The Saree Still Matters, Even Now

This festive season, let’s bring the saree — often traded for convenience and Western trends — back to centre stage and pay tribute to the artisans who have kept its legacy alive for generations.

As the festive season approaches, it is more than just a celebration of ritual—it is a golden opportunity to reconnect with our roots. Among the various treasures of Indian heritage, the saree stands tall as a timeless symbol of grace, dignity, tradition, and cultural pride.

Draped in six yards or nine yards of elegance, it is not just a piece of fabric; it is a flowing expression of heritage, speaking of emotion, elegance, womanhood, and identity. Every pleat holds the tradition tightly, the pallu flowing with diverse yet supreme culture, speaking loudly of our mothers and grandmothers. A living legacy indeed, the saree embodies the soul of our culture, narrating stories of generations, artisans, craftsmanship, and rich regional traditions that define India.

It holds its elegance in its purest form. Whether it's the silk of Kanjeevaram, handwoven Banarasi, Bandini of Rajasthan and Gujarat, cotton of Bengal, or Paithani of Maharashtra—each weave has a tale to tell, a rhythm of its land. The list is endless. Every saree holds a unique essence, carrying its region's and people's soul.

In an era of fast pace with fast-changing fashion rules, the saree stands out—timeless yet under threat—slightly blurred, slowly fading, and facing challenges in relevance and visibility.

Today, in our rush for convenience and Western wear, we see a decline in its everyday presence. We forget the charm and confidence it brings. The perception of it being "too inconvenient", "too traditional", or "outdated" has pushed it to the back of our wardrobes. The beauty and richness are increasingly being sidelined.

However, a closer examination reveals its true essence. Versatile, subtle, and bold, be it formal or festive. It fits every occasion with a slight twist, making it a perfect, wearable, stylish, contemporary power dress. The saree truly empowers while being traditional, adapting to every age, occasion, and region—a celebration of femininity and a statement of style and heritage.

Festivals are those sacred windows where tradition and modernity can beautifully coexist. Adorning a saree is a nod to our previous generation—our mothers and grandmothers. It is not just a fabric but elegance proudly draped by them and a gentle reminder to our future generations, our daughters, daughters-in-law, and nieces. It is not a burden of pressure but a legacy and pride to be kept alive.

This festive season, let the saree be celebrated.

Make every saree a memory that you wear—a history, artistry, and rich roots.

It is fading not because it lacks relevance but because we have neglected to carry it forward with pride. To preserve it is to honour our roots and ensure that the tradition flows seamlessly into the future.

I am a big saree lover and drape a saree in everyday life, flaunting it and walking with confidence. It gives immense pleasure to be draped in such eye-catching attire.

So to all ladies,

Celebrate the saree.

Celebrate your roots.

Celebrate YOU.

May this festive season bring vibrancy, adding colours in all forms, as many shades as your drape.

(The writer is a tutor based in Thane. Views Personal.)