From Zighrana Ittar of Kannauj to Pashmina Shawl of Kashmir- PM’s ‘Treasure Chest’ had exquisite gifts for all G20 leaders
Apart from the impeccable hospitality, the Prime Minister presented hampers consisting of handicrafts and products reflecting India’s rich tradition and unparalleled craftsmanship to heads of state and their spouses at the G20 summit in Delhi.
Some of the gifts were given to the leaders in a hand-crafted Sheesham (Indian Rosewood) and Kadam sandook, or chest carved in Jali patterns and rich in colour. The chest had a brass strip etched onto the wood, transforming it into a masterpiece of visual delight.
Zighrana Ittar
A masterpiece of fragrance hailing from Kannauj, a city in Uttar Pradesh, ‘Ittar’ (meaning ‘perfume’) is an essential oil derived from botanical sources. It showcases a centuries-old tradition of exquisite perfume crafting. Skilfully distilled using a method passed down through generations, ittar is an ode to precision and patience. Master artisans delicately gather rare blossoms like jasmine and roses at dawn, when their fragrance is most potent.
Kashmiri Pashmina Stole in Papier Mache Box
These were given to the spouses of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Brazilian Prime Minister Lula Da Silva. The stoles were presented in a papier mache box, which is among the most delicate, decorative and renowned crafts of Jammu and Kashmir. A masterpiece of craftsmanship, it is made from a mixture of paper pulp, rice straw and copper sulphate.
Assam Stole In Kadam Wood Box
The spouse of Indonesian President Joko Widodo was given an Assam stole in a Kadam Wood. Assam stoles are traditional pieces of clothing woven in the northeastern state. The stole that was gifted was crafted by skilled artisans using Muga silk.
Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is considered auspicious in Indian culture and is featured in Indian religions and mythologies. The box has been handcrafted by the artisans of Karnataka.
Kanjivaram Stole In Kadam Wood Jali Box
This was given to the spouse of Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. Kanjivaram silk creations are a true masterpiece of Indian weaving, renowned for their rich and vibrant colors, intricate designs, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
‘Kanjivaram’ derives its name from a small south Indian village – Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, from where the craft originated. The stole was handcrafted from pure mulberry silk threads by skilled weavers and presented in a Kadam wood jali box.
Ikkat Stole In Teak Wood Box
The wife of Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth was given a timeless masterpiece created by the artisans of Odisha – a traditional mulberry silk stole adorned with the exquisite ‘Ikat’ technique. ‘Ikat’ is a meticulous dyeing process on silk or cotton. It involves tying and dying specific sections of threads to produce a symphony of shades, while keeping the tied portions untouched.
As these threads intertwine, they create a resplendent fabric, graced with pale motifs against a dark backdrop. The stole was presented in a Teak wood box, handcrafted by artisans from Gujarat.
Apart from handicrafts, PM also gifted the premium quality Araku Arabica Coffee from Andhara Pradesh and Pekoe Darjeeling & Nilgiri Tea- the two illustrious gems from India’s tea cultivation craft, epitomising the delicate art of tea cultivation and infusion.
