Inside President Putin's Vegetarian State Dinner Experience at Rashtrapati Bhavan: Showcasing India's Culinary Heritage

President Putin enjoyed a diverse selection of beverages during his visit.

New Delhi:

During his two-day diplomatic visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin was honored with an exquisite vegetarian banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. The elaborate dinner showcased India's diverse regional cuisines presented on a traditional 'thali'.

The meticulously planned meal commenced with Murungelai Chaaru, a traditional South Indian soup similar to rasam. This was followed by an array of appetizers including Gucchi Doon Chetin (stuffed morels complemented by Kashmiri walnut chutney), Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri (delicately pan-grilled kebabs made from black gram), and vegetable Jhol Momo served with spicy chutney - effectively offering a culinary journey spanning from Kashmir to the eastern Himalayan regions.

The main course featured a rich selection of dishes: Zafrani Paneer Roll, Paalak Methi Mattar Ka Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan, and Yellow Dal Tadka. These were served alongside Dry Fruit and Saffron Pulao with an assortment of Indian breads including Laccha Parantha, Magaz Naan, Satanaj Roti, Missi Roti, and Biscuity Roti.

For dessert, the Russian President was served Badam Ka Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, and fresh fruits, accompanied by traditional Indian sweets such as Gur Sandesh, Murakku, and various pickles and salads. The meal was complemented by a healthy selection of beverages including pomegranate, orange, carrot, and ginger juices.

Enhancing the diplomatic dinner was a musical performance by the Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval band that artfully combined Indian classical compositions with Russian melodies. The musical repertoire included Indian raagas such as 'Amritavarshini', 'Khamaj', 'Yaman', 'Shivranjini', 'Nalinakanthi', 'Bhairavi', and 'Desh', alongside Russian tunes like Kalinka and selections from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, as well as the popular Hindi film melody 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani'.

During the event, President Putin emphasized the strength of bilateral relations between the two nations, noting that the declaration he and Prime Minister Modi had adopted encompasses extensive cooperation across multiple domains including politics, security, economy, trade, energy, and education. He further stressed that both countries are collaborating to establish a "fairer and just world order" and characterized the India-Russia partnership with the phrase "go together, grow together."

Following the state dinner, the Russian President departed from Delhi, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar present at the airport to bid him farewell.