All for charity

The international annual fundraiser was chock-a-block with global delicacies, attires, home decor items, artifacts and more. By Kritika Dua

Globe on a platter— Chicken drumstick from Bangladesh, Doner Kebab and Baklava from Turkey, Irish coffee from Ireland or Czech beer. From local Canadian food produce to garments and handicrafts from Nordic countries were part of the annual fundraiser by Delhi Commonwealth Women’s Association. The cultural mela had an array of traditional food and unique garb where people belonging to diverse cultures and communities came together to put up kiosks under one umbrella. Around 45 embassies and high commissions participated in the 29th edition of the International Bazaar. There were a lot of options to eat, drink and shop from. It was divided into two sections — one had stalls from varied countries including Bangladesh, Syria, Canada, Russia, China, Vietnam, Palestine and Morocco and on the opposite side were stalls by local entrepreneurs, NGO’s, booths selling footwear, clothes and pre-owned books and even a kids corner with rides. Along with competitions and lucky draws where airplane tickets and gift hampers were up for grabs. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep and operations of DWCA’s charity initiatives including a medical centre in Zamrudpur near Greater Kailash that offers subsidised medical treatments to destitute families.

Karima Kaderi, wife of Morocco’s high commissioner and chairperson of DCWA International Bazaar Committee said, “I am glad and fortunate to be a part of this noble initiative. The people here are warm and welcoming. We have displayed scented candles, fessi embroidered table napkins, multipurpose bags, argan oil and Morocco’s traditional dress — Djellaba, a long, loose embroidered garment with full sleeves. Along with, Couscous — a Maghrebi dish of small steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina and Pastilla — a pie with sweet and salty flavour.” She added that the proceeds will help the needy and the underprivileged to make their dreams and aspirations a reality.

The Czech Republic kiosk had the renowned Czech beer, Aperitiv and Becherovka — a herbal bitters, often drunk as a digestive aid. Along with handcrafted Preciosa crystal jewellery incorporating traditional Czech beads and seed beads. Jarmila Hovorkova, wife of Czech Republic high commissioner and chairperson of DCWA International Bazaar Committee asserted, “The atmosphere is wonderful with so many people coming in and trying the Czech beer and Becherovka that has 13 herbs. And women adorning the pride of my country — Preciosa jewellery. This  bazaar encourages global community spirit that goes beyond boundaries.”

The matryo-shka (little matron) dolls welcomed us at the Russian stall. The Russian nesting doll was presented in the form of key chains, magnets and pen. The vibrant hand painted Rushnyk — a ritual cloth embroidered with Russian symbols, motifs and cryptograms. “We have Russian stoles and shawls from Pavlovsky Posad  which are designed by craft painters who does block printing on wool.  For food aficionados, we have the widely popular Russian pancakes called Blini made from buckwheat flour and served with sour cream, quark, butter, caviar, salmon or apple. It can be gulped down with Russian vodka or Kvass, a soft drink commonly made from rye bread.” The dessert section also had Medovik, a layered cake with honey and condensed milk.

The Bangladeshi stall had chicken biryani, shingara, chicken drumstick and more. Tuhfa Zaman Ali, wife of Bangladesh High Commissioner and President of DCWA mentioned, “We invited around 45 embassies to be a part of this bazaar. The 65-year-old association cum international community is managed by ladies who dedicate their time and energy into it. The scale of work ranges from the medical centre to a learning centre for slum children and a tailoring certificate course. The medical centre offers almost free aid, having doctors from reputed hospitals who are happy to volunteer for the upliftment of the downtrodden.The slum children receive tutorials at the learning centre. We skill the women by offering a three month certificate course in tailoring on a negligible fee.  They can opt for the advanced course of six months if they are interested in further learning the craft. The association also conducts certain awareness workshops focusing on sanitation and hygeine.”