“We have made some arrangements for the very hot weather, like fans, water, etc.,” she said, quickly adding in a lighter vein that “let's enjoy the sun and also feel the sauna effect”.
All roads leading to Rashtrapati Bhavan will be closed at 5 P.M. to facilitate the movement of VVIPs. This is the first time that heads of SAARC nations will be attending such a function, she said, adding that this is also the maiden occasion when invitations have been sent to all 777 MPs, comprising members of Lok and Rajya Sabha.
Governors and Chief Ministers of all states, diplomats, envoys and other constitutional heads would be attending the function besides a battery of over 350 journalists. Members of the outgoing UPA-II Cabinet have also been invited to attend the function.
To keep the public entertained during the waiting period, bands of Navy, Army and Air Force will perform patriotic songs. That will be followed by a commentary from 4:45 P.M. onwards about the arrival of VVIPs.
Ambulances and teams of doctors have been placed at strategic points at the venue in case of emergencies, she said.
