While the nation lit diyas and celebrated Diwali in their homes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose a different path — one that reflects respect and solidarity. Aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier and the nation’s most powerful warship, PM Modi participated in the legendary ‘Bada Khana’ with Navy personnel. His tweet sharing this moment sparked nationwide curiosity: What exactly is ‘Bada Khana’? Why does it hold such significance in India’s armed forces? And what makes this tradition so special that the Prime Minister chose it for Diwali?
Where Rank Disappears And Brotherhood Takes Over
‘Bada Khana’ is not just a meal, it’s the soul of India’s military. This ancient and cherished tradition of the Indian Armed Forces embodies a principle that sets our military apart: absolute equality. During ‘Bada Khana’, the highest-ranking generals sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the youngest jawans, sharing the same table, eating the same food, celebrating as one family. No hierarchy. No distinctions. No rank badges. Just warriors united in service to the nation.
This isn’t ordinary dining; it’s a powerful statement of unity, mutual respect, and equality that forms the backbone of India’s defense forces. The tradition represents everything that makes our armed forces invincible: brotherhood, camaraderie, and the understanding that every soldier, regardless of rank, is equally valuable and equally deserving of respect.
A Feast That Erases All Differences
The most extraordinary aspect of ‘Bada Khana’ is its power to dissolve every barrier. In these sacred moments, there are no officers or subordinates, only soldiers bound by the tricolor. From Admiral to Seaman, from General to Sepoy, everyone gathers at the same venue, sits together without any separation, and shares a meal prepared with tradition and love.
The feast features an elaborate spread, traditional dishes, regional delicacies, and sweets that reflect India’s rich cultural diversity. But what truly nourishes the spirit isn’t the food on the plates, it’s the sense of belonging, the unbreakable team spirit, and the profound camaraderie that fills every heart. These shared moments forge bonds stronger than any weapon, creating a military family that stands united in both peace and war.
During ‘Bada Khana’, nobody flaunts their position. Rank insignias become meaningless. What matters is the uniform they all wear and the oath they all took to protect India at any cost.
Reserved For Moments That Truly Matter
‘Bada Khana’ is not an everyday affair; it’s reserved for occasions that deserve celebration. This grand tradition is organized during special moments: national festivals like Republic Day, Independence Day, and Diwali; successful completion of critical missions; unit anniversaries; or major military achievements that bring pride to the force.
During these celebrations, jawans don’t just mark the date on a calendar; they live it together, laugh together, share stories, and strengthen the family bonds that make them unstoppable on the battlefield. They spend quality time together, away from duties and drills, reminding themselves that they’re not just colleagues in uniform, they’re brothers and sisters in arms.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: ZEE News
