The sari is the all-round favourite for celebrations, writes RESHMA KRISHNAMURTHY SHARMA
Ask any of a cosmopolitan woman on her outfit of choice for daily wear and you can be sure a sari will not feature among the different options given. Most urbanites perceive the sari to be best suited for occasional wear. The six-yard wonder, however, gets special attention even by non-regular users during a festival. The preference maybe due to the perceived difficulty in draping a sari or the fact that heavy, rich fabrics are best reserved for a special event.
Vinutha Suresh, an entertainment professional says: “It is highly unlikely that you will catch me in a sari on an everyday basis. However a festival gives me the opportunity to wear a sari. I can buy an expensive sari without feeling too guilty about it.”
Showrooms too are cashing on such opportunities. Whether it is by offering discounts, the latest designs and fabrics or creating eye-catching window dressing, stores and boutiques make sure that buying a sari is one of the must-dos during festivals.
Kalyan Annam, CEO, Kalamandir says: “A festival thankfully even now brings in the essential elements of tradition and one of the ways of celebrating is dressing in the right attire. Certainly saris are in demand during a festival as the occasion gives women the opportunity to indulge in richer and traditional fabrics.”
Shashikala, a designer says: “Comfort is a key issue for working professionals like me and the sari somehow is not associated with it. Yet the garment looks so beautiful on every woman, that it seems the natural choice for festivals. The wonder of the sari, so simple and so rich adds sparkle to a memorable day.” “Traditional clothes have a huge hand in signifying a celebration and a sari adds to the festive feeling,” says Saraswathi Murthy, a homemaker.
A sari as a garment has no doubt grown with the times and has a lot to offer to lure youngsters to trying them out. From unusual prints and designer cholis to rich, exotic fabrics there are many ways of getting the young hooked to this classy yet contemporary outfit. And a festival is the perfect time to unleash the sari on all the dudes and dudettes.