At ITC Sonar, to pay tribute to the age-old shola craft of West Bengal, a Shola Christmas Tree has been set up at ITC Sonar. This is a wonderful blend of traditional elements with contemporary design.

The Shola plant grows wild in the marshy areas of Sundarbans. It has a hard outer bark and an inner core that is soft and milky-white. This spongy, malleable Shola is intricately crafted into delicate figures, artefacts, and ornaments. It is used traditionally for adorning and embellishing. The Shola headgear of a bridal couple is an essential element in a Bengali marriage.

Snowflake alpona adorns the floor as a golden snowflake forms the
star atop the tree. Traditionally woven ‘gamchas’ decorate the festive gift boxes beside the tree.

At ITC Royal Bengal, the 19th-century Dutch-Bengal style
of Patachitra art is being showcased through the hand-painted tree by local artist Soumyadeep Roy.  The tree is a visualization of the traditional Nativity Scene, depicting the birth of Jesus. Through vibrant colors and a dynamic style – this tree illustrates people from across the world coming together to join in the celebrations of this festive season.