A banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in honour of newly sworn-in Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna featured traditional folk music and delicacies from western India on Monday evening.
Khanna was sworn in as the 51st CJI on Monday, succeeding Justice DY Chandrachud.
The event, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, was marked by performances of rare folk instruments and a menu showcasing iconic dishes from the region. Traditional textiles from Gujarat and Maharashtra, including Patola and Paithani, adorned the guests’ tables.
The evening’s entertainment featured a live performance by the Rashtrapati Bhavan naval band, joined by guest artists to showcase the rich musical heritage of Rajasthan. Folk melodies such as Kesariya Balam and other regional styles like Maand, Ghoomar, Panihari, and Pabuji ka Phad were performed using rare instruments, including the ravanhatha, kamaicha, and khanjari.
The ravanhatha, a string instrument with a coconut shell resonator, is often used to accompany Pabuji ka Phad, a narrative musical form that tells stories of mythology and heroism. The kamaicha, a bowed string instrument, and the khanjari, a hand-held frame drum, also added to the evening’s musical richness.
The banquet’s guest list included Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, as well as current and former judges of the Supreme Court and Chief Justices of High Courts.
The event also highlighted the region’s textile heritage, with guests seated at tables named after prominent hills from western India. The vibrant Patola textile from Gujarat and the luxurious Paithani silk from Maharashtra were displayed, reflecting the rich history of these woven traditions.
The Patola weaving tradition, which dates back to the 12th century, is famous for its intricate patterns, while Paithani, originating in the 2nd century BC, is still considered a treasured heirloom in Maharashtrian culture.
(With inputs from PTI)