Apart from the multi-million deals and diplomatic high-fives, heads of states and leaders representing their respective countries also got a bumper hamper while on their return back home from Delhi. The hamper comprised a compilation of handcrafted artefacts and products reflective of India’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s what the world leaders got in their special hampers
Hand-crafted using Sheesham or Indian rosewood, the sandook is valued for its strength, durability, distinctive grain patterns and rich colour. The brass patti or strip has been carefully etched and embedded on to the wood
The hamper given to G20 leaders included saffron or zafran from Kashmir. Saffron is expensive due to its extremely labour-intensive cultivating process since it entails hand-harvesting of thousands of flower to get a mere ounce of the spice
Continue viewing BT Visual Story
Catch the latest business news, share market updates, expert analysis and exclusives only on BTTV.in
Kashmiri saffron is special due to its intense aromatic profile, vibrant color and potency. Kashmiri saffron has a higher concentration of essential oils compared to other iterations of the spice. Apart from being a luxurious and much sought-after spice, saffron is abundantly rich in antioxidants and provides many health benefits
In ancient courts, Pashmina shawls indicated rank and nobility. The fabric was an integral part of the rituals of bestowing honour on anyone. The word Pashmina comes from the Persian word Pashm, which means wool. In Kashmiri, it refers to the raw unspun wool of the Changthangi goat. The Changthangi goat is the world’s most unique goat found only at a height of 14,000 feet above sea level
The wool to make a great Pashmina shawl is collected by combing the undercoat of the goat, for which skilled artisans hand-spin, weave and embroider delicate fibers using age-old processes
Zighrana Ittar is an essential oil derived from botanical sources made in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj city. To make the best Zighrana Ittar, artisans gather rare blossoms like jasmine and roses at dawn when their fragrance is the most potent
The world leaders also got two types of tea—Pekoe Darjeeling and Nilgiri Tea in their gift hampers. While Darjeeling tea is the most valued tea in the world, Nilgiri tea comes from the mountain ranges of south India. Darjeeeling tea is highly aromatic whereas Nilgiri tea is relatively mild and renowned for its bright and brisk flavour
Not only tea, heads of state and world leaders representing their countries at G20 also got Araku Coffee from Andhra Pradesh in their hampers. Grown on plantations in Andhra Pradesh’s Araku Valley, Araku Coffee is the world’s first terroir mapped coffee. The coffee is known for its unique texture and smooth taste
Coming from the largest mangrove forest in the world, Sundarbans Multifora Mangrove Honey has a distinct and rich flavour profile. The honey from Sundarbans comprises nectar of mangrove flowers like Khalisha, Bani and Garan to create a balance of sweet and earthy flavours
The Sundarbans Multifora Mangrove Honey is less viscous than other types of honey. Besides being naturally made, the honey is high in flavonoids and provides several health benefits