Last night of the IASA Conference here in Delhi, and a farewell dinner @ the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Began with:

Ended with:

Above qawwali group Meraj Ahmed Nizami & Party and below the after dinner ‘paan’ stand – the paanwala loads a betel leaf  with have-it-your-ways, like rose water, nut, cardamon, tobacco, anise, lime paste, etc…  You pack it in your jowl and savor until you chew, spit or swallow.  Both the music and the condiment are slightly addictive.