No religious functions at Rashtrapati Bhavan anymore; Iftar party cancelled

Pic courtesy: rashtrapatisachivalaya.gov.in

New Delhi: After a gap of a decade, there will be no Iftar celebrations at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Ram Nath Kovind has said that Rashtrapati Bhavan being a public building, there would be no religious observances at taxpayer expense.

Iftar parties have been traditionally hosted at the Rashtrapati Bhavan except during the tenure of APJ Abdul Kalam, who was the president from 2002-2007. Iftar is the breaking of the 'roza' (fast) that is observed by the Muslims during the month of Ramzan. 

"After the President took over the office, he decided there would be no religious celebrations or observances in a public building such as Rashtrapati Bhavan on taxpayer expense. This is in keeping with the principles of a secular state and applies to all religious occasions, irrespective of religion," said Ashok Malik, press secretary to the president.

He said the President, of course, wishes all fellow citizens on every major religious festivals.

After the President took office in July 2017, he directed Rashtrapati Bhavan being a public building there would be no religious observances at taxpayer expense. This is in keeping with the principles of a secular state and applies to all festivities, irrespective of religion 1/3

— Ashok Malik (@MalikAshok) June 6, 2018

Of course the President wishes all fellow citizens on all major religious festivals. Officials and employees living in the President's Estate premises are absolutely free to celebrate any religious festival of their choice in the privacy of their homes 2/3 — Ashok Malik (@MalikAshok) June 6, 2018

President's Estate has religious institutions, such as a temple, a gurudwara and a masjid, erected by and for residents. On major festive occasions, the President does visit these to wish people. For example, he recently visited the masjid to mark the holy month of Ramzan 3/3 — Ashok Malik (@MalikAshok) June 6, 2018

#WATCH Ashok Malik, Press Secretary to the President of India, says, "after President Kovind took office on July 25th 2017, he decided that Rashtrapati Bhavan being a public building, there would be no religious observances or celebrations in this building at taxpayers' expense" pic.twitter.com/n8BH8q8qGB — ANI (@ANI) June 6, 2018

In 2017, Diwali celebrations too had not taken place, though, the Rashtrapati Bhavan was lit with multi-coloured bulbs. Christmas carols were also skipped.

After Kalam demitted office, Iftar was resumed when Pratibha Patil succeeded him. Pranab Mukherjee, her successor, also continued the tradition till 2017. 

(With PTI inputs)