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Republic Day is a delightful way to honour India's culinary diversity while creating a memorable gathering for your guests. Enhance the Republic Day vibe with patriotic decorations. Use tricolor napkins, plates, and table runners. Arrange the dishes in a way that highlights the saffron, white, and green theme. For example, place green chutney, plain rice, and carrot halwa side by side. Set the mood with patriotic songs and regional folk music. Consider playing classics like Mile Sur Mera Tumhara or different folk music in the background.
Video Credit: Hebbars Kitchen
Prep in advance so you are free to enjoy the gathering as much as the guests. Many dishes like chutneys, halwa, and pickles can be prepared a day ahead. Offer a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options to cater to diverse preferences. Opt for smaller servings to allow guests to try a variety of dishes.
Start your gathering with appetisers that reflect the colors of the Indian flag: saffron, white, and green. Tricolor Dhokla, a layered steamed savoury cake with spinach puree for green, plain batter for white, and carrot puree for saffron or Veggie Skewers with grilled paneer, bell peppers, and zucchini, marinated in Indian spices and Mini Tricolor Idlis dyed with natural colours—spinach for green, plain batter for white, and tomato for saffron are some options.
For an informal touch, set up a snack counter featuring popular street foods. Pani Puri: With different flavoured waters (tamarind, mint, and spicy chili). Aloo Tikki Chaat: Crispy potato patties topped with chutneys, yoghurt, and spices or Kathi Rolls: Stuffed with paneer or chicken, these wraps are easy to eat on the go.
You can also offer refreshing drinks with a patriotic twist. For example, a tricolour mocktail - a layered drink with orange juice, sweetened coconut milk, and kiwi crush. Other options can include Masala Chaas, a spiced buttermilk drink to complement the starters or Aam Panna Shots, where you serve small portions of the tangy green mango cooler in shot glasses.
Include dishes that children will enjoy. This could be Mini Pizzas, with toppings arranged to resemble the Indian flag. Cheese Sandwiches cut into fun shapes like stars and Cupcakes decorated with tricolor frosting.
For the main course celebrate the diversity of Indian cuisine with dishes from different regions.
Tiranga Pulao, Pan-Indian
Begin the meal with a dish that embodies the spirit of Republic Day—Tiranga Pulao. This tri-colored rice dish uses saffron for orange, spinach or mint for green, and plain basmati for white. Layered beautifully, it’s a visual treat and a symbol of unity in diversity. Pair it with a simple raita or dal for a wholesome start.
Punjabi Chole Bhature, Punjab
From the heart of North India comes this quintessential dish. Chole (spiced chickpea curry) served with fluffy, deep-fried bhature is a crowd-pleaser. The robust flavors of the curry, spiced with garam masala, amchur, and a hint of anardana, perfectly complement the crispy bhature. It’s a filling and festive dish that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Rajasthani Dal Baati Churma, Rajasthan
From the arid lands of Rajasthan comes Dal Baati Churma, a dish that combines flavors and textures. The baati (baked wheat dumplings) are served with a hearty dal (lentil curry) and churma, a sweet mixture of crumbled baati, ghee, and jaggery. This dish is rich, filling, and a true representation of Rajasthan’s culinary heritage.
Appam And Vegetable Stew, Kerala
Start your Republic Day feast with this quintessential dish from Kerala. Appams are lacy, soft rice pancakes with crispy edges, perfect for soaking up the delicate flavors of a coconut-based vegetable stew. The stew, made with carrots, beans, potatoes, and fragrant spices like cinnamon and cardamom, is light yet deeply satisfying. Together, they create a comforting and elegant dish.
Hyderabadi Biryani, Telangana
No Indian feast is complete without biryani, and the Hyderabadi version is a showstopper. Fragrant basmati rice cooked with layers of marinated meat or vegetables, caramelized onions, and aromatic spices is a dish that speaks of royal indulgence. Serve with mirchi ka salan (spicy chili curry) and raita for an authentic experience.
Bengali Fish Curry, West Bengal
Representing the East, Bengali Fish Curry (Macher Jhol) is a simple yet flavorful dish made with freshwater fish, mustard seeds, turmeric, and mustard oil. This light and tangy curry pairs beautifully with steamed rice. It’s a nod to the coastal and riverine culture of Bengal, making it a must-have on your Republic Day menu.
Kashmiri Rogan Josh, Jammu & Kashmir
Representing the northernmost region of India, Rogan Josh is a classic lamb curry infused with the warmth of Kashmiri spices like fennel, dry ginger, and saffron. The dish’s rich red hue comes from Kashmiri red chilies, making it both visually striking and incredibly flavorful. Serve it with steamed rice or naan for a royal main course.
Thandai With Gulab Jamun, Pan-Indian
End the meal on a sweet note with a double delight—Thandai and Gulab Jamun. Thandai, a milk-based drink flavoured with saffron, almonds, and spices, is refreshing and festive. Pair it with soft, syrup-soaked gulab jamuns, which are a favorite across the country. Together, they create a dessert combination that’s indulgent yet balanced.
