All About Bharat Mandapam - India's Largest MICE Destination

The G20 Summit is being held at the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) complex, also known as Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi's Pragati Maidan. 

Covering an approximate campus area of 123 acres, Bharat Mandapam has been developed as India's largest MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination. Regarding the covered space available for events, this complex ranks among the top exhibition and convention complexes globally.

India’s Culture Corridor

This modern complex was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26 of this year and offers state-of-the-art facilities, including a convention center, expansive exhibition halls, and an impressive amphitheater. During the G20 Summit, Bharat Mandapam, often referred to as the "culture corridor," will showcase the diverse traditions of 29 countries, including India, and special invitees to the G20. This immersive display will incorporate physical and virtual exhibitions, promising a rich experience for all attendees.

PM Modi shared pictures of the 27-ft-tall bronze statue of Nataraja, made of Ashtadhatu and weighing about 18 tons, which was installed at Bharat Mandapam, on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “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.”

 Renowned sculptor Radhakrishnan Sthapaty from Swami Malai in Tamil Nadu and his team completed this sculpture in a record seven months. 

Investment of Rs ₹2,700 crore

The Bharat Mandapam was constructed as a national endeavour with an investment of about ₹2,700 crores, it serves as a “showcase and promoter of India as a premier global business destination,” according to a government statement. The architectural giant is designed to host international exhibitions, trade fairs, conventions, conferences, and various prestigious gatherings. The venue offers amenities such as meeting rooms, lounges, auditoriums, an amphitheatre, and a fully equipped business centre, enabling it to accommodate a wide spectrum of events.

The multi-purpose hall and plenary hall collectively have a seating capacity of up to 7,000 attendees, surpassing even the iconic Sydney Opera House in Australia. Furthermore, the amphitheatre boasts seating for 3,000 individuals.

Inspired by "Lord Basaveshwara's concept of Anubhav Mandapam," which was originally a platform for public ceremonies, this expansive complex will be open to the public and will provide comprehensive facilities to support India's aspiration to progress into a modern and developed society.

The architectural design of the Bharat Mandapam building draws inspiration from “India's rich traditions”. The building's shape is inspired by the Shankha, or conch shell. 

Different walls and facades of the Convention Centre intricately depict various facets of India's traditional art and culture. These include ‘Surya Shakti’, symbolizing India's commitment to harnessing solar energy, ‘Zero to ISRO’, celebrating the nation's achievements in space exploration, and ‘Pancha Mahabhuta’, representing the fundamental elements of the universe - Aakash (Sky), Vayu (Air), Agni (Fire), Jal (Water), Prithvi (Earth), and more. 

Additionally, the Convention Centre is adorned with an array of paintings and tribal art forms from diverse regions across the country.