voco Jim Corbett, an IHG Hotel located in Jim Corbett National Park, emphasises its commitment to sustainability and community engagement this festive season. The hotel has collaborated with local Tharu craftswomen to create a unique Christmas tree made from responsibly sourced wild grass, symbolising respect for local traditions and artisan empowerment.
The handcrafted tree, which took 10 days to complete, incorporates materials such as wild lemon grass and date tree peels, adorned with colourful wool decorations. The project aimed to support the Tharu women, who were initially hesitant to participate, by providing them with assistance and encouragement. The initiative was celebrated with a tree lighting ceremony on December 20, 2024, attended by the Tharu women, their families, and hotel guests.
Commenting on this initiative, General Manager, Suprabhath Roy Chowdhury, said, “At voco Jim Corbett, our commitment to sustainability and community engagement is at the core of everything we do. As we celebrate the festive season and the end of an incredible year, we wanted to reflect our values through this initiative. This tree is not just a decoration—it is a story of sustainability, tradition, and the remarkable local craftsmanship. Convincing them to step out of their village was a challenge, but seeing their pride and artistry come alive in this project has been deeply rewarding. Our guests were extremely excited about this thoughtful creation, and their appreciation is a testament to the power of such meaningful initiatives.”