Palmyra Fruit Festival at AUW: A vibrant celebration of culture, sustainability, innovation

The Asian University for Women (AUW) campus in Chittagong transformed into a lively celebration of culture and sustainability during the highly anticipated day-long Palmyra Fruit Festival 2024 yesterday (15 September).

Drawing over 500 participants, the festival highlighted the cultural significance and eco-friendly potential of the Palmyra tree, symbolizing AUW's commitment to sustainability, community empowerment, and cross-cultural exchange.

The event was officially inaugurated by Dr. Fatima Mary Sidotam, AUW's dean of students, along with a group of inspiring women from Sitakundu, a neighboring area actively involved in environmental preservation.

This year's festival featured eco-entrepreneurs from AUW's Palmyra plantation site, showcasing innovative palm-based products that spotlighted sustainable business practices, creativity, and local craftsmanship, according to a press release from AUW.

A standout display in the festival captured the full potential of the Palmyra fruit, utilising every part—skin, pulp, fibers, and seeds—to create both edible and non-edible products. Visitors marveled at the diverse range of foods, handicrafts, and saplings produced, underscoring the tree's remarkable versatility and its potential for fostering sustainable industries.

This year's event took on added significance by featuring local women from Sitakundu and AUW students involved in the Green Bangle Project. Supported by the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation, the initiative plants Palmyra trees along Sitakundu Gulia Khali Beach, promoting reforestation and environmental conservation.

Their involvement emphasised the critical role of women in environmental preservation and climate change mitigation, further reinforcing the message of sustainability.

The festival also showcased saplings of Palmyra palm, Sugardate palm, and Portia tree, developed through a collaboration between AUW's Green Bangle nursery and women from Sitakundu. Presented in eco-friendly Palmyra bags, these saplings were a tangible reminder of the collective effort needed to combat climate change.

Adding an academic dimension, AUW students presented an exciting array of research projects and posters. The innovative displays included facial creams and bio-enzymes made from Palmyra fruit, natural coloring for fibers, and even a periodic table game crafted from Palmyra leaves.

These presentations, exploring the cultural and environmental importance of the Palmyra tree across Southeast Asia, sparked discussion on sustainability and climate action among festival attendees.

The international flavor of the festival was further highlighted by culinary contributions from students hailing from Nepal, East Timor, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Showcasing 20 different dishes, the students combined traditional and modern approaches to celebrate the Palmyra fruit's culinary versatility.

One of the most captivating moments of the day was the musical and dance performances by the AUW Dance Club. The spontaneous flash mobs, themed around Mother Nature, blended the sounds of traditional drums and the joy of cultural exchange, filling the air with energy and excitement.

A special address by Professor Mosae Selvakumar compared male and female Palmyra trees, noting the female tree's role as the primary source of fruit and other essential resources. This poignant comparison echoed broader societal themes, emphasizing women's vital yet often underappreciated contributions to both agricultural and economic development.

The festival's success was also a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple AUW organizations, including the AUW Art Club, Environmental Science Club, and Waste Management Club, among others. Under the leadership of Dr. Mosae, the event was expertly organized by students Shaika Mohammad Chowdhury, Samiha Zarin Ava, and Iffat Mahjabin, ensuring the day's smooth execution.

As the sun set on this vibrant day, it became clear that the Palmyra Fruit Festival 2024 had gone beyond celebration—it had built stronger connections between sustainability, culture, and community.

The festival embodied AUW's vision of fostering eco-conscious global citizens through its innovative exhibits, performances, and research. With anticipation already growing for next year's event, the Palmyra Fruit Festival has solidified its place as one of AUW's most cherished and impactful traditions.