Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 24: In a heartening display of community spirit and creativity, 25 women crocheters from across Goa have come together to craft a towering 18-foot Christmas tree made entirely of crochet work, marking a unique festive celebration rooted in tradition and collaboration.

The initiative took shape in August after a single crocheter floated an idea on a WhatsApp group. The response was overwhelming, drawing participation from women of diverse backgrounds, including bankers, teachers, retirees, home-based entrepreneurs, and homemakers, aged between their 30s and 60s.

Over a span of three months, the crochet collective met at the residence of one of the participants, where each woman contributed handcrafted squares. While the colour combinations varied, the design pattern remained uniform, resulting in nearly 1,000 crochet squares. To enhance the festive charm, the women also created delicate white crochet snowflakes.

Once completed, the squares were meticulously assembled around a metal frame to give shape to the towering Christmas tree. The handcrafted installation has now found a permanent place of display at a museum in Pilerne, drawing admiration from visitors.

Crochet, derived from the French word meaning ‘small hook’, is a traditional craft involving the creation of textiles by interlocking loops of yarn using a hooked needle. In Goa, the craft holds cultural significance, with crochet items traditionally gifted by newly-wed brides to their marital homes and treasured as heirlooms of affection.