NEW DELHI: New Delhi is known as a cultural hub, where fairs and festivals of all kinds are held nearly every day.
One such recent event had a special theme: raising awareness of the country's natural heritage.
The 15-day "Green Haat" saw participants from across India showcase a variety of non-timbre forest produce.
Goods on display ranged from wild grains, chillies and spices to medicinal plants, herbal preparations, and honey. Also on display were furniture and accessories made from bamboo and other wild plants.
One of the aims of this initiative, launched by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, was to highlight the traditional knowledge of India's forest communities.
A participant of "Green Haat", only known as Bobby, said: "It's important because the things you get from the hills and jungles aren't available in the cities. Things from the jungles are pure, there's nothing like it in the cities."
Another goal of "Green Haat" was demonstrating how preserving biodiversity could be an important economic activity.
A participant noted that a plant that stops soil erosion in the hilly areas could also be used as a source of fibre to make unique accessories.
Participant Sandip Khandwal said: "Since we found that there are possibilities in making other products from this fibre, Rambans fibre, we started designing and making sheets of this fibre, and then we made bags, folders, caps... clutches also."
For many, the fair was an eye-opener to India's natural heritage.
Some said they did not know enough about the variety of produce that could be sourced from forests, and were glad to learn from those who did.
Anu Kamran, a visitor, said: "(A participant) told me about some plants, which are very beneficial for the heart, and which are also very beneficial for cough and cold, which we can grow in our house, and in our kitchen garden, or even in our pots."
Participants were happy there was a high level of interest in and appreciation for their products.
Bobby said: "A lot of people have come, and we have received a lot of support from them. Many said that what we are doing is a good thing, and the things we were showing them were very nice."
Visitors to the fair were also treated to dramatic presentations on environmental themes, like a street play presented by a group of schoolchildren.
Both visitors and participants have pointed out the importance of fairs like "Green Haat", which bring a side of India not often seen to the heart of the capital city.
- CNA/xq
India holds showcase to raise awareness on natural heritage
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India holds showcase to raise awareness on natural heritage
