Delhi's diplomatic enclave was bathed in festive spirit as the historic residence of the British High Commissioner opened its gardens for the annual Tamana Winter Carnival. The event, held recently, transformed the scenic grounds into a vibrant winter marketplace, offering a unique blend of holiday shopping, gourmet delights, and a powerful message of social inclusion.
A Festive Garden Market with a Heart
Adorned in traditional Christmas colours of red and green, complete with ornaments and mistletoe, the venue provided a picturesque backdrop. Stalls showcased an array of seasonal goods, from warm wool jackets and Christmas stockings to luxurious home decor and fragrances. The classic holiday atmosphere was enhanced by imported nutcrackers, reindeer figurines, and pine trees.
However, the carnival's core mission extended far beyond commerce. It served as a significant platform for empowerment, prominently featuring stalls managed by individuals with different abilities.
Empowerment Through Enterprise
A key highlight was the presence of organisations like the Delhi Foundation of Deaf Women. Snigdha Sharma, representing the foundation, explained their participation. "We offer handicraft, tailoring, and beautician courses for deaf women to help them become independent," she said. "This is our second time here, and it helps fund our foundation since our courses are free." Their stall sold handmade cloth bags and decorative items, turning creativity into sustainable livelihood.
The chief guest, Rachna Golchha, President of the Police Family Welfare Society, lauded the host NGO, Tamana. "Tamana's contributions over the years have been transformative," she stated. She highlighted their specialised schools, autism services, life-skill development programmes, and therapeutic interventions that focus on the inherent strength of every child.
A Celebration of Community and Inclusion
Inaugurating the festive gathering, British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron expressed her delight in continuing the tradition of hosting the carnival. "It's wonderful to have you all here in my garden, among so many friends and colleagues I've met over the last 18 months in Delhi," she remarked.
Speaking about Tamana, she added, "It has set high standards in special education and vocational training. This is truly an event of creativity and community, and a reminder to all of us of the importance of inclusion." The High Commissioner, seen wearing an Indian woollen jacket, also praised the diverse stalls and expressed her fondness for Indian fashion.
Dr. Shayama Chona, President of Tamana, shared a light-hearted observation about the venue's appeal. "When you have a programme like this, most people are actually coming to the British High Commissioner’s residence more than the carnival. They want to peep in, see where you live, what the garden is like, and feel very honoured to be here," she said with a laugh.
Attendees like Seema Chopra, who travels from Punjab for the event, underscored its personal impact. "I've been coming to this carnival since I was a young girl. I like supporting these children – they need our love and support. That’s the primary reason I'm here," she shared.
The carnival also catered to culinary tastes, featuring international cuisines and Christmas favourites. From cakesicles and chocolate-dipped strawberries to healthier options like grilled mushrooms, Italian caprese salad, and the quintessential plum cake, there was something for every palate.
The Tamana Winter Carnival successfully wove together the threads of festive joy, conscious consumerism, and a steadfast commitment to creating an inclusive society, making it a cherished annual event on Delhi's social calendar.
