New Parliament inauguration: Exit gates of these metro stations closed

In view of the inauguration of the new Parliament building, all entry and exit gates of the Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan metro stations have been closed for passenger movement.

PM Modi dedicated the new Parliament Building to the country today and installed the historic symbol Sengol, near the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair in the new building.

"All entry and exit gates of Central Secretariat Udyog Bhawan metro stations have been closed for passenger movement," tweeted Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

 

However, interchange facilities will be available at the Central Secretariat metro station.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla were among other Union Ministers and chief ministers of several states who attended attend a 'sarva dharma prarthana' (multi-faith prayer) ceremony held at the new Parliament building.

At the sarva-dharma prarthana, the religious leaders chanted prayers in various languages.

The ceremony began with a traditional 'pooja' with Vedic rituals which will continue for an hour. PM Modi performed "Ganapati Homam" to invoke Gods to bless the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

Before its installation in the new Parliament building, PM Modi was handed over the historic 'Sengol' by Adheenams.

As a mark of respect PM Modi prostrated before the 'Sengol' during the ceremony and sought the blessing of the Adheenams (priests) from various temples in Tamil Nadu.

He then carried the 'Sengol' in a procession among chanting of Vedic mantras to the new Parliament building.

He then installed the sacred 'Sengol' in the Lok Sabha chamber, right next to the Speaker's chair.