Produced by: Akshat Trivedi
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
On the pious day of Ganesh Chaturthi, proceedings began in the new Parliament. The new Parliament building has various elements in its design that reflect the rich culture and heritage of India. From mythological sculptures and art that relates to the folklore and regional art and craft of India, the new Parliament reflects the diversity of the nation
The new Parliament complex can be accessed via six gates, which have symbolic references. These gates - Gaja Dwar, Ashwa Dwar, Garuda Dwar, Makar Dwar, Shardula Dwar, and Hamsa Dwar - have been named after a mixture of real and mythological creatures from Indian folklore. Each door features a sculpture of an animal or mythological creature based on what it is named after
Named after the elephant, the Gaja Dwar is located on the northern side of the Parliament complex. Elephants are associated with intellect, memory, wealth, and wisdom. Elephants are said to bring prosperity and happiness, as per Vaastu Shastra
One of the entrances to the new Parliament complex is the Ashwa Dwar. Named after the horse, it is inspired by the Sun Temple in Odisha's Konark. In Indian folklore and mythology, horses symbolise power, strength, and courage
Shardula, a hybrid form of a lion and a tiger, symbolises the power of the people of the country. The Shardula Dwar, located on the south-eastern public entrance, has been inspired by the 11th century CE stone statue preserved in the Gujri Mahal Museum in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior
One of the gates at the new Parliament complex is based on the mythological creature Garuda - the king of birds. Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu, signifies power and dharma (duty). The Garuda gate is the eastern entrance to the new Parliament building
On the north-eastern public entrance, the Hamsa Dwar is inspired by the Vijay Vitthala Temple in Karnataka's Hampi. In Indian mythology, the flight of the hamsa or swan symbolises moksha or the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death
On the western public entrance of the new Parliament complex is the Makara statue, inspired by the Hoysaleshwara temple in Karnataka's Halebidu. Related to both Buddhism and Hinduism, the half mammal and half fish mythological creature Makara serves as a symbol of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence among people
New Parliament complex features three vast sections - the Sangeet Dirghya (Music Gallery), Sthapatya Dirgha (Architecture Gallery), and Shilpa Dirgha (Craft Gallery). These galleries are to showcase the best of Indian traditions and art forms. The Sthapatya Dirgha displays the rich legacy of Indian architecture including monuments listed as UNESCO heritage sites