World Saree Day 2023: Patronised By Politicians & Divas Alike, Saree Spells Power For Indian Women

New Delhi: The World Saree Day is celebrated on December 21 every year. It was initiated in 2020 to honour the weaving communities and the unique art of sarees. Originally, it was started in 2009 by Nalini Shekar, a social activist who wanted to revive sarees and maintain their legacy. It is a great attempt to celebrate the diversity of India and showcase the versatility of the saree. 

In the time of haute couture, the saree has never lost its glory. In fact, it has emerged a winner. Many Indian designers are using their creativity to give it a modern touch and make it a fashion statement, which it is, even among the younger generation, which is acing the saree look.

This year, traditional weaves take centre stage, bringing back the charm of age-old craftsmanship. Saree trends are ever-changing and this year was no exception as we saw pastel colours, sequins and sustainable silhouettes becoming popular while bold colours and heavily bordered sarees took a backseat.

Bollywood has been a trailblazer when it comes to setting saree trends. Right from Yash Chopra’s white saree-clad heroines serenading in the snow-clad mountains of Switzerland to Alia Bhatt in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, the film industry has not let the saree become a dying tradition. Whether it is Nirupa Roy draped in a cotton saree as the helpless mother or today’s Ananya Pandey flaunting her curves in a sequinned saree, the attire has always made a statement.

Then some politicians wore the saree with elan, beginning with Indira Gandhi. Her saree swag was an inspiration for many. She wore the drape both as a young woman before becoming the Prime Minister and after it. She made a powerful fashion statement with traditional silks and cottons both at the international forum and back home. Her daughter-in-law, Sonia Gandhi, although of Italian origin followed suit and wears the traditional outfit to date.

Remember Jayalalithaa and her cape, which was an extension of the saree she wore? When she became the chief minister, she took to wearing the coat/cape over her saree. This attire became impenetrable armour.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is sartorial choices when it comes to sarees and never fails to make a statement with her drape during every budget session. Her selection of the saree on Budget Day every February always makes it to news headlines.

Another politician who had an envious collection was the late Sushma Swaraj, who paired her bright sarees with a long jacket.

Minister of Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani is rarely ever seen in a dress other than a saree.

The significance of the saree in India’s political landscape has grown over the years and each woman politician attempts to make it her own. Sarees have been the chosen official dress code of most women politicians in India for years right from the time of Sarojini Naidu. As a journalist aptly put it, “This six-yard wonder must not be mistaken with just any other garment as it has been a strong tool of revolution, empowerment and resistance. Even today it spells power for Indian women.”