From Achaari Baingan to Jhol Momo: What was on Putins grand dinner menu

New Delhi: India laid out a lavish culinary display for Russian President Vladimir Putin when he sat for a dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday. The meticulously curated menu reflecting India's rich culinary heritage featured pure vegetarian dishes.

The Russian President was served a traditional Indian 'thali' at the grand state banquet, showcasing India's rich regional specialities. The 'on table' offerings included Bengali sweet 'Gur Sandesh' and south Indian snack 'Murakku', besides other things. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. 

What was on the menu?

The banquet dinner started with Murungelai Chaaru, a South Indian rasam (soup). It was 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 - offering a unique dining experience spanning from Kashmiri cuisine to the delights of the eastern Himalayas.

In the main course, Putin was served Zafrani Paneer Roll, Paalak Methi Mattar Ka Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan and Yellow Dal Tadka, accompanied by Dry Fruit and Saffron Pulao with Indian breads such as Laccha Parantha, Magaz Naan, Satanaj Roti, Missi Roti and Biscuity Roti.

The dinner ended with comforting sweets, including Badam Ka Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, and fresh fruits, with traditional accompaniments like Gur Sandesh, Murakku, and a variety of pickles and salads. A healthy mix of beverages - pomegranate, orange, carrot and ginger juices was also on the menu.

State banquet for Putin: A blend of food and music

Not just food, the dinner was also accompanied by traditional Indian classical and Bollywood music that was played by the Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval band and an ensemble of classical instrumentalists. Russian compositions were also played showcasing the deep cultural connections between the two nations.

The classical ensemble featured Indian raagas such as 'Amritavarshini', 'Khamaj', 'Yaman', 'Shivranjini', 'Nalinakanthi', 'Bhairavi' and 'Desh'. Russian melodies including Kalinka, a Russian folk tune, excerpts from Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker Suite' as well as the popular Hindi film tune 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani' was also performed.

Following the dinner, Putin wrapped up his two-day visit to India and departed from Delhi with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeing him off at the airport.