Vinita Shri, a developmental pediatrician from Chhattisgarh, graced an Adivasi-inspired saree, amplifying their voice and embodying their identity…reports Asian Lite News
The streets of London donned vibrant hues of India as 750 Indian-origin women paraded from the iconic Trafalgar Square to Parliament Square as part of a ‘Saree Walkathon’. They adorned state-specific sarees to mark National Handloom Day.
The procession was the brainchild of ‘British Women In Sarees’, conceived during August’s heritage month to honor National Handloom Day.
“On August 6, under the radiant sun, 750 of us, joined by 70 marshals, congregated in Central London. The streets reverberated with the chants of ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jana Gana Mana,’ accompanied by melodies of popular songs,” recounted Dipti Jain, founder of British Women in Sarees.
“The entire area was alive with celebratory voices, commemorating National Handloom Day through the Saree Walkathon. Central London came alive with a sea of colorful sarees, representing diverse Indian states, uniting in joy and revelry,” she added.
“We aim to enhance the lives of our country’s artisans, with each woman contributing in her own way. The proceeds beyond event costs will benefit two artisans, one in South India and the other in Kolkata. Our commitment remains steadfast,” said Rashmi Mishra, founder of Indian Women in the UK.
Representatives from each Indian state held placards, donning weaves that epitomised their regions. “Just as a saree is woven from thousands of threads, this walkathon is the culmination of thousands of women uniting to represent India in the UK,” said Rakhi Singh, who was representing Rajasthan. She donned a leharia-bandhni saree with gota-patti work.
Nivedita, representing Karnataka, donned a 60-year-old Molakalmuru saree, that takes 4-5 weeks to weave. “This was a cherished gift from my grandmother. Wearing it is a tribute to her memory on the anniversary of her passing,” she shared emotionally.
Vinita Shri, a developmental pediatrician from Chhattisgarh, graced an Adivasi-inspired saree, amplifying their voice and embodying their identity.
Saree styles from India, like Kantha, Baluchari, Chanderi, Benarasi, Maheshwari, and more, were showcased.
The walkathon culminated at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Parliament Square, facing the British Parliament.
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