More vegetarian, Gujarati dishes on table for Modi in Thimphu

With visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi being a strict vegetarian, the Bhutanese government and the hotel he is staying in here are serving more vegetarian dishes as well as some Gujarati dishes.

Modi, who arrived here earlier Sunday to a warm welcome, is staying at the Taj Tashi.

Around 50 rooms have been booked in the luxury hotel in Thimphu for Modi and the accompanying Indian delegates.

According to sources, since the Indian prime minister, who belongs to the Indian state of Gujarat, is a strict vegetarian, the hotel will keep more vegetarian dishes on the menu as well as some Gujarati dishes. The official banquets for the visiting Indian dignitary will also have more vegetarian dishes, said sources.

Large welcome banners were put up outside Taj Tashi and on the road leading to the hotel, which read, "Welcome to our close friend, India's prime minister Narendra Modi". Another banner by the highway read, "We pray for the health and well-being of Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

The imposing Taj Tashi is a blend of Bhutan's Dzong architecture and modern design. The hotel is adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals. It has 66 guest rooms. The hotel provides a breathtaking view of the mountains that rise above the Thimphu valley.

The Bhutanese authorities have taken measures to ensure the highest level of security and uninterrupted traffic for the Indian prime minister's visit. The movement of foreign labour at Bhutan's borders and checkpoints has also been stopped during the two days of the visit, informed sources said.

The authorities have prevented vehicles from being parked along the road in the morning till the Taj Tashi.

Vehicles coming to Phuntsholing are not being allowed beyond the Chunzom check point. On Monday too, the movement of vehicles from Thimphu and Paro will be stopped in the morning until the Indian prime minister has left for home.

Schools and government offices have been given a holiday on Monday. In some schools, the examinations have been postponed.