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The Lithuanian Embassy in New Delhi laid out a traditional Lithuanian table at its premises on Saturday to mark the 27th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence Day.

The ten-meter-long table, set in the backdrop of an old Lithuanian farmhouse, pulled together diplomats, state officials, and members of the Indian Lithuanian community. The guests were served Lithuanian delicacies and invited to partake in all the important table rituals like swinging under the tunes of popular Lithuanian songs.

“We wanted to share with you this unique table tradition, which was so indispensable to any significant celebration some 40-50 years ago. The hosts used to treat their numerous guests with finest food and drinks and table decorations,” said Ambassador Laimonas Talat-Kelpša during his welcoming speech.

“Since the 11th of March, the Restoration of Independence Day, is a truly significant day to every Lithuanian, we wanted to mark it following this nice old tradition,” said the ambassador.

Ms. Eglė Janulevičiūtė Raie Dey, chairperson of the Indian Lithuanian community, acknowledged that the tradition of laying out long festive tables is gradually dying out.

“I had to carry out an extensive research while preparing for this event,” said Ms. Raie Dey, who was also acting as the dinner’s toastmaster. “Our generation shares only vague memories of what it used to be like. This event at the Embassy has brought my childhood memories back to me. I felt I was back to my Dadi’s house in the countryside. It was so great.”

Lithuania celebrates the Restoration of Independence Day on 11 March. On this day in 1990, the parliament of Lithuania declared full independence from the Soviet Union and reinstated Lithuania’s pre-war constitution.

Lithuania had been illegally occupied and annexed by the Soviets in 1940 and was the first to divorce with the Soviet empire in 1990, after the five decades of oppression.