This is the first time that such a large gathering will be held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the biggest ceremonies so far have seen a maximum of up to 1,500 to 2,000 guests, for instance, during the 'At Home' functions on the occasions of Republic and Independence days.
The swearing-in functions of Chandrashekhar in 1990 and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998 were held at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan and saw an attendance of 1,200 to 1,300 guests, said Omita Paul, Press Secretary to President Pranab Mukherjee.
There is no immediate information about any members of the Prime Minister-designate's family attending the function, she said.
Even as Paul was talking to the media, final preparations were underway to prepare the stage where the President will administer the oath to Modi and his council of ministers.
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"We have not been told anything about who will be sworn-in along with the Prime Minister," was Paul's prompt reply when asked about the size of the Cabinet.
"It has been an endeavour of the President to make Rashtrapati Bhavan people friendly," she said.
With the weather forecast hinting at the likelihood of thundershowers tomorrow, Paul said she is hoping that no rain occurs during the function as the venue would then have to shift inside to the 'Durbar Hall', which has seating for 500 people while 400 others can fit in standing.