Here's why there will be no Iftar at Rashtrapati Bhavan this year

President Ram Nath Kovind will not host an Iftar this year at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

'After the President took over 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, in statement.

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

'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.

'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,' he said in a series of tweets.

Iftar was discontinued in Rashtrapati Bhavan when A P J Abdul Kalam was the president between 2002 and 2007.

However, it was resumed when Pratibha Patil succeeded him. Her successor Pranab Mukherjee continued the tradition.

For the first time in several years, carol singing in Rashtrapati Bhavan did not take place in 2017 on Christmas.

Though Iftar was discontinued for five years when Kalam was a resident of the majestic monument, carols were sung even then.

Christmas celebrations and Iftar are just two of the many religious festivities that took place in the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Diwali, Raksha Bandhan and Holi are some of the other festivals which were celebrated in the president's official residence.

However, Iftar has a distinct place among all the religious celebrations. It is the only festival when the President hosts dinner for the dignitaries.

Diwali celebrations also did not take place last year though the monument was lit with multi-coloured LED bulbs.

Iftar is the breaking of the 'roza' (fast) that is observed by the Muslims during the month of Ramzan.

With inputs from agencies.