Celebrating India’s Republic Day
India, officially the Republic of India (Bhārat Gaṇarājya), is the most populous country in the world with a population of 1.428 billion, according to the United Nations (China has a population of 1.425 billion).
India Republic Day is celebrated annually on January 26 to mark the day when the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950. The constitution declared that India is a sovereign democratic republic, which was amended in 1971 to “sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic”.
Your favorite food writer was invited to the 76th India Republic Day celebration held at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu. In the past, I tried to study Indian cuisine and stopped because it would take me another lifetime to study the food of 28 states and 8 union territories.
The welcome drink was the Rooh Afza and the appetizer was Panipuri. Refreshing drinks were served like the Aam Panna (Green Mango Cooler), Nimbu Pani (Indian Lemonade), and Pineapple Banta (Pineapple Flavored Soda).
The Salad selection was extensive: Indian Green Salad (Baby Greens, Garlic, Chili, Spices), Chicken Tikka Salad (Marinated Chicken Bits, Chick Peas, Masala Sauce), Chana Chaat (Chick Pea Salad), Aloo Anarkali (Spiced and Tart Potato Salad, Pomegranate), Kachumber (Cucumber, Onions, Tomatoes, Spices), Corn Tikki (Crispy Corn Cutlets with Lemon Leaves) and Chicken Tikka (Yogurt Marinated & Grilled Chicken Skewers).
The Main Dishes were the following: Lamb Rogan Josh (Spicy Lamb Curry in Creamy Tomato Sauce), Mixed Seafood flavored with Curry Leaves, Dal Makhani (Slow-Cooked Black Lentils in Cream Sauce), Butter Chicken Delhi (Chicken Curry with Spiced Tomato and Butter Sauce), Indian Chicken (Shawarma Style) and Lamb Biryani. The Aloo Anarkali, Butter Chicken, and Lamb Biryani were my three favorite dishes during the festivities.
The dessert was Kulfi Ice Cream. Like ice cream, it is a dairy-based frozen dessert, but unlike ice cream, it is not whipped, and is denser and melts slowly.
All these dishes brought back memories when I, as a food writer, was a guest at 3 Indian weddings. The events were “simplified” three-day events since the 40-step tradition would take weeks to celebrate. I was invited to all the events but I could only join the dinners.
Cultural and religious food restrictions were strictly observed. No beef, pork, or eggs were served. Lamb and chicken (de-boned and skin off) were allowed. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes were marked at the buffet table and food stations.
At least, 40 dishes were served in each dinner, or a total of nearly 400 dishes in the 3 Indian weddings!
The majority of guests came 30 minutes to an hour late and there was no need to announce that food was served because guests helped themselves upon arrival. I was also surprised, excuse me, that the bride’s family paid for the wedding expenses.