Xi tastes south Indian recipes at Modi dinner

A typical south Indian dinner was hosted for the Chinese President at the historic Mamallapuram town, 55 km south of Chennai, the venue of the second informal summit after the first at Wuhan in China.

Dressed in veshti and shirt with Angavasthram, Prime Minister set the tone for the informal summit, while Mr Xi in a spontaneous gesture, also discarded his coat and looked casual in white shirt and black trousers.

After a temple tour of Mamallapuram, Modi and Xi were treated to a cultural programme at the famous Shore Temple which was decked up and illuminated for the occasion. Cultural troupes from Kalakshetra staged Bharatha Natyam and Kathakali dances depicting the epic Ramayana in dance form, that captivated the visiting leaders.

After posing for a group photo with the artistes, Mr Modi presented a memento to Mr Xi, a Thanjavur Painting and a lamp of the famous temple.

The special cultural programme at the Shore Temple ended with a prayer for peace and harmony.

Later, Mr Modi hosted a dinner for Mr Xi which was a typical south Indian fare with sambar and rice.

Eight delegates from each side were invited for the dinner and they were seated in tables at a little distance from Mr Xi and Mr. Modi.

Reports said, delicately selected authentic Tamil cuisines including vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes were served in the dinner. Arachu vitta Sambhar (grinded sambar), prepared from grounded lentils, certain spices and coconut, was the key attraction of the menu.

Tamil Nadu's traditional thakkali rasam (tomato rasam) and kadalai korma (chick pea korma) were served, besides halwa which was the main dessert.

The Chinese President was also treated to a select non-vegetarian delicacies.

Earlier, a Tamil song --the Mahatma A Tamil classic song Shanti Nilava Vendum (Let peace prevail)-- accompanied with dance wrapped up the cultural programme watched by Mr. Modi and Mr Xi.

The song, a very popular number, bats for peace everywhere and building spiritual strength, underscoring the diktat of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Tamil verses depict the Mahatma as an “Ahimsa Yogi”, and a father figure for the nation. Also, it roots for lofty ideals like compassion and unity.

The rendering of the song at the cultural event is seen as a hint to the Indian government’s stand that stands for peace in the region.

The cultural programme drew to a close with the instrumental rendition of Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram.

Despite traffic jams in the city, Mr Xi left for the city by road.