World Saree Day is celebrated every year on December 21, and it was initiated in 2020 to honour the weaving communities and the unique art of sarees. While sarees are something that is a part of Indian traditional wear, many women in today’s time find it taxing to drape a saree. However, it’s during the festive season or on special occasions that women decide to put on their best traditional wear with their choicest saree looks.
Today, as people from all over the globe are celebrating World Saree Day, talking to Prateek Sur, celebs open up about whether they love to wear sarees or not. Also, they talk about how a saree brings a sense of dignity and grace to a woman’s personality.
Somy Ali opens up by saying, “I strongly believe that no attire defines or complements a woman more than when she is draped in a saree. Unfortunately, I don't get to wear them due to the nature of my work, which involves lots of running around with cops by my side. However, I had the opportunity to wear a saree during a photo shoot for a Miami magazine, as they specifically requested ethnic attire. I absolutely loved the shoot and was overjoyed that I got to wear a saree.”
Charrul Malik adds on to this by saying, “It's a wonderful initiative to remember and celebrate the World Saree Day on December 21st. I really enjoy wearing sarees, but I'm not very confident because I don't know how to wear them properly. I do feel more confident when I wear a saree, but I struggle to put it on by myself. It's a bit challenging without the help of a stylist. However, I truly love wearing it. I don't wear them often, but I try to wear them on special occasions. My mother used to wear a saree every day when she went to college, and I have her sarees in my wardrobe. They look as beautiful on me as they did on her, even though I don't wear them as often.”
“During my anchoring days, I often used to wear sarees on special days like Teachers' Day or Hindi Divas. Sarees have a timeless appeal. They add dignity and grace to a woman's personality like no other outfit. Regardless of body shape or size, a saree enhances a woman's beauty, camouflaging any flaws and making her look elegant. In contrast to other outfits like miniskirts, jeans, gowns, or frocks, a saree has a unique and timeless grace. It brings out the true essence of Indian culture and makes a woman feel wonderful. A saree is not just attire; it's an emotion. Stepping into my mother’s saree is like stepping into her shoes and carrying on her legacy. Sarees are empowering – walking without falling in all those pleats certainly gives you the confidence that you can do anything in life! It is the Stree (woman) that makes the saree and not the other way around. A saree is the simplest outfit to wear when you want to stand out,” adds Charrul Malik.
Saree is indeed something that’s not just an attire as many women consider it as an emotion. It’s a reminder to them of their mothers or grandmothers who used to wear the sarees with utmost grace in their younger days.
Rinku Ghosh feels that saree should be about diversity and versatility. She says, “Ms. Sindhura Kaviti and Mr. Nistula Hebbar initiated this movement as a commendable effort to celebrate and showcase the diversity and versatility of the saree. It stands as a tribute to our culture and the historical significance of this traditional Indian attire. The saree has always held a special place in my heart, being my first choice of attire for any special occasion. I don't exactly know the count of my saree collection, but it comprises numerous pieces handed down from my mother, my mother-in-law, and even my grandmother-in-law. Given the opportunity, I would gladly wear a saree on every occasion, especially during pujas, weddings, or any holy ceremony. During Durga Puja, I exclusively opt for sarees, draped in our traditional manner, which happens to be my favourite style. Undoubtedly, the saree adds a sense of dignity and grace to a woman's personality. I feel more graceful and beautiful when adorned in a saree, often receiving numerous compliments.”
Anupama Solanki, who is known to sport sarees quite often in her shows and social media videos, says, “I feel proud to wear a saree because it represents our culture and ancestral roots. Despite never having worn a saree in my life, the experience of donning numerous Banarsi sarees for my Dangal TV show, ‘Nath Krishna Aur Gauri Ki Kahani’, was truly remarkable. I am extremely excited about it. I never imagined that a saree could be so gracious. Observing my family relatives wearing sarees always filled me with excitement, as it is a special and anticipated moment for any woman. Traditionally in India, girls often start wearing sarees after marriage, but nowadays, it has become a trend and a fashionable choice. I vividly recall the first time I wore a saree, which was on my teacher's day, and that memory is etched in my mind forever.”
Sporting the saree look is also about a person’s love for traditional things and attire. On her love for sarees, Yashashri Masurkar says, “Yes, I love wearing sarees. I consider it one of the most comfortable and stylish pieces of clothing. I have around seven sarees, and I can raid my mom's closet anytime. I wear it whenever I feel like it, even during my radio days. I would wear a saree on a normal day. I don't agree with the point about dignity; I believe every outfit is dignified. However, a saree surely brings grace and beauty. I haven't found one woman who doesn't look or feel beautiful in a saree.”
Many women even consider wearing a saree as a matter of national pride. They feel that it’s only in a saree that their true Indian identity comes out. Kirti Sualy, on the same note, says, “Yes, like a true Indian, wearing a saree is a matter of pride. I haven't really counted the exact number, but I do have a separate section only for sarees. A saree can be worn on any or all occasions; weddings and religious ceremonies are primarily the events when I usually choose to wear one. However, on other occasions where distinguished dignitaries have been invited, wearing a saree becomes a sign of respect. Undoubtedly, the saree is the queen of the Indian dress scene. From my experience, I can confidently say that Indian women receive the best compliments when dressed in a saree.”
Sheeba Akashdeep, known to sport some of the most trendsetting saree goals, also feels that saree can be formal wear as well as casual wear. “I love wearing sarees. I feel they are unique in the way that you can make a saree extremely formal, yet you can also wear it for a casual shopping trip. The saree is a very versatile outfit, and I own sarees from pretty much every state of India. I have a vast collection of sarees, and wherever I go, I end up buying more. So, yes, my love for sarees is eternal. Sarees make you look beautiful, graceful, dignified, and stately,” says Sheeba Akashdeep.
Newlyweds and new mothers definitely find sarees as a matter of pride. You will see them having numerous sarees in their wardrobes. Pranitaa Pandit, who recently became a mother, says, “As for my love for sarees, it runs deep. I have a diverse collection that spans various styles and fabrics. While I haven't tallied the exact number, my wardrobe features a range of sarees that I cherish. I wear sarees on various occasions, but I particularly enjoy donning them during special events like weddings, religious ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.”
Squashing some beliefs about sarees, Pranitaa Pandit adds, “Regarding the belief that wearing a saree imparts a sense of dignity and grace to a woman's personality, I wholeheartedly agree. The elegance and timeless beauty of a saree contributes to a dignified aura, enhancing a woman's grace. It's a sentiment I appreciate, and I find that sarees hold a unique place in expressing cultural richness and personal style.”
On this World Saree Day, let’s take some time out to appreciate the women who sport this traditional wear to perfection and are always setting some fashion goals for billions of others to follow.
