The newly-constructed Bharat Mandapam that was the centre of activity amid tight security  during the just- concluded G20 Summit, wore a deserted look on Monday.

The Bharat Mandapam that boasts of graceful sandstone pillars, ornamental panels inspired from traditional ‘jaalis’, richly embroidered carpets and Rajasthani style friezes on the oval core of the ceiling, was the cynosure of all eyes on Monday, with authorised people clicked selfies and loitering around the area.

Many security personnel, other staff and some other authorised visitors were seen taking pictures inside the summit room, and also with the board ‘Bharat’ that was placed in front of India’s chair during the G20 Summit.Several others took selfies with flags and the G20 backdrop in the summit room or the welcome backdrop that was used on Saturday morning when Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted various world leaders just before the summit got underway. The welcome backdrop depicted the ancient Konark temple of Odisha with the G20 logo depicted on one side and the presidency’s theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ — One Earth. One Family. One Future’ — on the other side.

The international convention and exhibition centre has a piece of India in its architecture and interiors. The Mandapam at Pragati Maidan is a state-of-the-art complex and displays a combination of modernity and art and traditions in its architectural design.

The Mandapam hosted the G20 Summit from September 9-10, but beyond limited visuals seen on television and the internet during the mega event, the elaborate internal features of the new landmark remains a mystery for many as it is yet to be opened to the public. The ‘Summit Meeting Room’ has all modern air-conditioning, acoustic and seating facilities. However, the heritage of India has been inherently incorporated into its design.

 Beneath the oval core of the ceiling of the summit room’, are laid richly embroidered and colourful carpets surrounding modern digital screen panels. Next to the round table area, a creamish-colour carpet bearing floral embellishments adorns the floor.Sandstone, a common feature in old buildings in the national capital, from Shahjahanabad to the Raisina Hill complex, has been used in the pillars of the summit room, while ornamental panels inspired from traditional ‘jaalis’, present in Mughal-era buildings and monuments as well as in palaces in various parts of India, punctuate the walls of the cavernous room.

Behind each of these panels is another fabric-based panel adorned with motifs of traditional Indian embroidery style, adding to the elegance of the room. Around the oval core of the ceiling, Rajasthani style friezes seen in palaces and havelis have been painted.

Potted Areca Palm plants and rich stocks of daises were added in the royal lounge just for the summit and millet-based snack and Indian coffee, among other items were on the menu for high tea arranged for them.

Outside the ‘Summit Meeting Room’ and ‘Leaders’ Lounge’ a huge hallway is currently hosting the ‘Culture Corridor — G20 Digital Museum’ which was tailor-made just for the summit.

High wooden doors with leaf-style ornamental patterns on its outward side open into the hallway where rare and rich artefacts sourced from all G20 members nations and invited countries are currently displayed as part of the one-of-its-kind project.

“The world leaders experienced the hospitality and heritage of India as also its embrace of modernity and its technological prowess, particularly the growth of the digital public infrastructure of India,” G20 India Special Secretary Muktesh Pardesi told a news agency. A level above where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi had greeted them before the ceremonial dinner, the backdrop had depicted the ancient Nalanda university ruins in Bihar.

A small statue of Nataraja is placed, while the 27-foot tall Nataraja made with ancient lost wax technique used for Chlola bronzes, stands majestically in the verdant lawns, adding an artistic and divine touch.