A grand banquet was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday by President Droupadi Murmu to honor the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna. The event was marked by cultural and culinary elements from the western regions of India.

Each banquet table bore the name of a famous hill from the western states, complemented by vibrant table runners featuring traditional textiles like Gujarat’s Patola and Maharashtra’s Paithani. The colorful decor provided an elegant setting for the evening’s festivities.

Guests enjoyed a variety of regional dishes, while traditional Rajasthani folk music set the tone. The Rashtrapati Bhavan’s naval band, along with guest musicians, performed popular songs, including 'Kesariya Balam Aaoni Padharo Mare Desh,' played on unique instruments like the ravanhatha, kamaicha, and khanjari.

The musical presentation highlighted folk traditions such as Maand, Ghoomar, Panihari, and Pabuji ka Phad, each rooted in stories of regional mythology, valor, and rural life.

Officials shared that such events are part of Rashtrapati Bhavan’s dedication to showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage at formal functions.

Among the prominent guests were Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, former Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, as well as several Supreme Court and High Court judges.

Chief Justice Khanna, who succeeded Justice Chandrachud, began his tenure on Monday by addressing 45 cases. He extended his thanks to the legal community for their support and warm welcome from key figures, including former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi. Justice Khanna has stated his commitment to reducing the Supreme Court's case backlog, making litigation more affordable, shortening trial timelines, and streamlining legal processes during his term, which concludes in May 2025.