This Christmas, Goa is drawing attention not for grand parties or church decorations, but for a unique handmade Christmas tree crafted entirely from yarn. Instead of being bought, an 18-foot-tall crochet Christmas tree was lovingly woven by 25 women, using nothing more than wool, needles, and a shared purpose.
The tree is on display at the Museum of Goa, standing as a powerful symbol of collective effort, creativity, and community spirit. The initiative was led by the Crochet Collective, co-founded by artists Sheena Parera, Sharmila Majumdar, and Sophie Sivaraman, with the aim of expressing the true essence of Christmas—joy, peace, love, and hope—through an alternative artistic form.
The project took three months to complete. Women from different parts of Goa contributed by crocheting pieces from their own homes. Together, they created 1,000 unique crochet squares, which were later assembled into the towering tree. Most of the participants had never met each other before. Among them were working professionals, homemakers, and artists, all united by a single creative goal. Despite power cuts, monsoon humidity, and daily responsibilities, the women continued crocheting. Once a month, they gathered at one another’s homes to share tea, conversations, and progress, slowly turning strangers into companions.
When it was time to assemble the tree, the women met in person for the first time. Each square—different in color, pattern, and texture—was layered onto a metal frame without following any fixed design. The result was intentionally imperfect, reflecting life itself: uneven, unfinished, yet deeply beautiful. What began as an art installation soon evolved into a movement celebrating collaboration, trust, and the strength of women working together. The crochet Christmas tree is not just a festive decoration—it is a reminder that when people come together, creativity becomes collective, and art becomes a shared story of connection and hope.
