What better way to bring smiles to the faces of people in the midst of this sweltering summer than to throw a party? And not just any party — an Aam Party! And that exactly what Rupam Kumar did this Sunday.
She organised an event at a family-owned farm about 30 km from the city to give expats and locals an opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature. People of all groups participated in activities such as pottery, animal care activities, terrace gardening, and seed bombing. Most exciting of all, they were allowed to pluck their own mangoes and take them home at subsidised rate.
“People are always busy on their phones. No one has time to respect or thank nature for the essential gifts it gives us. The first time I organised an Aam Party, was for my family. I observed that my kids and relatives were so engrossed in the activities that they did not even glance at their phones. And I thought — why don’t I share this with other people as well?”
People checking out different varieties of mangoes at the farm.
Rupam wants to inculcate a feeling of gratitude towards the environment, especially among members of the younger generation, by organising fun events and activities that put them in touch with nature.
The theme of this edition of the Aam Party was anti-plastic. The party venue was decorated with recycled trash items such as painted tyres, water bottles, and old jeans. Children were educated, through videos, about the harmful effects of plastic on marine wildlife.
expats who participated at the day-long event.
Needless to say, the part that they looked forward to most eagerly was the mango-plucking. Children and adults were both equally excited about choosing their own Alphonso and Kesar mangoes right off the trees. It was an enriching experience for the foreign visitors as well.
Event coordinator Pamela Nair Cherayath said that at least 100 expats participated in the event. “They saw the richness of India, and were really happy after plucking the mangoes. They are planning to take them back to their home countries to enjoy them with their families.” One such expat, Kate, said, “My family and I enjoyed the Aam party. We got some fresh air and fresh mangoes.”
Agasthya and Rupam.
Manuja Shiv, who isn’t much of a nature lover, said that it was her first time participating in such an event, and she had the best day. Priya, another one of the participants, said, “My children had a ball! And the way the organisers educated the kids about nature and animals is commendable.”
A different kind of Aam Party.
The event also introduced people to new activities that they could take up as hobbies. Aman Bharadwaj said that he developed an interest in gardening after participating in kokedama, a Japanese method of planting trees. Sticking to the theme of the event, former MasterChef India contestant Danishi Bhagat, catered a meal that was completely organic and served in non-polluting containers.
“I am here because of my love for nature and food. When I was told about the theme of the event, I decided to do it without thinking twice, because I wanted to give back to nature,” she said.
