Modi to go on a lemonade and tea diet during US trip as per Dussehra tradition

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will observe a strict religious fast during his maiden trip to the United States, aides said on Monday, in a test both of the 64-year-old leader’s stamina and of protocol in the Obama White House. [caption id=“attachment_1725659” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Modi will be having only tea and lemonade. AP[/caption] Throughout a gruelling schedule that features the United Nations General Assembly, a rally of Indian Americans at New York’s Madison Square Garden and talks with Obama in Washington, Modi will abstain from food. In keeping with the habits of a lifetime, Modi will restrict himself to a “liquid diet” throughout the Navratri festival, when Hindus worship goddess Durga in all her manifestations. “He will only consume lemonade with some honey and a cup of tea every day,” a senior official in Modi’s office in New Delhi said. “He has been fasting for the last four decades and does not want to change this pattern even while he is travelling,” added the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Navratri, derived from the ancient Sanskrit words ’nine nights’, falls this year from 25 September to 3 October. The festival spans Modi’s first trip to the United States since he triumphed in a general election in May. It culminates on the tenth day, known as Dussehra, which marks the victory of good over evil. Millions of Hindus fast, pray and dance to please the mother goddess during Navratri. Some restrict their diet to fruit and vegetables while spurning meat, onions and garlic. Others, like Modi, a strict vegetarian, do not eat at all. “He wakes up at 4 AM, meditates, prays and carries his own bottle of lemonade with him,” said another government official who has worked closely with Modi for 12 years. “Doctors had suggested that he should consume fruits and more juices but he has refused to make any dietary additions during the Navratri celebrations,” said a senior minister in Gujarat, where Modi served as chief minister for more than a decade. “In the US you will not see him having dinner or lunch with Obama,” said the state minister, who is also close to Modi. Another Indian government source said the White House had been informed of Modi’s dietary requirements. The US embassy in New Delhi declined to comment. US officials have indicated that President Barack Obama would not treat Modi to a state dinner, as Modi did not hold the rank of head of state. Obama did, however, accord this honour to Modi’s predecessor, Manmohan Singh. Reuters