From Kashmiri Pashmina to Araku Coffee to Zighrana Ittar: List of gift hampers given to G20 leaders and their spouses | India News

Different heads of states & leaders representing their countries at the G20 summit in New Delhi got a special gift hamper from the government of India. The special hamper 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. 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,’ hindi word for a treasure chest, is a strong box made of solid old wood or metal, with a lid on top and embellishments all over. 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.

Red Gold: The saffron from Kashmir
Saffron (‘Zafran’ in Persian, ‘Kesar’ in Hindi) is the most exotic and expensive spice in the world. 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. Kashmiri Saffron stands as a true embodiment of exclusivity and exceptional quality. Its intense aromatic profile, vibrant color and unmatched potency sets it apart.

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.
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 and is renowned for its bright 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.
The coffee plants are cultivated by the valley’s farmers who grow the coffee naturally, without the use of machines or chemicals. 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 and a home to wild colonies of honeybees. 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.
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. 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.