Bengaluru: A 25-foot-tall eco-friendly Christmas tree made entirely from old and torn sarees has been installed at the Primrose Mar Thoma Church this festive season, reinforcing the congregation’s long-standing commitment to sustainable celebrations.
Choir members lead sustainable initiative
The unique Christmas tree has been created by members of the church choir, who collected discarded sarees from within the congregation. These sarees were then carefully fixed onto metal wire frames of varying sizes to give the structure its towering shape and layered appearance. The effort highlights how creativity and community participation can transform waste materials into meaningful festive décor.
According to church members, the initiative is aimed at spreading awareness that celebrations need not rely on plastic or store-bought decorations. Instead, locally available materials lying unused in homes can be repurposed in imaginative and environmentally responsible ways.
A tradition that began in 2008
What started as a small experiment in 2008 has now become an annual tradition at the church. That year, the Christmas tree was made using discarded plastic bottles and old tyres. Encouraged by the response, the congregation decided to continue the practice every year using different waste or recyclable materials.
Over the years, the church has showcased a wide range of innovative ideas. In 2009, video tapes and plastic bags were used, followed by dry vegetables and grasses in 2010. Jacquard loom cards formed the tree in 2011, newspapers in 2012, and used plastic covers in 2013. Soft drink bottles were utilised in 2014, while cloth scraps sourced from tailors and garment units were used in 2015.
Innovative materials used over the years
The tradition has evolved with increasing emphasis on sustainability and collaboration. In 2017, the tree was crafted using straw and coconut shells, while in 2019, shredded paper sourced from a printing unit was used. During 2020, reject materials from a furniture edge-banding tape manufacturer were incorporated, highlighting industrial waste reuse.
In 2021, the church combined aluminium foil, carton boxes and newspapers, while bamboo strips were used in 2022. On several occasions, industries have partnered with the church by donating waste materials, strengthening the message of responsible consumption and recycling.
Message of responsible celebrations
Church representatives said the eco-friendly Christmas tree is not just a decorative installation but also an educational statement. By showcasing how waste can be transformed into art, the church hopes to inspire individuals and institutions to rethink their consumption patterns, especially during festive seasons that often see a spike in waste generation.
The initiative also aligns with growing calls from churches and environmental groups for greener celebrations that reduce the ecological footprint of festivals.
Open invitation to the public
The church has extended an open invitation to the general public to visit and experience the festive decorations. Organisers believe that seeing the tree up close will help spread awareness about sustainable practices and encourage more people to adopt eco-friendly alternatives in their own celebrations.
Conclusion
With its saree-made Christmas tree, the Primrose Mar Thoma Church continues to demonstrate that tradition, creativity and environmental responsibility can coexist. The initiative stands as a reminder that meaningful celebrations do not require excess, but thoughtful reuse and community effort.