Death is one of the few certainties of life. No matter how much people try to ignore it, it remains an inevitable truth. Every culture, religion, and society has its own way of understanding and dealing with death. Despite all technological advancements, death remains beyond human control. Marriage, on the other hand, represents the start of a new journey, a commitment between two individuals who decide to walk through life together. While weddings are celebrations of love and unity, they are also moments when families come together, strengthening bonds that last a lifetime.
Weddings take place in various venues, from simple courthouses to grand palaces. In India, one of the most prestigious locations where weddings have occurred is Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India. Designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, Rashtrapati Bhavan is one of the most remarkable architectural structures in the country.
Spanning over 300 acres, this historic building serves as the home and office of the President of India. It has witnessed numerous official events, ceremonies, and celebrations over the years. While Rashtrapati Bhavan is primarily associated with governance, it has also hosted weddings, making it a place where personal milestones and national history intertwine.
Recently, the news of a wedding being hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan gained widespread attention. On February 12, 2024, a private wedding ceremony took place at the Mother Teresa Crown Complex within the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises.
The couple, Poonam Gupta and Avneesh Kumar, both serve in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Poonam Gupta, who is a Personal Security Officer (PSO) at Rashtrapati Bhavan, is known for leading the first-ever all-women CRPF contingent at the Republic Day parade. Avneesh Kumar, an Assistant Commandant in the CRPF, is currently posted in Jammu and Kashmir.
The wedding, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, was attended by close family members and select guests. As the news spread, several reports claimed that this was the first wedding ever to be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
However, the fact-checking unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) later clarified that this claim was incorrect. According to official records, Rashtrapati Bhavan has been the venue for several weddings since its inception. The presence of past weddings at the President’s Estate reflects its role not just as a center of governance but also as a place where personal celebrations have taken place.
It is being claimed in news reports that for the first time in history, Rashtrapati Bhavan will be hosting a wedding. #PIBFactCheck
▶️This claim is Fake
▶️President’s Estate has been the venue of several weddings since its inception. pic.twitter.com/nE4ZJ5CYMo
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) February 12, 2025
One notable wedding-related incident took place in January 2020 when former President Ram Nath Kovind intervened to assist a couple facing last-minute venue issues. Ashley Hall, a US-based bride, had planned her wedding at a hotel in Kochi, but due to security arrangements for the President’s visit, the venue was suddenly unavailable. In distress, she reached out on Twitter (now X), seeking help. The Rashtrapati Bhavan responded, ensuring that her wedding went ahead without any problems. While this event did not take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan itself, it showed how the institution played a role in facilitating a wedding under unusual circumstances.
However, Poonam Gupta’s wedding stood out because it was the first time Rashtrapati Bhavan itself served as the venue for a wedding involving a serving officer. Unlike past instances where weddings were hosted for individuals associated with Rashtrapati Bhavan in a non-official capacity, this wedding marked a unique moment where an officer serving within the estate tied the knot at the same location.
Rashtrapati Bhavan, being one of the most prestigious residences in the world, holds immense historical and architectural significance. The building, completed in 1929, has served as the residence of Indian Presidents since independence in 1947.
Over the decades, it has witnessed countless state functions, diplomatic meetings, and cultural programs. However, weddings have been a rare occurrence. The presence of such personal celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan adds another layer to its rich history, showing that beyond politics and administration, it is also a space where personal milestones are marked.
Poonam Gupta’s wedding also highlighted her remarkable journey in the CRPF. Originally from Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, she joined the force in 2018 after securing the 81st rank in the UPSC CAPF exam. Her career in the CRPF has been distinguished by her dedication and leadership.
In 2024, she led the first all-women CRPF contingent during the Republic Day parade, a historic achievement for women in the armed forces. Marrying at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where she currently serves as a PSO, added yet another remarkable chapter to her story.
Her husband, Avneesh Kumar, serves as an Assistant Commandant in the CRPF and is currently posted in Jammu and Kashmir. Their wedding was not just a personal occasion but also a moment of pride for the CRPF and the armed forces community. The ceremony was kept private, with only close family members and selected guests in attendance.
Weddings at Rashtrapati Bhavan have never been a common occurrence, and each one that has taken place carries its own significance. While most weddings happen in private venues, the rare instances where Rashtrapati Bhavan has served as a wedding venue highlight the personal side of this otherwise official residence. The grandeur of the estate, combined with its deep historical roots, makes any wedding held here a memorable event.
