Lights, Camera, Celebrations!

As a part of the Republic Day celebrations the Raj Path (the straight road connecting India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India) and the buildings at the end of the road and nearby are decorated with lights from January 26th to January 29. India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26 and the celebrations come to a close with the Beating Retreat, held on January 29.


India Gate adorned the tri-color (these are the colors of the flag of India) and looked beautiful.


Below is the dome of the Rashtrapati Bhawan as seen from the Central Secretariat.


This is the Raisina Hill, Rashtrapati Bhawan in the middle, flanked by the North and South Blocks on either side.

And up next is the Parliament of India, looking like a jeweled crown.


I had a fabulous time walking from India Gate to Raisina Hills with my mom and brother. There were many families out in full strength enjoying the cool evening.

Raisina Hills

The Raisina Hills from the bus stop at the time of sunset. Long distance, multi colour skies that I tried to capture.

Fountain at Raisina Hill

I was again at the Raisina Hill taking pictures. Fortunately, there weren't many people there and the police were also not in a mood to exhibit their authority and stop photographers from clicking to their heart's content. The fountain was working and the pigeons were having a gala time.

Traffic Signal, Raisina Hill

This is my favorite traffic signal that is placed atop a belatedly constructed canopy (to match the surrounding architecture). This traffic signal is located at the Raisina Hill, or the official address of the President of India. As a child the signal held a special charm for me and over the years the excitement of crossing the signal on my way to home has remained. I never crib at getting a red light on this signal :-)

North Block, Raisina Hill

This is the North Block, which houses the Ministry of Finance and the Home Ministry. It sits pretty on the right of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, the President's office, on the Raisina Hill. Infested by monkeys and I am not referring to politicians, this beautiful building built by the Britishers as the seat of power, continues to house the government after more than 60 years of India's independence.

Raisina Hill at Dusk

Dusk is the best time of the day to visit the Raisina Hill. The moment when the sunlight simmers and the lamposts are switched on is nothing but magical. The red blooms just add to the drama around some of the highest government offices of India.

2 is better than 1

A reflection shot taken last evening at Vijay Chowk, Raisina Hill.

Bholu

This is "Bholu", the Indian Railways mascot adopted on the occasion of the department completing 150 years. This particular statue stands gaurd at Rail Bhavan, 1, Raisina Road, New Delhi. It is a very cute elephant who is dressed in the official garb of the Railway guard.

Sansad Bhawan: Parliament Of India

This is the view of the Sansad Bhawan, or the Parliament of India from Vijay Chowk. The Parliament is a circular building and is one of the many British architectural gems that adorn the Raisina Hill.

South Block

This is the South Block at the Raisina Hills. It flanks one side of the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential Abode). One of the most majestic sites that one can find in modern Delhi, this building houses some very very important offices like the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Defence. Forget all that, I am totally mesmerized by the architecture and the color of the sky. It feels that even nature knows that this is the highest office of the country. :-)

Happy Republic Day

My love for Delhi grows with each passing day. The city is decorated like a bride today and will be in her finery till January 29. This is the Raisina Hills, the seat of the government. The central dome is the Rashtrapati Bhawan, flanked on both the side by North and South block.

The lighting will continue till Beating Retreat on January 29. You had to be at Rajpath tonight to experience the magic and the festivity.

This photograph was clicked by my younger brother Akshat, while I drove around the heart of Delhi.

Krishi Bhawan

This is the 'Krishi Bhawan' or the Agricultural Office. This is where the Agricultural ministry sits. Considering that nearly 70% of the Indians are occupied in agriculture this building is a very important part of the ministerial block. the best part about Central Delhi is the greenery that you will spot. All the buildings on the Raisina Hills are made in a similar style.

Fire Ball

The sun was at its magnificent best just minutes before it set behind the Raisina Hills a few days ago.