Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu, who is on a 3-day visit to Odisha, went shopping here on Wednesday and bought six handloom sarees for herself and as many salwar suit pieces for her daughter.
The first tribal leader to hold this office, Murmu is known for her love for handlooms, which she often wear during official functions and events. She had created a landmark fashion moment during her swearing-in ceremony in July last year with a Sonepuri Baadhi Kumbha Ganga Jamuna Silk Saree with Bomkai and Bandha (Ikat) work on anchal.
Also Read: President Droupadi Murmu Wore Odisha Handloom But Not ‘Santhali’ Saree At Swearing-In
This time, the President picked some exclusive weaves by prominent weaver Chaturbhuj Meher. “She picked Ikat, Bomkai, Khandua and Kotpad sarees in silk and cotton from the 35 weaves laid out for her,” Kishore Meher, who represented Chaturbhuj, was quoted as saying by TOI.
Her office had contacted him 3 days ago. “I along with a friend took the sarees to her chamber at Raj Bhavan and she took 30-40 minutes to make the choice,” he said.
He further said that Murmu had visited the shop several times in the past when she was minister in Odisha and also while serving as governor of Jharkhand. “She usually picks plain sarees and those with Kumbha motifs,” he added.
While the President sartorial choices are a reminder of how clothing is linked to cultural identity, it also shows her support to traditional arts and local weavers.
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