As Goa steps into its most vibrant festive season, the Museum of Goa (MoG) has unveiled an installation that is quietly stealing hearts. Standing 18 feet tall, a Christmas tree made entirely of crochet
has become a striking symbol of creativity, community, and cultural memory. Far from a conventional festive décor piece, this towering structure tells a deeply human story stitched together over months.
Crafted by many, United as one
The crochet tree is the work of the Crochet Collective, co-founded by Goan artist Sheena Pereira along with Sharmila Majumdar and Sophy Sivaraman. What began as a simple idea to create a Christmas-themed installation soon evolved into a collaborative movement. Over three months, 25 women from different parts of Goa contributed by crocheting individual squares from their homes.
Despite challenges like cyclonic weather, power outages, and persistent monsoon humidity, the women stayed committed. Most of them had never met each other before. Monthly meet-ups in living rooms became spaces for sharing food, conversations, and experiences, turning strangers into collaborators connected by yarn and purpose.
From 1,000 squares to one tree
When the time came to assemble the installation, the group finally gathered in person. Nearly 1,000 unique crochet squares were layered by hand onto a metal framework. Instead of uniformity, the creators embraced variation, different textures, colours, and patterns overlapping each other. The final structure reflects the individuality of its makers, imperfect yet powerful, organic rather than polished.
The result is a Christmas tree that looks unmistakably handmade because it truly is. Every stitch carries a personal rhythm, making the installation feel alive and intimate.
Reviving Goa’s crochet legacy
Crochet has deep roots in Goa, introduced during the Portuguese era and traditionally taught by nuns. For generations, it featured prominently in trousseaus and household textiles. This project reimagines that heritage, bringing a domestic craft into a contemporary public art space. By doing so, it bridges the past and present, showing how traditional skills can remain relevant through collective expression.
Art beyond the gallery walls
Notably, this installation was not funded by a large sponsor nor commissioned by an institution. It came together through social media messages, community trust, and shared cultural values. Currently part of MoG’s Where We Gather exhibition, the crochet tree will remain on display until January 18.
After the exhibition, the creators plan to repurpose the crochet squares, either transforming them into blankets for donation or reimagining them as a canopy for a public street. In every form, the project continues its journey as an artwork rooted in generosity, sustainability, and togetherness.
