The new Parliament House in Delhi was inaugurated on May 28, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The building is part of the revamped Central Vista project, which is a major redevelopment of the government's administrative and ceremonial heart in the Indian capital.

The new Parliament building is a state-of-the-art facility that will be able to accommodate the growing number of members of Parliament. It is also designed to be more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than the old building.

In his speech at the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said that the new Parliament building would be a symbol of India's progress and prosperity. He also said that the building would provide a platform for the people of India to participate in the democratic process.

The inauguration of the new Parliament building was a major event in Indian politics. It was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, and Chief Ministers of all states.

Key Highlights of the Event

• Amidst the recitation of Vedic hymns, the Prime Minister conducted the Ganapati Homam as part of the Vastu Pooja rituals. He then humbly prostrated before the 'Sengol,' a ceremonial sceptre with a historical lineage tracing back to the Chola dynasty in the third century BCE.
• The 'Sengol' was consecrated by the high priests of 21 'adheenams' from Tamil Nadu. They presented it to the Prime Minister, who carried it in a ceremonial procession to the new Parliament building. The 'Sengol' was then installed on the right side of the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair.
• The inauguration of the new Parliament building witnessed the boycott of at least 20 opposition parties. Their contention was that the honor of inaugurating the building should have been bestowed upon President Droupadi Murmu, as the head of the state.
• To commemorate the inauguration of the new parliament building, prayers representing all religions were conducted.
• The ceremonial rituals were set in motion by the enchanting strains of Shaivite hymns from the sacred Thevaram text.

• The Vastu Pooja rituals were performed by priests from the Sringeri Math of Karnataka. These same priests had previously conducted the rituals during the ground-breaking ceremony on December 10, 2020.
• Unlike the old Parliament building, which took six years to complete, the new building, spanning an area of 64,500 sqm, was finished in a remarkable two and a half years.
• The Lok Sabha Chamber boasts 888 seats, providing accommodation for 1,272 members during joint sittings with the Rajya Sabha. The Upper House chamber comprises 384 seats.
• Additionally, the new building features six fresh committee rooms and 92 rooms designated as offices for the Council of Ministers.
• The public entrances lead to three galleries: the Sangeet Gallery, showcasing India's dance, song, and musical traditions; the Sthapthya Gallery, displaying the architectural heritage of the country; and the Shilp Gallery, exhibiting distinct handicraft traditions from various states.

• The new parliament building is adorned with nearly 5,000 artworks, including paintings, wall panels, stone sculptures, and metal murals.
• The interior decoration in the Lok Sabha incorporates a peacock motif on the carpets, ceiling, and lattice work of the windows. The Rajya Sabha chamber is embellished with a lotus motif.
• Among the attendees at the formal inauguration function, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was the sole non-NDA leader present.
• Chief Ministers of NDA constituent parties, including Eknath Shinde (Maharashtra), Conrad Sangma (Meghalaya), Zoramthanga (Mizoram), Neiphu Rio (Nagaland), and Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim), were present at the formal inauguration ceremony held in the Lok Sabha chamber.
• Ambassadors from various foreign countries also graced the occasion with their presence.
• As part of the event, the Prime Minister unveiled a commemorative postal stamp and a Rs 75 coin to mark the significance of the occasion.

The new Parliament building is a significant milestone in India's journey as a democracy. It is a symbol of the country's progress and prosperity, and it will provide a platform for the people of India to participate in the democratic process.

Here are some of the important features of the new Parliament building:

• The building has a total built-up area of 64,500 square meters.
• It has three floors, with the Lok Sabha Chamber on the first floor, the Rajya Sabha Chamber on the second floor, and the Central Hall on the third floor.
• The building has a capacity to accommodate 800 members of Parliament.
• It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a library, a dining hall, and a conference hall.
• The building is designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

The new Parliament building is a major step forward for India's democracy. It is a symbol of the country's progress and prosperity, and it will provide a platform for the people of India to participate in the democratic process.