Maurya accords 'bridal' welcome to the Obamas - Times News Network
November 08, 2010
When US President Barack Obama reached ITC Maurya on Sunday evening, it was not just the traditional Indian welcome complete with the tilak awaiting him there. Two Indian brides did the honours - part of Maurya's "Brides of India" welcome reserved for visiting heads of state.
According to sources, two women - one dressed in a Rajasthani bridal lehanga and the other in the traditional Banarasi sari of a Bengali bride - welcomed Barack and Michelle to what will be their home during their stay in the city. ITC chairman Y C Deveshwar too was present when the guests entered the hotel around 5.35pm. Paying a tribute to the Maurya dynasty from which the hotel draws its name, ITC Maurya had put in place a beautiful floral pattern around a statue of the Buddha - the dynasty's most famous King Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War - right at the entrance.
According to eyewitnesses, the US first couple exuded their usual warmth and they "looked very comfortable and happy to be in India, greeting the staff and engaging them in conversation". The Obamas will be staying in a suite on the top floor of the hotel. All 440 rooms in the hotel have, however, been taken over by the Obama entourage.
The Obamas then went straight to their suite where they took some refreshments before heading for the official dinner at the Prime Minister's residence. Sources said the engagement at Race Course Road was held about twenty minutes in advance.
Though the hotel has put in place an elaborate Obama platter much in the lines of the special treatment given to the Clintons - all three of them have platters named after them - it is not yet certain when the president will get to taste it. "It all depends on his schedule and which meal he takes in the hotel," said an official.
The platter, according to sources, is heavy on non-vegetarian items and includes murg khurchan, fish tikka, sikandari raan, reshmi kebab and mahi tikka. There is also tandoori aloo and Dal Bukhara apart from a choice of desserts that will include ras malai and kulfi.
