Rashtrapati Bhavan all set to welcome 14th President Ram Nath Kovind

Kovind will reside in the largest residence for any head of state in the world.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan is decked up to welcome its next inhabitant, 14th President of India Ram Nath Kovind.

Kovind set to be sworn in on July 25, the President-elect has expressed a desire to visit Rajghat before he enters Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Pranab Mukherjee had also begun his tenure with a visit to the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi.

Kovind will reside in the largest residence for any head of state in the world.

The Rashtrapati Bhavan, or the Viceroy's house, as it was earlier called, was built for the Viceroy of India by the Britishers. It was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker, The work had started in 1913 and competed in 1929. Over 23,000 workers worked on it for 16 years.After independence, it became the official residence of the President of India.

Besides, a full dress rehearsal of oath taking ceremony of President-elect is in full swing.

Durbar Hall

Two-ton chandelier hanging from a height of 33 meters. Known during the British rule as Throne Room.

( Photo: Presidentofindia.nic.in)

Ashoka Hall

The Ashoka Hall, which gives the feel of a large jewel box, is a rectangle measuring 32 metres by 20 metres. It has a wooden floor,a central dance space, and three vestibules. Unlike most halls and chambers in Rashtrapati Bhawan, the Ashoka Hall has a painted ceiling. The painting is in the Persian style

( Photo: Presidentofindia.nic.in)

Banquet Hall

State Dinning Hall, now known as Banquet Hall. Can seat 104 persons. Portraits of all former Presidents embellish its walls. An assortment of medieval arms on display.

( Photo: Presidentofindia.nic.in)

President's Body Guard

An equestrian display by the President's Body Guard (PBG) in their ceremonial regalia. The horses are adorned with shabracks, throat ornaments and white brow bands.The PBG is permanently based in the President's Estate.

PTI photo

Armed forces' full dress rehearsal

Full dress rehearsal of oath taking ceremony of President-elect Ram Nath Kovind, at Raisina Hill, in New Delhi on Saturday. PTI Photo

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