September 24, 2014
White House in food-related disarray after Prime Minister Modi confirms he will be fasting for the duration of his trip to the US, in accordance with Navratri traditions
September 24, 2014
White House in food-related disarray after Prime Minister Modi confirms he will be fasting for the duration of his trip to the US, in accordance with Navratri traditions
WASHINGTON DC – Prime Minister Modi’s decision to fast during the Navratri seasons, something he is known to do, has thrown the US government into a tizzy. What can they possibly serve to the Indian head of state during state dinners on September 29 and September 30, when President Barack Obama will host the PM?
More troublingly, how can Obama tuck into his meal when his guest sips only fresh lime water?
The problem for the White House is that the Hindu festival of Navratri begins on September 25 and ends with Dussehra on October 3; Modi will be in the US from September 26 to September 30… right in the middle of the festival. And all of this has thrown Washington’s plans into disarray.
"The question is what will they serve Modi? Nimbu pani [fresh lime water] and more nimbu pani… or may be nimbu pani with some different flavor? Things are still being worked out… everyone is extremely busy with the visit," a source told IANS.
Prior to New Delhi’s announcement, the rumor was that the White House was planning a strictly vegetarian menu, including Indian dishes. Now though, Obama and his aides will likely have to be content with fruit juices and the like!
S Jaishankar, the Indian envoy, is part of the team busily working out the details. In the larger picture, Modi arrives in the US on September 26 and addresses the UN General Assembly on the following afternoon; this will be his first global speech – to an audience of nearly 200 world leaders and foreign ministers.
He is also expected to address the Indian-American community the following day at Madison Square Garden, which will probably be telecast live. The official itinerary is, of course, still to be released, but on September 28, Modi is expected to attend a private reception hosted by the Indian ambassador to the UN, Asoke Mukerji. The following day, the PM is to fly to Washington to meet leaders of the US Congress, India Caucus. And on the final two days of his visit, when cuisine issues are likely to rear their heads, is when Modi and Obama are scheduled to meet.
Courtesy: IANS
