What is chak-chak, korovai, the traditional food, offered to Prime Minister Modi in Kazan, Russia? – First post

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kazan, Russia, on Tuesday to attend the BRICS summit.

He was welcomed with traditional Russian cuisine when he arrived in Russia’s fifth largest city.

Wearing vibrant Tatar outfits, local women welcomed Prime Minister Modi, who is visiting the Soviet nation for two days, with chak-chak and one korovai bread.

The food offered to world leaders, including the Indian leader, has significance in both history and culture.

They have their origins in the hospitality and culinary traditions of the Tatar and Bashkir regions of Russia, which include Kazan.

Here’s everything we know about them.

What is chak-chak?

• Chak-chak, meaning ‘a little bit’ or ‘small’, is a dessert made from fried pieces of wheat dough shaped like Ratlami sev. It can be round or cubic.

• The round ones that were offered to PM Modi looked like mua from Odisha, muri-r-moa from Bengal or murhi-ka-laai from Bihar.

• The national dessert originates from the regions of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan.

• According to legend, chak-chak first appeared among the nomadic people of Central Asia and has its roots in the Volga, Bulgaria. Before the 1990s, Bulgaria was a close ally of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

• “Chak-chak is not only a staple in daily gatherings, but also plays a significant role in traditional celebrations such as weddings,” said Emilia from Yekaterinburg. India today. It symbolizes a good marriage, love and a strong family life.

• Chak-chak is made by cutting unleavened dough into various shapes, usually balls or Indian sev. After that, these pieces of dough are fried in oil until the sides are golden and crispy. Then, a hot syrup made up of sugar, honey and water is poured over the fried pieces, which are piled high.

What is Korovai:

• The next offering to PM Modi was korovai, a bread decorated with intricate floral patterns.

• With great cultural significance, traditional bread is mandatory at weddings, where it is shared among guests as a symbol of the future couple.

• Each flourish made with the dough has a specific meaning. For example, roses symbolize beauty, ears of wheat signify future prosperity, and a wreath of wrinkles represents a strong connection that unites the couple.

• Unlike chak-chak, Emilia said India today“Korovai is a popular ritual bakery product that has its origins in the East Slavic lands. Previously, the Slavs worshiped the sun god. Hence the round shape of the sun. In most cases, bread is served at wedding parties as a gift to all guests.”

• Korovai also represents unity, prosperity and fertility.

• An attractive bread is created by interweaving several layers of dough during the korovai-making process.

• Bread has several intriguing customs associated with it. In the past, for example, says Emília, enjoying a slice of bread with salt meant getting closer to the host and sharing all your worries and problems.

With contributions from agencies