It's vegetable pulao for President Patil

PUNE: President Pratibha Patil, a strict vegetarian, will have vegetable pulao along with a platter of Maharashtrian dishes as her lunch here on Saturday, according to Raj Bhawan sources.

The president, very fond of moong dal (lentil) and loki sabzi (squash curry), is staying at the Raj Bhawan along with her delegation.

"She is a strict vegetarian and likes simple food, not even egg," the sources said.

"The atmosphere at the Raj Bhawan is more like a fair. A huge tent has been erected and people from all walks of life have gathered here to meet the president," said the sources.

The president will be meeting close to a thousand people representing various political and social organisations.

"She seems extremely cheerful and happy, given her long association with the city and one can see her popularity with the residents from the long list of appointments," added the sources.

The majority of the people meeting the president are women or representing women's organisations.

"The president is an extremely affectionate mother. She will be spending Sunday along with her daughter Jyoti Rathore and her family at their residence in Pune," said the sources.