The regular Sunday of Bhopalites took a healthy turn as the last day of Anant Mahotsav, the first anniversary celebration of Anant Mandi—Bhopal’s Organic Farmers’ Market, was organised at Gandhi Bhavan.
The last day of the celebration witnessed a beautiful and diverse crowd from across the city.
Along with the farmers’ market, with a fresh range of organic products of over 25 stalls, the day started with a variety of engaging activities and new workshops to raise awareness among the community to adopt healthier and ecological practices.
A hands-on pottery workshop ‘Pottery and Sustainability’ facilitated by Shampa Shah and Basant Ram was organised where the participants gained knowledge about the art, history and significance of pottery. A workshop to understand health, ailments and its relation with happiness and healing called ‘Holistic Lifestyle for Healing’ facilitated by Shashi Bhushan was also organised.
As the crowd revelled, the food corner, ‘Sabki Rasoi’ got a great response this day as well. The homemade, organic, nutritious food items like Palak Idli, Sprouts Dosa, Sooji Khandwi,
At the Art Angan here, a series of paintings on the theme Ecological Diveristy were exhibited where a live painting and sketching session also took place.
What You Eat is How You Keep, a panel discussion with Sushmita Roy, Rashi Jain and Vineeta Mewade took place in the evening where the three health experts discussed about food choices, health, fitness and immunity.
Later in the evening, Jaipur’s Sahitya Project curated a poetry and storytelling event where various artists from across the city performed.
Over the last year, Anant Mandi has successfully created a small community of eco-conscious group of people, of farmers and young volunteers in association with Gandhi Bhavan.
As many as 17 Anant Mandis have been organised since last February. It is organised on the second and last Sunday of every month here where such diverse activities, workshops, cooking corners are regularly oragnised along with the organic farmers’ market to promote healthy living and sustainability in the community.