Wish-fulfilling tree, exhibitions highlight of Earth Day in Kolkata

Shopping for eco-friendly crafts fabricated from water hyacinth, making wishes in front of a replica of a red sandstone 'wish fulfilling tree' dating back to 2nd century B.C. and an exhibition of trees took centre stage at the 46th World Earth Day celebrations here.

At the Indian Museum, participants and visitors made a clay replica of the red sandstone artefact housed in the museum and painted and hung their wishes on the tree in line with this year's theme for World Earth Day which says 'Trees for Earth'.

The Botanical Survey of India put up an exhibition of trees at the museum's courtyard which was attended by people from all sections of society.

A nuisance for water bodies, water hyacinths were turned into beautiful containers and exhibited at the Maka Maka cafe here by Earth Crafts. The production of usable items from the fast-growing plant also serves as a livelihood source for rural men and women.

While a quiz and skits were organised on low carbon lifestyles at the Victoria Memorial, a concert on nature was showcased by the Calcutta School of Music.

--IANS

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