Prime Minister Modi Shares Traditional Thali with Sailors Aboard INS Vikrant During Diwali Celebration

On the evening of October 19, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the traditional armed forces ceremony known as Bara Khana aboard the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, situated off the coasts of Goa and Karwar. This event, which is a significant ritual of camaraderie within the Indian military, was part of Modi's 12th consecutive Diwali with the nation's armed forces. The celebration, imbued with patriotic zeal and festive cheer, included a traditional Indian thali that highlighted the cultural diversity and hospitality of the Indian Navy.

The meal for the Bara Khana was an intricately planned Indian thali, reflecting a balanced and festive spread. The stainless-steel thali plates, resonant of traditional Indian dining customs, were artfully arranged with a variety of dishes that honored both flavor and tradition. The items on the plates were as follows, showcasing the culinary fare shared by the Prime Minister and naval personnel:

Each thali was accompanied by a steel tumbler containing water or buttermilk, which aided in hydration and digestion. The dining arrangement was completed with neatly arranged napkins and stainless-steel cutlery, showcasing the Navy’s meticulous attention to detail and decorum, even aboard a warship.

The choice of a traditional thali for the Bara Khana was fitting, reflecting the cultural significance of Diwali and the Navy’s mission to protect India’s maritime borders. This thali, a representation of India’s diverse culinary heritage, epitomized unity and inclusivity, mirroring the varied backgrounds of the sailors on INS Vikrant. Each dish, from simple chapatis to indulgent gulab jamun, contributed to a collective experience that bridged the Prime Minister and the naval personnel.

The Bara Khana tradition is deeply ingrained in the Indian armed forces, fostering a sense of equality and camaraderie as leaders and soldiers dine together. For Prime Minister Modi, it provided an opportunity to express gratitude and solidarity, reaffirming his commitment to the military. The setting on INS Vikrant—a 45,000-tonne achievement of indigenous engineering—amplified national pride, with the meal celebrating both cultural heritage and military strength.

This Bara Khana was part of a broader Diwali engagement that featured an Air Power Demonstration and a cultural program with patriotic songs. Modi’s stay on the carrier, during which he addressed the crew, emphasized the strategic significance of INS Vikrant and the Navy’s role in national defense. His remarks, comparing the sun’s ocean reflection to “Diwali lamps lit by brave soldiers,” added poetic resonance to the meal, linking it to the festival of lights.

The event, widely shared on social media, including a tweet by PM Modi on October 20, 2025, resonated with millions, drawing significant engagement. Photographs of the Bara Khana depicted a formal yet warm dining environment, with Modi seated among uniformed sailors, reinforcing his image as a leader connected to the nation’s defenders.

The Bara Khana on INS Vikrant extended beyond being a mere meal; it was a significant gesture of unity, gratitude, and cultural celebration. From the hearty chapatis to the sumptuous gulab jamun, the thali captured the essence of Diwali—harmony, prosperity, and togetherness.

By dining with the sailors, Prime Minister Modi not only honored their service but also reinforced national pride in its armed forces and indigenous accomplishments such as INS Vikrant. This festive gathering remains a memorable chapter in India’s Diwali celebrations, merging tradition with the strength of its maritime guardians.