for giving India its largest convention center- Bharat Mandapam - built using a mix of traditional Indian concepts and art and modern architecture in the center of New Delhi at the cost of Rs 2,700 crore.

The International exhibition-cum-convention centre (IECC) complex called Bharat Mandapam is the venue of the G-20 Summit on September 9-10. It has a capacity of 7,000 seats, almost half of the capacity of the Mahatma Gandhi Mandir convention center in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar.

However, the Bharat Mandapam is more grandiose and equipped with the most modern facilities.

The G-20 main events will be held at Bharat Mandap’s Main convention venues – a convention hall and an amphitheater where translation in 16 languages is available in the meeting room.

The Mandapam is spread over 123 acres and has arrangements for parking of about 5500 vehicles. The venue will help showcase and promote India as a global business destination. The IECC complex has been developed as India’s largest MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) destination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi doing Poja during the inauguration of the Bharat Mandapam

The term Bharat Mandapam derives its root from Lord Basaveshwara’s idea of Anubhav Mandapam, which was a pavilion for public ceremonies. Lord Basaveshwara was a Hindu Shaivite, social reformer during the reign of the Kalyani Chalukya dynasty.

It has multiple meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheater and a business center for hosting many events.

Its multi-purpose hall and plenary hall have a combined capacity larger than the seating capacity of the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

The shape of the building is derived from the Shankha (conch shell).

The different walls and facades of the center depict several elements of India's traditional art and culture including ‘Surya Shakti’, ‘Zero to ISRO’, and Pancha Mahabhuta.

Surya Shakti highlights India’s efforts in harnessing solar energy; Zero to ISRO celebrates India’s achievements in space; Pancha Mahabhuta signifies the building blocks of universal foundation - Aakash (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jal (Water), Prithvi (Earth).

In terms of indoor space available for events, the IECC complex ranks among the world's top exhibition and convention complexes

Developed as India's largest convention destination, the Bharat Mandapam is a great architectural marvel. It is designed to host large-scale international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and other prestigious events. It is equipped with multiple meeting rooms, lawns, auditoriums, an amphitheater, and a business center, making it easy to host large-scale events.

Its impressive multi-purpose hall and plenary hall have a combined seating capacity of 7,000 people, which is larger than the seating capacity of the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia. Its magnificent amphitheater is equipped with a seating capacity of 3,000 people.

A fully Wi-Fi covered campus powered by G5, and G10 intranet connectivity, state-of-the-art interpreter room to support 16 different languages, state-of-the-art AV system with large size video walls, building management System included. Ensuring optimal functionality and energy efficiency, a light management system with sensors, a state-of-the-art DCN (Data Communication Network) system, an integrated surveillance system, and an energy-saving centralized air-conditioning system are also included.

A meeting hall inside Bharat Mandapam

In addition, the IECC complex has seven exhibition halls and each hall serves as a preferred venue for hosting exhibitions, trade fairs, and business events. The exhibition halls are designed to showcase products and services from a variety of industries and around the world. These state-of-the-art structures are a testament to modern engineering and construction skills.

The development of the area outside IECC has also been thoughtfully designed which complements the beauty of the main complex and is a testament to the planning and careful planning of the development. Sculptures, installations, and murals showcase India's rich cultural heritage. Musical fountains add an element of magic and spectacle. Water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and artificial rivers enhance the tranquility and aesthetics of the area.

Spread over four floors, and featuring grand halls, the Auditoria complex is India's largest and one of the largest convention centers in the world.

There are a total of 24 meeting rooms within the premises out of which 20 are on L1 (ground level). Four rooms have a capacity of 200 people each while seven rooms have a seating capacity of 100 people and nine others have space for 50 people.

There are meeting rooms with a seating capacity of 50 and 200 with a seating capacity of 100. Therefore, whenever a convention is held, there is a need for panel sessions breakaway sessions, or technical sessions in which the entire gathering takes a break. in small groups and it will be conducted at the L1 level

A key feature of the convention center is that one can easily explore the essence of India throughout the complex - from the ground floor to the top floor. Paintings, carpets, and showcases are brought from all corners of the country. Small maps of Rajasthan can be seen on the walls depicting a forest that is alive and a city full of positivity.

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The carpets are brought from Uttar Pradesh and Kashmir. Another important thing is the presence of our national bird Peacock in Bharat Mandapam. From ceilings to carpets to doors everything depicts a facet of India’s art, culture, and tradition.​