New Delhi/Washington: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Navratri fast, which he is known to steadfastly abide by has thrown Washington into a tizzy. What would they serve Modi for the September 29 and 30 repasts during his summit meeting with President Barack Obama? And what is even more troubling is how can the host eat when the guest would be sipping nimbu pani (fresh lime water)?
The Navratri festival (a Hindu festival during which many Indians fast for nine days) began on September 25 and ends with Dussehra on October 3. Modi would be in the US from September 26 to 30.
The prime minister is observing the Navratri fast for the past four decades and would adhere to it during his major foreign policy sojourn to the US.
News that Modi would not be eating has thrown cold water on the elaborate menu being planned on Sept 29 for a private repast (whether dinner or lunch has yet to be worked out) that the White House is to host for the leader of over 1.2 billion people.
“The question is what will they serve Modi? Nimbu pani 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 in the know of things told IANS declining to be named.
The prime minister’s fast has also caused a ripple over the Sept 29 private repast that would see Modi and Obama – the leader of the world’s biggest democracy and the leader of the world’s oldest democracy – in a quiet retreat, working out ways to give a fillip to a flagging bilateral relationship.
“The troubling question is: How can the host be eating when the guest would be on fast,” the source added.
Before news that Modi would be observing fast was known, the White House was thinking up interesting vegetarian fare, including Indian cuisine, for the strictly vegetarian prime minister. But now it looks likely to be fruit juices and fruit dessert!
Modi is to address the Indian American community the following day at Madison Square Garden, which is being billed as a major event to be telecast live. (IANS)
