New Delhi, Dec 24: Hand-knit woolens and rugs, fruit preserves, spices, herbs, beverages and much more – all produce from the mountains are on display here at a winter mela celebrating the spirit of Christmas.
“We try to bring in the flavours of every season to the forefront. Winter mela is about woolens, shawls and things for Christmas like plum cakes and decorations,” says Laila Tyabji, founder and chairperson, Dastkar.
The ‘Winter Mela 2015’ by Dastkar has brought over 25 producer groups from all over the world who are showcasing textiles, crafts, hand-knitted woolens, rugs and safe foods like fruit preserves, spices, herbs, beverages, chamomile tea, coffee, honey and quinoa.
“Products from mountainous regions are the focus of the Mela like walnuts, honey basically the local organic produce followed by handicrafts and textile of the region.
Aimed at promoting mountain products that can help improve livelihoods and boost mountain economies in a sustainable manner, produce from Afghanistan, Altai Republic, Bolivia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Mongolia, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Tajikistan, and the Indian Himalayan Region, the bazaar promises to offer a diversity of crafts and cultures.
Traditional bodo weaving textiles from Assam, warm woolen shawls, stoles, jackets and scarves from Himachal Pradesh, a colourful variety of Felt Namda carpets with a range patterns from Kashmir, Pashminas from Ladakh, recently revived group of Mubarakpur Weavers from Uttar Pradesh, handmade wicker-work baskets, boxes and more from Jammu and Kashmir are being displayed at the Mela.
A food court featuring delicacies from Bengal, Kashmir, Himachal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan promises to be a crowd puller along with the weaves and knits, herbal and organic healthcare and beauty products.
The fair is set to continue till December 28 at Nature Bazzar venue.
