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No chicken for Bush at official banquet

Mandira Nayar

There will be lamb, fish and prawns, and broccoli soup on the menu

NEW DELHI: There will be lamb, fish and prawns, but no chicken for American President George W. Bush when he comes calling at Rashtrapati Bhavan here on Thursday evening. With officials preferring to stay clear of the "feathered" variety of meat for the official banquet, due to the bird flu scare, Mr. Bush will be given the usual 4-5 course dinner served to State guests.

"We are looking forward to the visit of the American President and the First Lady. They will be extended all hospitality and courtesy to make their visit a success," says the President's Press Secretary, S.M. Khan.

"Home" food

Mr. Bush can have a helping of "home" food, as there will be broccoli soup on the menu. As per a custom started by President A.P.J Abdul Kalam, State guests are always served a dish from their own country to make them feel special. These dishes are always prepared in consultation with the embassy concerned.

A band in accompaniment will play two American folk tunes in honour of the guests. Instead of the grand Banquet Hall, Mr. Bush may well get an opportunity to enjoy Indian cuisine at the sprawling Mughal Gardens. .

Beginning his trip to India with a visit to Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday morning, Mr. Bush will receive the set drill for State guests. There will be a forecourt ceremony after which Mr. Bush will be escorted by the President's Body Guard to the Jaipur Column where he will be received by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the President. Mr. Bush will also receive the traditional guard of honour. A tent has been erected at the Presidential Estate where Mr. Bush will meet dignitaries.

After his morning session where he will be formally received, Mr. Bush will return to Rashtrapati Bhavan in the evening at 7-30 p.m. for the banquet.

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