The British Woman in Sarees diaspora group brought their vibrant garba to the banks of the River Thames this week to celebrated Gujarat Day – which is celebrated on May 1.
This weekend, the group will take their Saree Walkathon concept from London to New York under the leadership of founder Dr Dipti Jain.
“It will be an Olympic style parade, from the Central Park to Times Square, with representation of women from different countries wearing sarees,” says Jain.
“Our saree movement which started out on the British soil has already grabbed eyeballs from all over the world. After the successful Ascot event, our tribe travelled to the celebrated Venice Masquerade Carnival in Italy and to the fragrant and world-famous Tulip gardens of the Netherlands, Keukenhof, and now New York,” she said.
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After a hugely successful Saree Walkathon in London, the group wanted to take the saree movement to another global destination. New York City was the unanimous choice, being the financial capital of the world.
“We know that with our ideas of gaining more acceptance about the saree in public places and daily life, across the world, we need the people from every corner of the world to be aware and curious about the saree and the legacy of a saree. With this intent, New York seems to be the perfect place for the walkathon after London,” added Jain.
The saree, described as six yards of elegance associated with the beauty and grace of the women of South Asian heritage, was the theme around which the British Women in Sarees group united and have since grown into a movement.
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It is their “common thread of shared cultural legacy”, which encompasses Indian handloom weaves, cuisine and culture.
“Our sarees celebrate colours, joy and mirth while being points of conversation and exchange of creative ideas,” says Dr Jain.