To Eat Or Not To Eat: Barack Obama's Big Worry As PM Narendra Modi's Host

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 festival during which many Indians fast for nine days) begins from September 25 and ends with Dussehra on October 3. Modi would be in the U.S. from September 26 to 30.

The prime minister is reported to be observing the Navratri fast for the past four decades and would adhere to it during his major foreign policy sojourn to the U.S.

News that Modi would not be eating has thrown cold water on the elaborate menu being planned on September 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.

"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.

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