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Armie Ugates
Doha
As the temperature in Doha drops, people are venturing outside for activities, or to just enjoy the good weather. At the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) park, tables and booths have popped up once more, signalling that the MIA park bazaar is back. People flock to these kinds of events because it's a nice way to spend time with family. Eating, shopping or just sitting out on the grass relaxing can be done all in one place.
Each year new vendors, food items, and products can be spotted in the line up of stalls and this year is no different. An Indian lady called Jayashree Samantaray, representing the Utkalika association in Doha, decided to set up her own booth at the bazaar this year. Since, it was her first outing at the MIA, she said she was unsure how she would be received. She came with only a small bag filled with a few items of merchandise and was glad when she was kindly guided to her own table."It's a very good way to reach people from all over the world. That is the best part. And I would like to show what we are offering from India," she said when asked why she decided to take part in the bazaar. She described the experience as exhilarating."I'm really impressed because I didn't know that it was such a big affair," she said.
"This is not just from any factory, all are hand-crafted," Samantaray said, as she described the items she had on sale. Her products consisted of pieces of jewellery made from brass, spoons made from cow or buffalo horn, wooden combs and a washroom set, and some other items made of shells. It was surprising to hear that some of the items were made from cow horn as it is common knowledge that cows are seen as sacred in India, but Samantaray explained that cow skin and horns are only used to make other items when the animal has passed on. This is because Indians believe that nothing should go to waste."They are all organic. From nature and will go back to nature," she added. An interesting titbit for those who don't know much about the culture!
Since Samantaray's main goal for joining the bazaar was to showcase items from India, she is selling her items at reasonable prices. They can be bought for personal use or can even be given as gifts. She said that she will be coming back prepared and bringing more items to sell in the coming days. Visit her stall if you are on the lookout for some unique, handmade gifts from India. The MIA park bazaar's current schedule is from 2 pm to 10 pm on Fridays and 12 pm to 8 pm on Saturdays.
