Sipu Jha
NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin, concluding his two-day state visit to India, was hosted for a grand state banquet by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday evening.The event offered a curated menu showcasing the richness of Indian cuisine alongside a musical celebration blending Indian classical and Russian melodies.The ceremonial welcome for President Putin set the tone for the evening, with Rashtrapati Bhavan adorned for the occasion. The state banquet featured a thoughtfully crafted menu, starting with Murungelai Chaaru, a delicately spiced moringa leaf and moong bean broth, followed by appetizers such as Gucchi Doon Chetin (stuffed morels with Kashmiri walnut chutney), Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri (pan-grilled black gram kebabs), and Vegetable Jhol Momo with spicy chutney.The main course offered a medley of Indian vegetarian delicacies, including Zafrani Paneer Roll, Paalak Methi Mattar Ka Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan and Yellow Dal Tadka, accompanied by Dry Fruit and Saffron Pulao and an assortment of Indian breads. Desserts included Badam Ka Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, and fresh fruits, with traditional accompaniments like Gur Sandesh, Murakku, and a variety of pickles and salads. Beverages featured a refreshing mix of pomegranate, orange, carrot and ginger juices.The evening also celebrated musical heritage, with the Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band joined by classical instrumentalists performing on the Sarod, Sarangi and Tabla. The repertoire included Indian raagas such as Amritavarshini, Khamaj, Yaman, Shivranjini, Nalinakanthi, Bhairavi and Desh, alongside Russian melodies including Kalinka and excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, as well as the popular Hindi film tune Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.President Putin departed from Delhi later in the day, with external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar seeing him off at the airport. This marks the conclusion of his two-day visit that reinforced India-Russia diplomatic and cultural ties.
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