Khichdi – a humble dish made out of rice and dal – has seemingly raked up a national discussion.
On Wednesday, 1 November, a storm erupted online following numerous media reports that khichdi is being named the national dish of India. However, Minister for Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal clarified on Twitter the next day that the dish was merely a record entry at the World Food India event.
But, the confusion doesn’t end with the clarification.
Earlier on Wednesday, in an interview with NDTV, Badal conceded that there were talks of making khichdi India’s national dish. When an NDTV anchor asked her why khichdi was chosen, she said it “symbolises unity in diversity.” She added that she was glad that khichdi was trending online.
However, following Badal’s tweet on Thursday, 2 November, many media publications tweaked their take on the khichdi episode. For instance, a DNA report mentions that khichdi will be designated as India’s national food on 3 or 4 November, but the headline calls it ‘Brand India Food.’
The Times of India issued a correction saying that their earlier story was incorrect, and khichdi will only by promoted as ‘Brand India Food.’
World Record
Over 800 kilograms of khichdi will be prepared live on 4 November at the World Food India event in New Delhi by chef Sanjeev Kapoor.
Khichdi was selected as ‘Brand India Food’ because it symbolises India's great culture of unity in diversity at its best, according to the Food Processing Ministry.
Khichdi is the wonder staple food of India and is considered the healthiest prepared food in India, and it is being eaten across the length and breadth of India by the rich and the poor.Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal
A giant kadhai (frying pan) of the capacity of 1,000 litres and 7 feet in diameter will be used to slow steam-cook more than 800 kg of khichdi. The cooked khichdi will be distributed to around 60,000 orphan children as well as guests present at the event, PTI reported.
The government will ensure that khichdi is available in restaurants and kitchens around the world, an official statement said.
Textile Minister Smriti Irani added that the event will focus on ‘farmer producer organisations and women entrepreneurs.’
What Twitter Thinks
Amid this confusion, Twitterati made their own khichdi with jokes, memes and GIFs!
Can the Food Processing Minister then clarify her clarification?
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