Rajpath – “The way of Kings” in New-Delhi
The Rajpath Boulevard is a very beautiful place in New Delhi, which is also known as “The way of Kings”. It starts from the President’s Palace, or Rashtrapati Bhavan, runs through the Victory Square and the India Gates to the National Stadium. This street is of great importance to the whole Indian nation, as it has a ceremonial status. It means that the most significant events of the Indian history are celebrated here, namely in this place, and the most colorful processions can be seen here at a certain time of the year.
Apart from its great historical and ceremonial importance this street is really magnificent. Both sides of the boulevard are adorned with exotic trees and flowers, which makes the strolls along this glorious way especially pleasant. Wonderful lawns and ponds make this ceremonial boulevard even more attractive. Each year o the twenty sixth of January, on the Republic Day a parade is held here, as this road is one of the most important ones in India. Thousands of people gather in this place to watch it and participate, including the tourists from all over the world who want to enjoy this unusual and splendid sight.
At the western end of Rajpath you will see the President’s Palace. Before India got its independence, it was the residence of the Royal Regent. This is one of the most magnificent buildings of New Delhi, which combines the architectural styles of Europe and the Mogul dynasty. To the west of the Palace the Mongolian gardens are situated, which are open to the public only on certain days from the middle of February to the beginning of March.
The city of New Delhi was initially planned by the architect from Great Britain called Edwin Lutyens. He was a very talented specialist, so this project of major importance was entrusted to him. And he accomplished it perfectly, laying the central emphasis on the main thoroughfare. One of his basic ideas was to make the main street of the glorious city so wide that it would give enough space to get a panoramic view of Delhi without any hindrances from a certain point. And he succeeded in doing that: from Raisina Hill you can see the city without any obstructions up to the National Stadium.
Other landmarks of the city’s main street include the Victory Square (also known as Vijay Chowk). It is very spacious, and here the ceremony of “Beating the Retreat” takes place, usually highlighting the end of the Republic day celebrations. The essence of this ceremony is that different bands with various instruments, such as pipes, drums and trumpet, participate. All the musicians represent the Armed Forces of India, and the chief participant of this celebration id the President of the country.
The Secretariat Building is the governmental structure which hosts several ministries and offices, including that of the Prime Minister. And the last but not least landmark is the India Gate, a war memorial in honor of those who died during the First World War. Apart from that, this arch holds memory of the Unknown Soldier.