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The Civil Investiture Ceremony, the pillar of India’s tradition of recognizing excellence, was beautifully concluded with an intimate dinner hosted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This year's ceremony and dinner were held in Rashtrapati Bhawan's majestic Darbar Hall, and they drew awardees and influential people from all walks of life.
At Minister Shah's home, fine vegetarian dishes reflected India's culinary diversity. Traditional dishes with a gourmet twist were served to satisfy guests' refined palates.
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The appetisers began with a bowl of tangy and refreshing Chaat, and then guests moved on to the light and flavourful staples of Gujarati cuisine, Dhokla and Khandvi. Steamed to a soft consistency, the Dhokla—a dish of fermented rice and chickpea batter—offers a delightful combination of sweet and sour flavours thanks to the tempering of mustard seeds and green chilies.
One more delicious Gujarati dish is khandvi, which is made with gramme flour and yoghurt in layers that are tightly rolled out and then sprinkled with fresh coriander and coconut.
The main course featured a variety of delicious regional dishes. The Hare Bhare Kebab was a particular highlight, made from a mix of green vegetables and lentils, shaped into patties and pan-fried to achieve a crispy exterior while retaining a soft, flavourful interior. The Kesari Bhaat, a richly aromatic dish made with rice, saffron, sugar, and nuts, offered a sweet balance to the savoury assortment. Additionally, the dinner included Poha topped with crunchy Sev, and Mushroom Kebabs. Both dishes are regular traditional Indian breakfast items, improving the evening's festive nature.
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The centerpiece of the dinner was the Veg Biryani, a dish celebrated across India for its intricate layers of spiced rice and marinated vegetables. This dish was artfully prepared to release bursts of aroma with each serving, accompanied by salan and raita to complement the rich flavours.
The guest list for the evening was as illustrious as the menu, featuring leaders from political, entertainment, and social spheres, including the presence of actor Ram Charan, adding a touch of glamour to the event. Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, presented 2 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Bhushan, and 56 Shri Awards for 2024.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a proponent of vegetarian cuisine, ensured the dinner reflected his personal tastes and the cultural tapestry of India. The event not only honored the contributions of the Padma awardees but also celebrated the unity and richness of Indian culinary traditions, making the evening a memorable conclusion to the day's formal festivities.
