The President's tea party

Driving up to the Rashtrapati Bhavan is always a thrill when you see the star of India and then in the courtyard the wonderful pair of brass cobras curling upwards. Water flows from their mouths and sitting on the  head of one was a mynah bird dipping for drinks as we drove in. The Presidential palace is a very special building, built by Edward Lutyens, but this time we had a chance to enjoy the Mughal gardens, instead of the great state rooms.
The fountains and the water ways were all in perfect symmetry as they were planned, flowing freely their burbling drowned out on this occasion by the dignitaries and the sound of the bugles signalling the arrival of the President in the gardens.The gardens are at their best at the moment and you could close your eyes and picture the emperors and the viceroys enjoying their beauty. There are more than 250 rose varieties and 60 kinds of Bougainvillea. Lutyens wanted Indian varieties to suit the climate and so the gardens have the best and largest collection of Indian Marigold flowers with 13 different varieties. Dahlias of all colors such as shades of pink, mauve, golden rust, red, white, yellow and even red and white striped are blooming now.What was lovely though were the rows of neatly grown vegetables that were also planted in the gardens.

Dignitaries, the military,ambassadors and high ranking civil servants mingled, and snacks and tea were served.The President went on her walkabout and so did we, eager to explore this wonderful haven while we had the opportunity.  
 
PS Instructions accompanying invite :
 

Dress: Service Officers Winter Ceremonial Dress With Full medals,less sword !