President Murmu hosts Putin with an all-vegetarian banquet

At Rashtrapati Bhavan, the evening was set for more than a state banquet - it was a meeting of cultures served on silver platters. President Droupadi Murmu hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin with an all-vegetarian spread that told India’s story through flavour, simplicity, and quiet grace.

The dinner opened with Murungelai Chaaru - a warm broth of moringa leaves and moong beans -humble yet symbolic of India’s belief in nourishment that comforts before it impresses.


Then came a medley of appetisers that stitched together India’s regional palate: Gucchi Doon Chetin (stuffed Kashmiri morels with walnut chutney), Kaale Chane ke Shikampuri kebabs from the north, and vegetable jhol momos that offered a familiar nod to Russia’s pelmeni.

The main course deepened the dialogue - Zafrani Paneer Roll, Palak Methi Matar Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan, and Dal Panchmel, paired with saffron pulao and a basket of Indian breads -lachha paratha, missi roti, and magaz naan. It was comfort food dressed for diplomacy.

Dessert brought the finale in true Indian style: warm almond halwa alongside kesar-pista kulfi, gur sandesh, murukku, and fresh fruits -each dish a reminder that sweetness, too, can be an act of goodwill.

As plates cleared, music took over. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band and classical musicians blended Indian ragas with Russian tunes - a quiet but powerful metaphor for what the evening stood for: dialogue, harmony, and friendship shared over a meal.



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