By Manal El Warraky
As part of the celebration of International Tea Day, the Egyptian Public Library in Giza hosted a unique cultural and artistic celebration on Wednesday entitled “Tea and Caricatures.” The event was attended by the Nepalese Ambassador to Cairo, Sushil Kumar, and Ambassador Reda El-Tayfi, Director of the Egyptian Public Libraries Fund. The event also featured the ambassadors of Sri Lanka and Myanmar, the Chinese Cultural Counselor, a diplomat from the Embassy of Malaysia, and a group of cartoonists and journalists.
During his speech, the Nepalese Ambassador said, “Tea is not just a beverage; it is a symbol of friendship and hospitality, a source of positivity, warmth, communication, and unity, and a language that unites people across cultures, continents, and generations.”
He added, “Tea production in Nepal dates back to the mid-19th century, but it’s only in recent decades that Nepal has emerged on the world map with its high-quality, aromatic, and artisanal teas. Nepalese tea is internationally acclaimed for its distinctive character and flavors.”
The ambassador continued, “Nepal produces two main types of tea: Orthodox tea, which is grown in the hills of eastern Nepal at altitudes above 1,000 meters and is handcrafted and renowned for its floral flavors. This type is mostly exported to the United States, Japan, and Western Europe.”
He added, “CTC tea, which is grown in the southern plains, is strong, refreshing, and has a malty flavor and is widely consumed in the local market.”
He continued, “For the tea-growing communities of eastern Nepal, tea is a way of life rooted in local culture and identity. Especially for small farmers, tea represents an economic lifeline, providing them with income and pride.”
Today’s celebration included the opening of a caricature exhibition featuring 65 artworks by approximately 60 artists from 25 Arab and foreign countries. These vibrant works reflect the joy of drinking tea and the beauty of its culture through playful caricatures.
While these wonderful artworks depict different tea cultures around the world, they also carry a central message that resonates everywhere: enjoying a cup of tea with friends, colleagues, and loved ones is one of life’s greatest blessings.
The Ambassador thanked the Director of Egypt’s Public Libraries, Ambassador Reda El-Tayfi, for his support that made this event possible, adding, “On behalf of the Embassy of Nepal, I express my sincere gratitude to you and the entire library family for your solidarity and cooperation.”
He also thanked artist Fawzy Morsi, the originator of the celebration, for devising the idea for this event, coordinating the collection of caricatures from around the world, and wholeheartedly supporting this initiative from inception to completion. He added, “This celebration would not have seen the light of day without his dedication and enthusiasm.” For his part, artist Fawzy Morsi explained that this event is the first of its kind to celebrate tea culture through caricature, emphasizing that tea is not just a beverage, but a daily ritual that carries messages of friendship and love, and a universal language that unites peoples.
The celebration highlighted the ancient Nepalese tea culture, where a cup of tea becomes a bridge of communication between people, whether in homes or on mountain trails.
