New Delhi: It wasn’t work as usual for Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday. Enjoying the last lap of this year’s winter sun, PM Modi was spotted having fun at the Hunar Haat in Delhi, from relishing a litti-chokha meal to visiting colourful handicraft stalls.
After chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting, the PM decided to drop in at the Hunar Haat — a 10-day festival organised by the Ministry of Minority Affairs at India Gate to showcase the work of artisans from across the country at the 250 stalls that have been set up.
The PM, in what is being called a surprise visit, decided to make the most of the day, posing for cameras, savouring traditional food, playing musical instruments, and using his favourite dissemination tool — social media — to spread the message.
In a series of tweets posted on his Twitter handle, the PM is seen visiting different stalls at the Hunar Haat and interacting with the artisans and vendors.
“Spent a wonderful afternoon at #HunarHaat on India Gate. It showcases the best of products including handicrafts, carpets, textiles and of course, delicious food!” Modi tweeted.
The colours and diversity of India on display…
Spent a wonderful afternoon at #HunarHaat on India Gate. It showcases the best of products including handicrafts, carpets, textiles and of course, delicious food!
Do visit it. pic.twitter.com/7NxOm5ZW4Z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2020
Some litti & steaming chai
During his around 50-minute visit to the fair, PM Modi ate the famous litti-chokha dish from Bihar. According to a PTI report, he even paid Rs 120 for the meal. “Had tasty Litti Chokha for lunch along with a hot cup of tea..” Modi tweeted.
Had tasty Litti Chokha for lunch along with a hot cup of tea… #HunarHaat pic.twitter.com/KGJSNJAyNu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2020
The Twitterverse immediately took note and drew references with the Bihar elections due later this year.
Punjab ke election aa rahe hote toh Bhature ke saath pic aati, Rajasthan ke hote toh Daal bhati, Odisha ke hote toh fast rakhte. https://t.co/wqOnJU7Ax3
— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 (@RoflGandhi_) February 19, 2020
In another photograph, Modi is seen drinking tea from a kulhad (earthen cup). The image was significant as the PM has often talked of himself as the “humble chaiwala” who rose up the ranks, and has built his politics around this image.
Moreover, his innovative campaign — chai pe charcha — launched ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls has gained much popularity.
The PM was also seen trying out a musical instrument at one of the stalls.
“Trying my hand at some music in #HunarHaat,” he tweeted.
Trying my hand at some music in #HunarHaat… pic.twitter.com/LQDV2DWcyO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2020
This was not the first time the PM was seen playing a musical instrument. During his visits to different places in India and abroad, he is often seen trying out local instruments, be it drums, a fiddle, any string instrument or a flute.
Appreciating craft
The prime minister also visited the stall of a Muslim artisan, who gifted him an large map of map showcasing “glimpses of our culture and diversity”.
“You’ve made something wonderful,” a delighted PM is heard telling the unnamed woman artisan as he posted a video of his interaction with the woman artisan.
Glimpses of our culture and diversity in one map…have a look at this. #HunarHaat pic.twitter.com/dFWyO0KC3K
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2020
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