AN EVENT at Winnersh Community Centre brought together small businesses and traders, and celebrated twin festivals of light: Diwali, and Bandi Chhor Divas.
Organised by Kam Bhogal, the pop-up Kollections Market offered a range of festival associated clothes, foods, decorations and fragrances.
Ms Bhogal, said: “There was a constant flow of people, and we had great feedback.
“Visitors said how lovely it was to see a market like this, which we’ve never had here before, and how much they enjoyed chatting with the contributors.
“There were lots of small businesses there, and author Bharti Dhir, came along to sell copies of her book, Worth.
“The event was a big success.”
Ms Bhogal set up the event not only to mark the festivals, but to give small businesses an opportunity to showcase their hidden talents.
More than 20 traders took part, with items for sale including: traditional jewellery, suits, festival garments from , scented candles, hoodies, and celebration garlands.
Garments were available from Svaakriti Sarees, and jewellery from Proper Patola Accessories.
Shinfield-based North Indian restaurant The Six Bells provided fresh doughnuts and ice-creams, while Kandy Company served a range of sweets.
“And there was plenty of traditional Indian tea, from Tee’s Tea,” said Ms Bhogal.
“The Punjabi Kitchen served chaat, and they ran out of food, which tells you how popular their dish was.”
Ms Bhogal is passionate about community, and plans to hold more events like this.
“The next attraction will be another multicultural pop-up market, this time highlighting Chinese New Year, and Christmas,” she said.
“I’d like to thank my family for supporting this venture, especially my son Rajvir, who helped to promote the event with his creative fliers.”
The next Kollections Market will take place at Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Sindlesham, on Saturday, December 9 from 2.30pm until 5.30pm.
For more information, call: 07947 813755, email: kam_bhogal@yahoo.com, or search Instagram for Kollections.18
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