PM Modi Receives Ethiopia’s Most Sacred Welcome Through Traditional Coffee Ceremony, Strengthening Cultural and Diplomatic Ties

Addis Ababa: In a unique gesture of honor, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport with a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony—one of the country’s most sacred cultural rituals. Departing from the usual red-carpet protocol, this ceremony symbolizes respect, trust, and the strengthening of relationships, highlighting the deep emotional and cultural connection between India and Ethiopia.

Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee
Ethiopia is widely recognized as the birthplace of coffee, and the beverage holds profound significance in its culture and history—comparable to the reverence Indians hold for the Ganges River. A local saying goes, “Buna Dabo Naw” meaning “Coffee is our bread,” reflecting its central role in daily life. Drinking coffee here is not just a beverage; it honors elders, unites communities, and elevates guests to a position of respect.

The Ceremony: A Ritual of Connection and Hospitality
The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an elaborate and immersive ritual, in stark contrast to modern instant coffee culture. It typically lasts one to two hours and is conducted by women dressed in traditional white Habesha kemis. The process begins with roasting raw green coffee beans over charcoal, filling the air with an inviting aroma—a practice called “smoke testing.” The roasted beans are then ground in a wooden mortar and brewed in a traditional clay pot known as jebena.

Three Cups, Three Meanings
A distinctive feature of the ceremony is drinking three cups of coffee, each with a symbolic meaning:

• First Cup – Abol: Strong and full-bodied, mandatory to drink.
• Second Cup – Tona: Represents conversation and the exchange of ideas.
• Third Cup – Baraka: Symbolizes blessings, invoking respect from elders and divine favor.

By partaking in this ritual, PM Modi was not only honored but also acknowledged as a respected friend, indicating Ethiopia views India as more than a strategic partner.

The Fascinating Origin of Coffee
According to legend, in the 9th century, an Ethiopian shepherd named Kaldi noticed his goats became unusually energetic after eating red berries from a certain bush. Curious, he tried them himself and felt revitalized. Taking the berries to a monastery, monks initially resisted, calling them the “Devil’s fruit.” Eventually, after roasting the beans and brewing them in water, the world’s first coffee—Arabica—was born in the Ethiopian forests.

Ethiopia’s Distinct Coffee Regions
Ethiopia continues to produce unique coffee varieties in different regions:

• Yirgacheffe (Southern Ethiopia): Known for its light floral and citrusy flavors with mild acidity and tea-like notes.
• Sidamo (Southern Ethiopia): Celebrated for a well-balanced profile, medium body, bright acidity, and natural sweetness, often with hints of berries, spices, and chocolate.

Through this sacred coffee ceremony, PM Modi’s visit to Ethiopia showcased not only diplomatic goodwill but also a celebration of shared respect, cultural heritage, and centuries-old ties between the two nations.