Pranab Mukherjee makes nostalgic trip to in-laws' home in Bangladesh

President Pranab Mukherjee today made his maiden visit to the ancestral home of his in-laws where he was accorded a traditional reception meant for a 'Jamai' or husband of a Bengali woman.

"We received the 'Dadababu' (elder sister's husband) with 'Uuludhani' and 'mangal pradip' as he arrived with our sister Suvradi," a cousin of first lady Suvra Mukherjee said after the couple's private visit.

A Bangladesh air force helicopter carrying the President and the first lady landed at Narail town from where they took a drive through the village roads up to Bhadrabila village, some 9 kilometres away to be received by their relatives.

"Pranab Mukherjee exchanged pleasantries with his in-laws and enquired about their welfare. He knew many of them while his wife introduced him to several other relatives," ruling Awami League lawmaker from the constituency Fazilatunnesa Bappi said from the scene as she accompanied the couple.

Witnesses said the in-laws offered a golden chain to their 'dadababu' as a gift and a sari to their 'didi'.

During their 90-minute trip they visited a nearby Hindu temple and offered prayers.

The enthusiastic relatives entertained the high-profile couple with coconut water and traditional Bengali sweetmeats while a makeshift stage was erected at the premises of the household for their exclusive family reception.

The ancestors of Suvra Mukherjee migrated to India in early 1950s after the 1947 partition. However, she was born in Narail and did her early schooling in the town.

The first lady had previously visited her ancestral home once in 1995 along with her daughter.

President Mukherjee is in Bangladesh on his first overseas visit since taking office.

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