New Delhi: It was an 'Indian mela' (carnival) bringing together food, music and artifacts from all the states in the country for the African Heads of Governments and States during the reception hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The dinner was hosted at Crafts Museum in Pragati Maidan, which also provided a traditional ambiance for the event.
Dressed in colourful 'Kurta pyjama with Bandi' specially sewn for the occasion, the leaders also wore 'safa' (the Indian headgear). Only Zimbabwe President Robert Gabriel Mugabe and South Africa President Jacob G Zuma did not opt for these traditional attire. While Mugabe wore a suit, Zuma favoured a 'Achkan' (a knee-length coat buttoned in front).
"It is a collection of food, music and artifacts from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to showcase India's rich, colourful and diverse culture," senior government officials said.
They said even some first ladies opted for 'Banarasi silk sarees' gifted by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the event.
