Everyone remembers the high of rummaging through our mothers’ cupboards, looking for colourful sarees to drape ourselves with, so we’d feel as beautiful and look as regal as she does. Different technicoloured delights of ethnic weaves would tumble out of her cupboard, each piece with a story of its own.
Four women decided it was time to create The Global 100 Saree Pact to remind us of that forgotten magic – so that we start accumulating stories of our own, with weaves we could call ours. What started as a closed group on Facebook, now has a global community of 5000 members; each of them committing to wearing a hundred sarees in a span of one year. Handloom weavers in India are a dying breed, the art of Indian textiles is one slowly but surely being relegated to the past. The driving force behind The Global 100 Saree Pact is to revive the dying art – so sarees don’t fade out the way Kimono did.
“The fact that many members acknowledge that group has made them wear sarees and use all the sarees lying in the wardrobe for ages more than justifies the formation of the group. A large number of handlooms from across the length and breadth of India, fusion fabrics, etc., have been showcased on this forum, adding knowledge and appreciation for the weaves and the wearers,” says Santha John, founder of the group.
The rules of The Global 100 Saree Pact are simple –
1) Wear a saree.
2) Take a picture and upload it onto FB, numbering it as you go.
3) Describe the saree and appreciate the weaves you’re wearing.
4) While you’re at it, appreciate your fellow sisters in this pact.
The Global 100 Saree Pact is turning one this November and they invite you to be a part of this fight for revival. The event marking this anniversary will have a fashion show customised for the Group by Kalanjali. High Tea, lots of music, lucky dip prizes, discount coupons, exhibitions and sales can be expected at the event. There will also be a display of Malkha sarees by doyen of handlooms, Uzramma and she will be talking about how we can contribute for the revival of the weaving industry.
The most important part of the anniversary celebrations will be Global 100 Saree Pact’s support to Goonj, an award winning NGO. The pact members have decided to contribute a wedding trousseau packet consisting of two wedding sarees and two regular ones to financially challenged brides. Sisters attending the event can also contribute to the cause if they wish to do so.
When: November 26, 2016
Where: The Marriot Convention Hall, Hyderabad
Why: Sarees will be donated to financially challenged brides for their special day.
Timings: 2.30 – 6.00 PM
Ticket price: Rs 600 for members & Rs 750 for guests.
(Your tickets are eligible for a discount at Kalanjali stores and special lucky dip prizes)
Click here to register and be there in your best saree with a dazzling smile on!
