India's Precious Gifts to G20 Guests
The successful conclusion of the G20 summit, chaired by India, was achieved. On the first day of the summit itself, there was 100% agreement on issuing a joint statement. Prime Minister Modi addressed the final session and then handed over the G20 presidency to the President of Brazil, Lula da Silva.
Representatives of the countries participating in the G20 summit were given several attractive gifts. These gifts included handcrafted artworks and products that tell a lot about India’s rich cultural traditions. Some of these products are the result of centuries-old craftsmanship and are cherished worldwide for their uniqueness and quality. Skilled artisans painstakingly created them. Some of these products are a result of India’s unique biodiversity.
Saffron, known as “Kesar” in Hindi and “Zafran” in Persian, is the world’s most expensive spice. It is valued in all cultures and civilizations for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. Saffron is a rare and attractive gift from nature. Each strand contains the stigma of the “Saffron Crocus” flower. The red color of the stigma is due to being exposed to sunlight during the day and cold nights. Saffron cultivation is a labor-intensive process. Each flower has three red stigma threads that need to be carefully hand-picked.
Darjeeling and Nilgiri teas are two magnificent gems in India’s tea tapestry. Darjeeling tea is the most prized tea in the world. Only the delicate first flush leaves plucked from the lush hills of West Bengal at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet are selected. Their unique terroir, combined with careful processing, results in tea that is highly aromatic and refreshing in the cup.
Nilgiri tea comes from the lush hills of South India, situated between 1,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level. It is known for its lightness and flavor. It is also a preferred choice for making iced tea with a hint of lemon.
Araku coffee is the world’s first terroir-mapped coffee, grown in the organic farms of the Araku Valley in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The coffee is cultivated by the valley’s farmers who work on small plots and grow coffee naturally without the use of machines or chemicals. The rare aromatic Araku coffee showcases its unique terroir and provides valuable health benefits due to a higher content of flavonoids.
The Sundarbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, located in the delta formed by the confluence of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is the home of honeybees. Before the practice of beekeeping, people used to extract honey from the jungle. This tradition of honey hunting is still prevalent among the people of Sundarbans. Sundarbans honey not only stands out for being 100% natural and pure but also contains a higher quantity of flavonoids, providing valuable health benefits.
Kashmiri Pashmina shawls are woven tales of intricacy, delicacy, and luxury. In Persian, ‘Pashm’ means wool. But in Kashmiri, it refers to uncut wool obtained from the underbelly of the Tibetan mountain goat (the world’s rarest Kashmiri goat) found at an altitude of only 14,000 feet above sea level. The wool is carefully handpicked. Skilled artisans use centuries-old techniques to hand-spin, weave, and embroider their delicate threads, creating exquisite patterns. Wearing a Kashmiri Pashmina is not just wearing fabric; it’s embracing a rich cultural heritage and artistic tradition.
Zigarana Ittar is an exquisite craft of perfumery from Kannauj, a city in Uttar Pradesh. ‘Ittar’ is a concentrated perfume derived from botanical sources. This premium Ittar showcases a centuries-old tradition of fine fragrance-making. Master perfumers collect rare flowers like jasmine and rose in the wee hours of the morning when their fragrance is most potent. The highly skilled artisans distill and extract the fragrance from these flowers, resulting in intoxicating scents.
Khadi is an environmentally-friendly fabric highly prized for its beautiful texture and versatility in all seasons. It can be made from cotton, silk, jute, or wool. It holds significant importance in India’s struggle for independence, with its name coined by Mahatma Gandhi himself. Crafted by rural artisans, including 70% women, these intricate weaves are handspun, showcasing centuries-old techniques and reflecting the country’s rich cultural diversity and heritage.
On the occasion of India’s G20 presidency, Prime Minister Modi released special G20 postage stamps and coins on July 26, 2023, during the inauguration of India Pavilion at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
Banarasi silk stoles are treasures of beautiful craftsmanship in India. Handwoven in Varanasi, these stoles feature intricate patterns woven with fine silk threads, showcasing the city’s cultural richness and weaving heritage. Banarasi silk stoles are favored for weddings and special occasions. They add royal grace to the wearer. Their shimmering texture and vibrant colors make them prized fashion accessories, whether draped over shoulders or worn as headscarves, they exude timeless allure.
Assamese stoles are traditional handwoven textiles crafted in the northeastern state of Assam. Using fine Muga silk, skilled artisans create these stoles. They are known for their intricate designs and motifs, often inspired by the region’s natural surroundings. Assamese stoles are more than just clothing; they are a rich cultural heritage and a testament to artistic craftsmanship traditions among Assamese people. Wearing an Assamese stole is not just wearing fabric; it is embracing a rich cultural heritage and artistic tradition.
Kanjivaram silk is a true art of weaving, known for its rich and vibrant colors, intricate designs, and exceptional craftsmanship. Its name is derived from a small village in South India, Kanchipuram, where this craft originated. Kanjivaram silk stoles are made from pure silk threads, carefully handwoven by skilled artisans. It is a highly durable and strong fabric.
Banarasi silk stoles are treasures of beautiful craftsmanship in India. Handwoven in Varanasi, these stoles feature intricate patterns woven with fine silk threads, showcasing the city’s cultural richness and weaving heritage. Banarasi silk stoles are favored for weddings and special occasions. They add royal grace to the wearer. Their shimmering texture and vibrant colors make them prized fashion accessories, whether draped over shoulders or worn as headscarves, they exude timeless allure.
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