/local-samosal/media/media_files/2025/01/20/3KfuyEMH1uNmMpbdXu7r.jpg)
The World Trade Center in Mumbai recently hosted the much-anticipated debut of Daakroom – The Letter Writing Carnival, an event presented by JK Paper Ltd and supported by India Post and Local Samosa partnered for the event. Following several successful editions across Northern India, this carnival brought an exciting blend of nostalgia and creativity to Mumbai. Attendees were invited to revisit the time-honoured tradition of handwritten letters in an event that offered a vibrant atmosphere where generations could come together and experience the warmth of personal, handwritten communication.
A standout feature of the event was the immersive Writing Zone, where participants could explore a walk-in post office. This nostalgic experience was enhanced with a real letterbox and postmen riding bicycles through the venue, bringing a sense of authenticity to the carnival. Visitors were encouraged to engage in interactive experiences, including vintage letter scrolls sealed with wax, live calligraphy, caricature sketches, and handwriting analysis. These activities offered creative outlets while celebrating the beauty of handwritten letters, sparking meaningful connections and conversations.
The carnival also offered an array of activities contributed by various partners, making it a dynamic celebration of creativity. The Paper Craft Zone, hosted by JK Paper, provided a space for children to engage in origami, mask-making, and a unique colouring activity for blind students. Pentel’s Best Handwriting Competition celebrated the art of penmanship, with prizes recognising participants' elegant handwriting. The event also featured a Cycling Zone by Avanti, which focused on outdoor play and digital detox, with premium bicycles up for grabs. Families enjoyed storytelling sessions by Amar Chitrakatha, and the National Book Trust (NBT) gifted book sets, fostering a love for reading among younger attendees. The festivities were further enriched by a captivating Nukkad Natak performed by Mr. Anupam Kher’s Actor Prepares Institute, adding a touch of drama to the occasion.
A truly memorable moment came when Mr. Anupam Kher shared a handwritten note on the importance of handwritten letters in today’s digital age: “डिजिटल दौर में, ख़त वो सरगम है, जो दिल से दिल तक बिना आवाज़ पहुँचे।” (In this digital age, letters are the melodies that travel from heart to heart without a sound.) His heartfelt words echoed the carnival's mission to highlight the significance of personal communication, a sentiment supported by luminaries such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amitabh Bachchan, and poet Gulzar, all of whom have championed Daakroom’s message over the years.
Reflecting on the event's success, Harnehmat Kaur and Shivani Mehta, Founders of Daakroom, shared their excitement: “The first Mumbai edition of ‘Daakroom - The Letter Writing Carnival’ has surpassed all expectations. It has been truly inspiring to see the enthusiasm and creativity of participants of all ages. This event wasn’t just about writing letters; it was a celebration of connection, creativity, and the enduring appeal of handwritten communication in a digital world.”
For JK Paper Ltd., the carnival was more than a tribute to handwritten letters; it underscored their commitment to sustainability and creative expression. Mr. Debasish Ganguly, Head of Marketing and Communications, highlighted that paper serves not only as a communication medium but as a sustainable resource. Through initiatives like Daakroom, JK Paper aims to inspire future generations to embrace paper’s potential while supporting environmental sustainability.
The event left a lasting impact on attendees, many of whom shared how they had rediscovered the charm of handwritten letters. As one visitor put it, “I walked in an adult and walked out a child again,” capturing the essence of Daakroom—an event filled with creativity, connection, and the timeless joy of handwritten letters.