New Delhi: For the G20, Heads of States & Leaders representing their countries, got a special gift hamper as gift. It comprised of a curated compilation of handcrafted artefacts and products, which speak volumes about Bharat’s rich cultural traditions. Some of the products are the product of centuries of tradition & cherished across the world for their unparalleled workmanship and quality. These were meticulously created by the hands of Master Craftsmen. Some products are the result of the unique bio-diversity of our country.
The hamper had the following products:
Treasured Traditions: Sheeshamwood Sandook with Brass Patti
‘Sandook’ is the Hindi word for a treasure chest. 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 an epitome of exquisite workmanship.
This Sandook has been hand crafted using Sheesham (Indian Rosewood), which is valued for its strength, durability, distinctive grain patterns and rich color. The brass patti (strip) is delicately etched and embedded on to the wood, transforming the piece into a masterpiece of visual delight and tactile splendor. It is worthy of being treasure on its own, besides storing other treasures within.
Red Gold: The Saffron from Kashmir
Saffron (‘Zafran’ in Persian, ‘Kesar’ in Hindi) is the most exotic and expensive spice in the world. Across cultures and civilizations, saffron has been valued for its unparalleled culinary and medicinal value.
It is a treasure of nature, both rare and enticing. Each strand of it comprises of the stigma of ‘Saffron Crocus’. The stigma’s crimson hue holds the concentrated essence of sun-soaked days and cool nights. Cultivating saffron is a very labor-intensive process. It requires the delicate hand-harvesting of thousands of flowers (each flower contains three crimson stigmas) to yield a mere ounce of the spice.
Kashmiri Saffron stands as a true embodiment of exclusivity and exceptional quality. Its intense aromatic profile, vibrant color and unmatched potency sets it apart. This is due to the crisp air, abundant sunlight and well-drained soil of Kashmir, which yields saffron with a higher concentration of essential oils.
Apart from being a luxurious and sought after culinary spice, Saffron is abundantly rich in antioxidants and provides many health benefits.
The Champagne of Teas: Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea
Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea are two illustrious gems from Bharat’s tea tapestry, epitomizing 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. These nuances, along with the soil’s unique character get reflected in the highly aromatic and invigorating cup that comes to your table.
Nilgiri Tea comes from the most spectacular mountain range in South Bharat. Cultivated amidst the mountains’ lush terrain at an elevation of 1000-3000 ft. The tea is relatively mild. At the same time, it is renowned for its bright and brisk liquor and clean flavour. It is a preferred choice for lemon of iced tea.
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.
The coffee plants are cultivated by the valley’s farmers who farm the land in complete harmony with nature. They 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/beans directly from a farmer’s house.
Pure Arabica with a rare aromatic profile, Araku Coffee is known for its unique texture and a symphony of flavors that makes for a smooth, well-balanced cup.
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 Ganges, 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 the honeycombs from the wilderness. This tradition of beehive hunting is still practised among the people of Sundarbans.
The distinct and rich flavor 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 fibers using age-old processes. The result is a light, warm and intricate shawl that embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
In ancient courts, Pashmina was used as an indicator of rank and nobility. The fabric was an integral part of the rituals of bestowing honor upon anyone.
Every piece of clothing made using Pashmina is a rare amalgamation – of craftsmanship, of exclusivity, of legend and of style.
A Fragrant Story: Zighrana Ittar
Zighrana Ittar is 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. Skillfully 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.
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 alchemical journey culminates in Zighrana Ittar – a fragrant symphony that resonates with the rich heritage of Kannauj. Some niche and artisanal perfumes also incorporate Ittar into their creations, for its unique and natural scent profile.
Zighrana Ittar transcends time, conjuring up images of ancient bazaars and royal courts, where once its scent graced the air.
Gift for the Head of States and Leaders by Prime Minister
Khadi Scarf
Originated from India, khadi is an eco-friendly clothing material most beloved for its beautiful texture and versatility throughout the seasons. It can be spun into life from cotton, silk, jute or wool. It is also one of the most important symbols of India’s freedom struggle. In fact, its name was coined by Mahatma Gandhi himself.
The rural artisans of India, comprising 70% women, handspin and hand-weave these intricate threads into the ultimate fashion statements adorned across the globe. From its beginnings on the spinning wheel during India’s independence movement to today being a marker of high quality and luxury, khadi has been epitomizing sustainable fashion for decades.
Coin Box
To commemorate India’s G20 Presidency, the Prime Minister of India released special G20 postage stamps and coins on 26 July 2023. The G20 India Stamps and Coins were released during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The designs of both the coins and stamps draw inspiration from India’s G20 Logo and theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future’. The two Postage Stamps of denomination 20 each, celebrate India’s G20 Presidency period from 1 December 2022-30 November 2023. The first G20 Commemorative Postage Stamp demonstrates togetherness and the collective will of G20 members to achieve inclusive, decisive and action-oriented outcomes under India’s Presidency.
The second G20 Commemorative Stamp, rendered in gold colour, represents India’s diversity, inclusiveness and rich cultural heritage. It takes inspiration from the lotus, the national flower of India, as represented in India’s G20 Presidency Logo. Also marking this milestone of India’s G20 Presidency, two G20 Commemorative Coins of denominations 75 and 100 were released by the Prime Minister.
The denominations of these coins signify the completion of 75 years of India’s Independence, and the beginning of ‘AmritKaal’, India’s journey towards 100 years of its freedom. The designs of the G20 commemorative coins are stylised renditions of India’s G20 logo and theme with each coin made of a quaternary alloy of silver, nickel, zinc & copper.
Gift for the Spouse of President of Argentina by Prime Minister
Banarasi Silk Stole in Ebony Jali box
Banarasi silk stoles are India’s elegant treasures. Handcrafted in Varanasi, they’re soft like dreams. Luxurious silk threads create intricate patterns, reflecting the city’s cultural richness and its weaving heritage.
Banarasi silk stoles are adored for weddings and special occasions. They add a regal grace to the wearer. Their shimmering texture and vibrant hues make them coveted fashion accessories. Whether draped over shoulders or worn as headscarves, these stoles exude timeless charm. A ‘Banarsi’ is one of the most prized possessions in the wardrobe of every well dressed woman in the sub continent.
The stole is presented in a Ebony wood Jali box, which has been handcrafted by artisans of Kerala using delicate lattice or ‘Jali’ work, on the extremely dense and fine textured Indian ebony wood.
Gift for the Spouse of Prime Minister of Australia by Prime Minister
KASHMIRI PASHMINA STOLE in Papier Mache box
This Kashmiri Pashmina stole has many enchanting stories woven into its fabric. The wool is obtained by combing (and not shearing) the undercoat of specific Himalayan goats. Skilled artisans hand-spin, weave, and embroider their delicate fibers using age-old processes. The result is a light, warm and intricate stole that embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
For centuries, Pashmina has been a symbol of royalty. From being the favourite of empresses to adorning the modern fashionista. The exquisite elegance and feel of these stoles have been adored by women across generations.
The stole is 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.
Gift for the Spouse of President of Brazil by Prime Minister
KASHMIRI PASHMINA STOLE in Papier Mache box
This Kashmiri Pashmina stole has many enchanting stories woven into its fabric. The wool is obtained by combing (and not shearing) the undercoat of specific Himalayan goats. Skilled artisans hand-spin, weave, and embroider their delicate fibers using age-old processes. The result is a light, warm and intricate stole that embodies timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
For centuries, Pashmina has been a symbol of royalty. From being the favourite of empresses to adorning the modern fashionista. The exquisite elegance and feel of these stoles have been adored by women across generations.
The stole is 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.
Gift for the Spouse of President of Indonesia by Prime Minister
ASSAM STOLE IN KADAM WOOD BOX
Assam stoles are traditional pieces of clothing woven in the northeastern state of Assam. This stole has been crafted by skilled artisans using Muga silk. These stoles are known for their intricate designs and motifs that often draw inspiration from the region’s natural surroundings, often showcasing elements like the flora and fauna. Assam stoles are not just garments; they embody the rich cultural heritage of the Assamese people and their weaving traditions.
Draping an Assam stole isn’t just donning clothing – it’s embracing a glorious cultural heritage and artistic legacy.
This stole is presented in a Kadam wood box. Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is considered auspicious in Indian culture and features in Indian religions and mythologies. This box has been handcrafted by the artisans of Karnataka.
Gift for the Spouse of Prime Minister of Japan by Prime Minister
KANJIVARAM STOLE IN KADAM WOOD JALI BOX
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. Kanjivaram stole is handcrafted from pure mulberry silk threads, by skilled weavers who have inherited the tradition and techniques from their ancestors. It is a very durable and strong fabric. At the same time, it exudes a queenly elegance, sophistication and grace.
This stole is presented in a Kadam wood Jali box. Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is considered auspicious in Indian culture and features in Indian religions and mythologies. This box has been handcrafted with ‘Jali’ or lattice work by the artisans of Kerala.
Gift for the Spouse of Prime Minister of United Kingdom by Prime Minister
BANARASI STOLE IN KADAM WOOD BOX
Banarasi silk stoles are India’s elegant treasures. Handcrafted in Varanasi, they’re soft like dreams. Luxurious silk threads create intricate patterns, reflecting the city’s cultural richness and its weaving heritage.
Banarasi silk stoles are adored for weddings and special occasions. They add a regal grace to the wearer. Their shimmering texture and vibrant hues make them coveted fashion accessories. Whether draped over shoulders or worn as headscarves, these stoles exude timeless charm. A ‘Banarsi’ is one of the most prized possessions in the wardrobe of every well dressed woman in the sub continent.
This stole is presented in a Kadam wood box. Kadam (Burflower tree) wood is considered auspicious in Indian culture and features in Indian religions and mythologies. This box has been handcrafted by the artisans of Karnataka.
Gift for the Spouse of Prime Minister of Mauritius by Prime Minister
IKKAT STOLE IN TEAK WOOD BOX
A timeless masterpiece created by the artisans of Odisha – this is 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. Precision is the heart of this art. Originating in the 12th century when artisans migrated from Gujarat, the legacy of Odisha Ikat endures and thrives.
The stole is presented in a Teak wood box, It has been handcrafted by artisans of Gujarat using the hardy and durable teak wood.
