New Delhi, Jan 26 (IANS) Maharashtra's 'dabbawalas' (tiffin carriers) caught the immediate attention of President Pratibha Patil as the state's tableau rolled down Rajpath during the Republic Day parade Tuesday and she pointed out its nuances to her South Korean counterpart Lee Myung-bak, who was the chief guest on the occassion.

Patil, who belongs to Maharashtra, leaned to her right to explain to Lee how the 'dabbawalas', clad in spotless white, deliver thousands of meals in south Mumbai on every working and then return the tiffin carriers to their point of origin, with hardly any going astray.

The 'dabbawalas', on their part, danced to the tune of 'Mumbai ka dabbe wala, dabbe wala' as the tableau passed down Rajpath.

Heavy Industries Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, a former Maharashtra chief minister, was also seen explainig the 'dabbawalas' concept to those seated around him.

The 'dabbawalas' institution dates back 125 years and this is the first time they are featuring at the Republic Day parade. The community comprises 5,000 men.