Bhutanese make an exception for Modi, clap after address

Bhutanese members of Parliament deviated from the custom of not clapping when they broke into an applause after Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended his extempore address in Hindi to a joint sitting of the Parliament in Thimpu. In Bhutan, clapping is done to ward off evil spirits and not as a welcome gesture. The gathering, which included Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and members of the National Assembly and the National Council, broke into an applause as Modi ended his address to the joint session. The joint sessions are held in the chamber of the National Assembly (lower house), attended by members from the National Council (upper house). Though Modi carried a prepared text, he delivered his 45-minute address in Hindi which the dignitaries listened in rapt attention.