PM Modi Served Food On 'Sohari Leaf' In Trinidad. India Link And Health Benefits Explained

News18

9 hours ago

During PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago, he was served a ceremonial dinner on a 'Sohari' leaf, hosted by PM Persad-Bissessar
A simple leaf turned into a powerful symbol of cultural pride during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago, as he was served a ceremonial dinner on a traditional Sohari leaf, a gesture that touched hearts both at home and abroad. The moment, rich in emotion and symbolism, quickly went viral on social media, with hashtags like #PMModi #SohariLeaf #TrinidadVisit trending globally.
Hosted by Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the dinner became more than a diplomatic courtesy, it was a celebration of enduring Indian heritage across oceans. The Sohari leaf, used ceremonially by the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean nation, evoked deep emotional resonance. As images of the event flooded social media, Indians across the world remarked how 'India lives wherever Indians do".
The roots of this tradition trace back nearly two centuries. Large numbers of Indians arrived in Trinidad and Tobago during the 19th century as indentured labourers under British colonial rule. Over time, despite distance and generations, they preserved their rituals – from festivals to food, language to religion. One such preserved ritual is serving meals on Sohari leaves during weddings, religious ceremonies, and feasts, a practice meant to honour ancestors and retain a link to India.
What Is A 'Sohari' Leaf?
The Sohari leaf is a large, flat leaf akin to the banana leaf used commonly in southern and eastern India. It is biodegradable, chemical-free, and imbues food with a subtle fragrance. When hot food is served on it, natural antioxidants from the leaf mix into the meal, which is said to aid digestion and enhance taste. The tradition isn't merely nostalgic; it's rooted in ecological wisdom and health benefits.
'Eating on leaves like Sohari or banana is an age-old Indian tradition, not just for aesthetics or rituals, but for health," said Dr Meera Nambiar, an Ayurveda expert. They're hygienic, rich in phytonutrients, and elevate both the physical and spiritual experience of dining, she added.
PM Modi Joins In, Social Media Reacts
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared the moment on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, posting a photograph of himself seated for the meal. His caption read, 'The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special programmes."
The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots. Here, food is often served on this leaf during festivals and other special… pic.twitter.com/KX74HL44qi — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025
The post ignited an outpouring of pride. 'This is not just dinner, this is a full-circle moment of culture," wrote one user, while others echoed, 'India is not a country, it's a culture that blooms wherever its people go."
While official visits are often marked by formal speeches and protocol, this moment stood apart. Cultural analyst Dr Kavita Ramcharan, based in Port of Spain, explained, 'To serve the Indian Prime Minister food on a Sohari leaf isn't just hospitality. It's a statement, that we remember who we are and where we came from."
Even fourth-generation descendants of Indian workers in Trinidad have kept the Sohari tradition alive, using the leaf during Diwali celebrations and pujas. In many households, it's a non-negotiable part of cultural events, just as it is in parts of rural India.