By Neha Kirpal
Pynche hosted its debut event, Forest Fusion: A Gastronomic and Artistic Journey, at Crashpad, Mangar, Faridabad, on the 9th and 10th of December, 2023. An art collaborative, PynChe is an initiative by Dalarympei Sabrina Kharmawphlang, Lamerphylla Damesha Kharsati and Maya-ika Lamar.
This one-of-a-kind event offered a transformative journey of self-discovery guided by themes of sustainability and environmental consciousness as well as the enchanting tales of the forest. Scattered across the Khasi hills are demarcated sacred groves where no one is allowed to go.
The objective was to create a distinctive and immersive therapeutic experience that seamlessly integrates the rich tapestry of forest folklore, the artistry of culinary creation and the expressive power of art.
“In this extraordinary adventure, the magic of the forest becomes a conduit for inner exploration creativity and holistic well-being,” explained Kharsati, a development sector professional with experience in research, program management, fundraising and communications across public-private partnerships, NGO and community development-led social enterprises.
The primary goal of the event was to foster a deep connection with nature, empower participants and the community through a multiple stimulating interactions with culinary mastery inspired by the sacred grove’s stories, encourage artistic self-expression, facilitate personal transformation and promote cultural appreciation through storytelling.
Participants were treated to a unique Japanese forest bathing experience in the Mangar forest, where they observed the silence of nature.
“We tend to separate ourselves from nature. Because of that, we treat nature as something else and misuse it. We need to be reminded of the fact that we are a part of nature, and so we should connect and communicate with the grass, trees, birds and animals,” said Lamar, a professionally trained art therapist with a deep commitment to healing and creative expression.At the end of the walk, a forest mural was created using various objects collected from the forest.
There was also an interactive cooking and dining session, in which people rediscovered the connection of the food we consume with nature. The menu was inspired by a folktale based on a sacred grove.The experience highlighted the fact that with the fast pace of life, many of us have completely lost touch with the thought of where our produce comes from.
“The act of picking vegetables from the garden, washing them and preparing them, takes us back to our roots with nature. It was fulfilling to observe diners discussing and sharing about the food they prepared and their curiosity about natural ingredients,” said Kharmawphlang, a culinary virtuoso with an extensive background in crafting exquisite menus and managing kitchen operations.
To enhance the experience, guests also enjoyed a musical interlude by Svaram Sound Experience Presents: Soundscapes (Auroville) and Annica Project, an experimental improvised sound journey that envisions bringing the energy of people and spaces into a musical expression. Furthermore, Crashpad offers an array of outdoor activities, including rock climbing and camping, complemented by delightful meals for guests.
This ensured that those seeking a complete two-day immersion had their every need catered to, ranging from the sensorial to the adventurous.Pynche’s next event will take place in Shillong in the spring of 2024.
