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Saree, Not Sorry

No qualms about flaunting the nine-yard Indian tradition


Saree clad Indian powerhouses like Nirupama Rao, Indian Foreign Officer, Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, Renu Khator, Chancellor of the University of Houston System, Anita Desai, Professor of Humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and many more like them have already made their mark in male bastons at home and established their name in the international arena as well. 

 

For decades, Non Resident Indian (NRI) womxn may have kept their most beautiful yet vibrant Sarees in the closet for the fear of sticking out. But now, the new crop of unapologetic Saree lovers are reclaiming the nine-yard fabric while making a bold statement.

 

Meet Lakshmi Maharaj

 

 

This fifth-generation Indian living in South Africa is romancing her nine-yards for the last 37 years. Lakshmi who runs a family business and is always on the run never forgets to post her Saree clad pictures in Saree pact groups on Facebook.

 

“Being in a Saree is so magical that when you in a Saree you ought to receive love from all races. I think Sarees is one of the most admired outfits of the world,” says an excited Lakshmi Maharaj.

 

Not just middle-aged but younger ones who usually are seen donning western dresses don’t forget to flaunt their prized possessions during Indian festivals. Be it Karva Chauth, Diwali or any Indian community get-together - the grandeur of Bollywood movies inspires our Indian divas to take out their brightest Saree.

 

Aditi Jha

 

Aditi is fashion technology graduate, who has been living in Atlanta for a decade now is regularly seen sporting her Banarasis with that dazzling smile. Ask her what makes her take out her prized possession every time, she says, “I am in love with my Sarees, they bring back the memories of my grand mom and warmth of my mother and mother-in-law. I have got a huge collection from all three of them, which can be worn on almost every occasion.”

“For me, a Saree is the perfect way of flaunting who I am without having to say it and that too with pride, she further adds.

Saree is not only popular with socialising Indian women but working moms as well.

Pragya

 

 

Pragya is a business analyst with an international bank who takes out time from her erratic schedule to step into what she likes the most - her Sarees.

 

“I love wearing Sarees. I feel it helps me stay connected to my roots and celebrate my identity as an Indian. The versatility it provides in terms of looks, fabric and style is what makes it so special no matter what part of the world you are in.

 

My collection of Sarees include silk, Chiffon, Georgette, Banarasi and Kanjiwaram, etc. I also own some beautiful Bandhani Sarees from Rajasthan. While I love the elegance and look of a traditional Silk Sarees, Chiffon and Georgette are my favourite kind when ease and comfort take priority,” quips Pragya. 

 

"Personally being a Saree fan, I look for opportunities to team up the vintage Sarees with contemporary blouses from my moms’ (two-sets of mom) trunks. Be it wearing a Chiffon Saree with a crop top and pearls, or a Chinon Crepe with a Victorian top with bell sleeves. Sarees give me the freedom to experiment and be myself."

 

Main artwork produced by South Asian Today's designer, Sathya Thavendran, @brown.n.bold

About the author

A true-blue Virgo, mom, compulsive online shopper, foodie and a content person with 14 years of experience into digital content. Instagram: @deeptikau / Tweets: @deeptikaul

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