What was inside the G20 gift bag? Araku coffee, Kashmiri saffron, and more

During the recently concluded G20 Summit in New Delhi, when it was hosting the summit, India made a culturally diplomatic gesture by giving the leaders a carefully crafted gift hamper. The special gifts represent the country’s rich history and treasures of nature, including a variety of handcrafted items and goods that are each steeped in centuries-old customs. The following items were included in the hamper: Also read: How US, Russia and China applauded India on G20's Delhi Declaration Treasured Traditions: Sheeshamwood Sandook with Brass Patti The Sheeshamwood Sandook with Brass Patti, a genuine work of art in its own right, is the centrepiece of this gift hamper. In Hindi, the word “Sandook” signifies “treasure chest.” In Indian culture, it has traditionally been a sign of prosperity and grandeur. Sheesham wood, also known as Indian Rosewood and valued for its strength, durability, distinctive grain patterns and rich colour, was used to precisely handcraft this Sandook. [caption id=“attachment_13115582” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] News18[/caption] Traditionally, it is a strong box made of solid old wood or metal, with a lid on top and embellishments all over. It holds a special place in Indian cultural and folk legends, besides being the epitome of exquisite craftmanship. Red Gold: The Saffron from Kashmir The “Red Gold” - Kashmiri saffron - is one of the beauties in this hamper. Saffron, also known as “Kesar” in Hindi and “Zafran” in Persian, is regarded as one of the most exotic and pricey spices in the world and is highly prized for both its culinary and medicinal properties. Each of its threads contains a piece of “Saffron Crocus” stigma. The concentrated essence of warm days and cool nights is captured in the stigma’s crimson hue. Saffron cultivation is a very time-consuming procedure that calls for the delicate hand-harvesting of thousands of flowers (each flower includes three crimson stigmas) in order to produce just one ounce of the spice. [caption id=“attachment_13115602” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] News18[/caption] The exclusivity and superior quality of Kashmiri saffron are truly embodied. It stands out thanks to its powerful aromatic profile, brilliant colour, and unparalleled potency. This is because Kashmir’s saffron has a higher concentration of essential oils due to the region’s fresh air, abundant sunlight, and well-drained soil. Saffron has many health advantages in addition to its culinary value due to its high antioxidant content. The Champagne of Teas: Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea are two illustrious gems from Bharat’s tea tapestry, epitomising the delicate art of tea cultivation and infusion. Darjeeling tea is the most valued tea in the world. Only tender shoots are handpicked from shrubs, located on the misty hills of West Bengal at altitudes of 3000-5000 ft. [caption id=“attachment_13115612” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] News18[/caption] Nilgiri Tea comes from the most spectacular mountain range in southern India, cultivated amidst the mountains’ lush terrain at an elevation of 1000-3000 ft. The tea is relatively mild, and, at the same time, renowned for its bright and brisk liquor and clean flavour. A cup beyond compare: Araku Coffee Araku Coffee is the world’s first terroir-mapped coffee, grown on organic plantations in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. These coffee beans bear the essence of the valley’s rich soil and temperate climate. [caption id=“attachment_13115642” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] News18[/caption] Farmers work by hand in small farms and grow the coffee naturally, without the use of machines or chemicals. This ensures that the coffee is organic and the cultivation is sustainable. What the end user gets is traditional coffee powder or beans directly from a farmer’s house. Araku Coffee is known for its unique texture and a symphony of flavours that makes for a smooth, well-balanced cup. Also read: G20 Summit: Understanding the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ and its links to ancient India Wealth from Wilderness: Sundarbans Multiflora Mangrove Honey Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world, located on the delta formed by the confluence of Gangas, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers in the Bay of Bengal. It is home to wild colonies of honeybees. Before the culture of beehive farming, people used to hunt honeycombs from the wilderness. This tradition of beehive hunting is still practised among the people of Sundarbans. The distinct and rich flavour profile of Sundarbans honey mirrors the bio-diversity of the area. It blends the nectar of various mangrove flowers like Khalisha, Bani and Garan … to create a harmony of sweet and earthy notes. It is less viscous than other types of honey. Besides being 100% natural and pure, Sundarban honey is also high in flavonoids and provides valuable health benefits. The texture of rare luxury: Kashmiri Pashmina The Kashmiri Pashmina shawl has many enchanting stories woven into its fabric. ‘Pashm’ means wool in Persian. But in Kashmiri, it refers to the raw unspun wool of the Changthangi goat (the world’s most unique Cashmere goat) found only at a height of 14,000 feet above sea level. The wool is collected by combing (and not shearing) the undercoat of this goat. Skilled artisans hand-spin, weave, and embroider their delicate fibres using age-old processes. The result is a light, warm and intricate shawl that embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship. [caption id=“attachment_13115662” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] News18[/caption] In ancient courts, Pashmina was used as an indicator of rank and nobility. The fabric was an integral part of the rituals of bestowing honour upon anyone. A Fragrant Story: Zighrana Ittar Zighrana Ittar is a masterpiece of fragrance from Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh. Ittar (perfume) is an essential oil derived from botanical sources. It showcases a centuries-old tradition of exquisite perfume crafting. [caption id=“attachment_13115572” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] News18[/caption] Master artisans delicately gather rare blossoms like jasmine and roses at dawn, when their fragrance is most potent. Through the meticulous process of hydro-distillation, the essential oils are extracted and then matured over time, allowing the notes to harmonize and deepen. This culminates in Zighrana Ittar. Some niche and artisanal perfumes also incorporate Ittar into their creations, for its unique and natural scent profile. Khadi Scarf Khadi, an eco-friendly fabric with Indian origins, is adored for its lovely texture and all-year-round adaptability. It is also one of the pivotal images in India’s quest for independence. Mahatma Gandhi himself actually came up with the name for it. [caption id=“attachment_13115562” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] News18[/caption] These exquisite threads are handspun and handwoven by rural Indian artisans, who are 70% women, into the ultimate fashion statements worn all over the world. Khadi has long represented sustainable fashion, starting with its origins on the spinning wheel during the Indian freedom movement and continuing now as a symbol of high quality and luxury. Also read: Snubbed at G20, stranded in Delhi: Why Justin Trudeau’s visit has been turbulent Coin Box The commemorative G20 postage stamps and coins were unveiled on 26 July by PM Narendra Modi to mark India’s G20 leadership. During the Bharat Mandapam’s opening in Pragati Maidan, the G20 India Stamps and Coins were released. The G20 emblem and subject of “One Earth. One Family. One Future,” which is adopted by India, served as inspiration for the designs of both the coins and the postage stamps. Unique gifts to the spouses Banarasi silk stole in Ebony Jali box – Spouse of Argentina’s president PM Modi gave Banarasi silk stoles to Marcela Luchetti, the spouse of Alberto Fernandez, the president of Argentina. They are soft like dreams and were handmade in Varanasi. Intricate patterns made from pricey silk threads showcase the city’s cultural diversity and weaving heritage. These stoles radiate timelessness whether they are slung over shoulders or used as head scarves. Every well-dressed woman in the subcontinent treasures a “Banarsi” as one of her most important wardrobe pieces. The stole is packaged in an Ebony wood Jali box that was created by Kerala-based artisans utilising intricate “Jali” work on the incredibly dense and fine-grained Indian ebony wood. Kashmiri Pashmina stole in Papier mache box – Wives of Australian PM & Brazilian president Jodie Haydon, wife of Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Rosangela da Silva, wife of Brazilian president Lula da silva, both received Kashmiri Pashmina stole in Papier mache box as a gift from PM Modi. The box is among the most delicate, decorative and renowned crafts of Jammu and Kashmir. Assam stole in Kadam wood box – Spouse of Indonesia president Iriana Joko Widodo, the wife of Indonesia’s current president, was presented with an Assam stole in a Kadam wood box. Assam stoles, the traditional garment items, are weaved in the Assam state in the northeast. Muga silk was used in the experienced artisans’ creation of this stole. The elaborate designs and motifs on these stoles, which frequently feature aspects like flora and fauna, are thought to be inspired by the area’s natural environment. This stole is presented in a Kadam wood box. In Indian tradition, Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is regarded as lucky and is mentioned in mythologies and religions. The artisans of Karnataka created this box by hand. Kanjivaram stole in Kadam wood Jali box – Spouse of Japan’s PM Yuko Kishida, the spouse of the current prime minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, was given a Kanjivaram stole in a Kadam wood box. Known for its vivid colours, elaborate patterns, and unmatched artistry, Kanjivaram silk works are considered to be a true masterpiece of Indian weaving. Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, a small village in south India, is where the craft’s name “Kanjivaram” originates. By expert weavers who have inherited the tradition and methods from their predecessors, Kanjivaram stoles are created from pure mulberry silk threads. It is an extremely robust and resilient fabric. It radiates a queenly majesty, sophistication, and grace at the same time. A Kadam wood Jali box is used to present this steal. The craftspeople from Kerala who made this box used “Jali,” or latticework. Banarasi stole in Kadam wood box – Wife of current UK PM Akshata Murthy, wife of current UK PM Rishi Sunak, received a Banarasi stole in a Kadam wood box as a gift from PM Modi. Ikkat stole in Teak wood box – Spouse of Mauritius PM Ikkat stole in Teak wood box was given to Kobita Ramdanee, wife of the present Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth. This traditional mulberry silk stole, decorated with the exquisite Ikat technique, is a timeless masterpiece made by Odisha’s artisans. “Ikat” refers to a painstaking dyeing procedure on silk or cotton. The connected areas are left intact while specific thread segments are typed and dyed to create a symphony of hues. As these threads intertwine, they produce an exquisite fabric that is embellished with light designs on a dark background. The essence of this skill lies in precision. The legacy of Odisha Ikat, which dates back to when artisans immigrated from Gujarat in the 12th century, lives on and prospers. The stole is presented in a Teak wood box, crafted by Gujarat-based artisans. Banarasi silk stole in Ebony Jali box – Spouse of Spanish PM Maria Begona Gomez Fernandez, wife of current Spain PM Pedro Sanchez, received Banarasi silk stole in Ebony wood box as a gift from the Indian PM. With inputs from agencies