Culture and Fashion Star at Indian Charity Bazaar

2013 October 28. | Szerző:

Immersion in a piece of Indian culture is really only few steps away from home, right here in Jakarta.


Every year, the Indian Women’s Association organizes a charity bazaar, giving a chance for people in Jakarta to immerse themselves in a uniquely Indian atmosphere and be a part of the country’s rich and colorful traditions.


This year’s bazaar, recently held at JW Marriott in Mega Kuningan, South Jakarta, attracted over 1, 000 visitors. Inside, 167 neatly arranged tables provided products from India and elsewhere, featuring a big variety of jewelry, fabrics and traditional clothes.


“Every year our bazaar provides a very unique atmosphere enriched by a vast range of items — choices that are not easy to find outside,” said Gopi Panjabi, president of the association. “For example, among the items sold this year, there are special lights in honor of the upcoming Indian New Year, Diwali [on Sunday].”


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Panjabi explained that in addition to typically Indian products, the bazaar over the years had come to include items from around the world, such as Singapore and Pakistan, all under one roof.


Malaysian Zal Steinmeyer, owner of Zal’s Accessories, is a regular vendor at the Indian Women’s Association bazaar.


“It feels good to participate in charity bazaars,” Zal said. “It’s a right time to contribute in doing good for people in need. Today I am selling products from as far abroad as Afghanistan and Korea.”


The Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Gurjit Singh and his wife were also present. The bazaar, with an entrance fee of Rp. 50,000 ($4.55) and raffle tickets for Rp. 10,000 began in 2004 as an effort to raise funds for local charity organizations.


The proceeds are distributed to a broad range of organizations, including SLB Surya Wiyata, a school for special needs children and Pusaka 61, a center for supporting senior citizens.


The IWA also supports promising students on a monthly basis until their graduation from various universities across Jakarta, such as Gunadarma University and Mercu Buana University. Up to now, 100 students have graduated thanks to the association’s help, while thirty more students are currently on the payroll.


Charity bazaar lover Tess Pantoja always finds it interesting to buy items while supporting a good cause.


“Occasions like this are perfect to buy interesting and creative items and at the same time to do good,” said Pantoja, who is originally from the Philippines. “I’ve been living in Indonesia for 23 years and I am glad to find occasions where I can give back to the local people.”


Since its formation in 1975, the IWA has grown to include about 200 active members, 17 of whom were present on the day of the event, assisting visitors. The committee members were easily recognizable by their shawls, patterned with the Indian flag.


Count Me In, the volunteering arm of BeritaSatu Media Holdings, was also invited to join the bazaar, drumming up support for its “Drive Books, Not Cars” initiative by selling second hand English novels.


All proceeds go to benefit Sahabat Anak, which provides informal education for street kids, and Taman Bacaan Pelangi, committed to build libraries for children in remote parts of eastern Indonesia.


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