Along with the heated political debates in Parliament, the recent fashion statement made by Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on her arrival to Parliament gained significant importance. She made an entry with a bag featuring the word 'Palestine' in large English letters along with an image of a watermelon. Her choice of the bag quickly gained media attention. Priyanka chose the Palestine-themed bag as a symbol of solidarity in response to the recent Israeli offensive. The bag also featured an illustration of a dove flying high as a symbol of peace.

Well, Priyanka's way of making a statement is not the first time that celebrities in India have chosen watermelon-shaped bags to express their views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Recently, actor Kani Kusruti gained attention when she made a red-carpet appearance at the Cannes Film Festival by carrying a watermelon-shaped vanity bag to show her support for Palestine. Her unique clutch was custom-made at Salt Studios in Kochi. The colours of the Palestinian national flag—red, green, white, and black—are reflected in the design of the watermelon, which has become a recognized symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people in various international contexts.

Ever since the Palestinian issue started to attract global attention, accessories featuring the watermelon symbol as a sign of solidarity with Palestine have also gained popularity. Women's bags are particularly prominent among these. Various styles, including tote bags, handbags, and clutches, are available on different online sites, many adorned with the name Palestine and the image of a watermelon.

Various international online sites, including Amazon, Etsy, and Ubuy, offer a range of bags adorned with watermelon images in diverse designs. These products range from body sling bags priced at Rs 200 to tote bags exceeding Rs 5,000. The selection includes bags featuring solely watermelon graphics, as well as those that incorporate a map of Palestine along with messages of solidarity.

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In addition to bags, the watermelon motif has also made its way onto t-shirts, hair accessories, and even key chains. The watermelon symbol is being embraced in various forms, such as lockets, headbands, stickers, and earrings. The use of watermelon iconography serves as a significant form of non-verbal protest.

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