NEW DELHI, Aug 16: The Independence Day ‘At Home’ reception hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan offered guests a taste of India’s rich and diverse culinary heritage, with seven traditional delicacies from Chhattisgarh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra served on the occasion.
The reception, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, political leaders, diplomats, ambassadors and other dignitaries, featured a menu highlighting the close relationship between food, culture, communities and nature.
The seven delicacies included Indori Poha, Patoleo, Mini Farra, Bafauri, Khamang Kakdi, Dodol and Kodo Millet Kheer.
Indori Poha, a popular speciality of Madhya Pradesh, was prepared with flattened rice, spices, sev, coriander, onion and pomegranate. Goa’s traditional Patoleo, a sweet preparation made with rice, coconut and jaggery and steamed in turmeric leaves, was also served.
Chhattisgarh was represented by two traditional dishes — Mini Farra and Bafauri. Mini Farra is a steamed preparation made from rice flour, while Bafauri is prepared from soaked and ground chana dal blended with spices and herbs before being steamed.
Maharashtra’s Khamang Kakdi, a refreshing cucumber salad made with coconut, roasted peanuts, green chilli and coriander, topped with a mustard tempering, added another regional flavour to the spread.
The Goan sweet Dodol, prepared using coconut milk, jaggery and rice flour, was served alongside Kodo Millet Kheer, made with millet, milk and sugar or jaggery.
The thoughtfully curated menu reflected Rashtrapati Bhavan’s continued efforts to promote India’s rich culinary, cultural and traditional heritage through its official receptions and programmes.
