Watch: Slovak nationals welcome PM Modi with Vande Mataram, folk dance performances

NEW DELHI: From the stirring notes of Vande Mataram sung by a Slovak folk ensemble to the traditional offering of bread and salt, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm cultural welcome in Bratislava as he began the second leg of his European tour.As India’s first Prime Minister to visit Slovakia, PM Modi was greeted with a colourful display of Slovak traditions, folk music and dance performances that showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage.Sharing a video of the welcome ceremony on X, PM Modi highlighted a performance by the Lucnica Ensemble, which sang Vande Mataram during the event.“This comes at a time when we are marking 150 years of Vande Mataram and recalling its glorious contribution to India’s history and freedom struggle,” he wrote on X.One of the highlights of the welcome was the traditional Slovak custom of offering bread and salt, a centuries-old symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill.“The welcome in Bratislava included the traditional offering of bread and salt, a beautiful reflection of Slovakia’s rich cultural heritage and the values of goodwill and friendship they cherish,” PM Modi said in a post on X.In Slovak culture, honoured guests are traditionally welcomed with bread and salt, a gesture that signifies warmth, friendship and respect. According to ANI, bread represents prosperity, sustenance and abundance, while salt symbolises value, protection and enduring friendship.Rooted in Slavic traditions, the custom reflects the importance Slovaks place on welcoming visitors and sharing the blessings of home, community and goodwill.The Prime Minister also shared glimpses of a folk performance by Kopaniciarik from Slovakia’s Myjava region.“Witnessed a captivating performance by Kopaniciarik from the Myjava region of Slovakia. Folk traditions such as these help preserve one’s culture and history,” he said.The Prime Minister also thanked the Indian community in Slovakia for the warm reception he received upon arrival.“Yesterday evening’s welcome in Bratislava was truly special. I am grateful to the Indian community for their warmth and affection. Such gestures reflect the enduring bonds that connect our people and strengthen the India-Slovakia friendship,” he said.PM Modi arrived in the Slovak capital on Sunday evening at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. He was received by Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and welcomed with a series of cultural performances by local artists.During the visit, he is also scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Fico and meet Slovak President Peter Pellegrini. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, innovation, automobile manufacturing, railway development and other strategic sectors.