The 2009 International Year of Natural Fibres was the focus of UN Day celebrations in India, organized by the UN Information Centre. Through a creative display of natural fibre objects and artifacts, with live demonstrations by six groups of crafts persons from across India, the linkage between natural fibres and rural communities was powerfully established.

Creative display of natural fibre objects and artifacts, with live demonstrations by six groups

of crafts persons from across India.

UN logo rendered in banana stem by artisans from Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh.

At the event, UNIC Director Shalini Dewan addressed the audience highlighting the importance of natural fibres in transforming lives.

UNIC published a booklet elaborating how natural fibres help communities

reach the MDGs.

Women from Uttaranchal creating products from hemp.

Tabla, jal tarang and flute performance.

Basket weavers from Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh.

Date palm leaf craftsman from Haryana.

Patrice Coeur-Bizot, the new UN Resident Coordinator, addressed the gathering.

Weaver from Uttaranchal.

The UN Day reception was well-attended by diplomats, government and civil society partners and the media.