It is the most common form of clothing for women in India. Women drape the sari in different styles based on their community and region. Saris are usually worn over a "pavadai", petticoat and "ravikai", blouse as we call it in South India.
Here's a picture of my mom in a sari when she got married in 1979.
The last time I shopped big for saris was during my wedding. Here I am in a silk sari from the wedding, way back in 2005.
Saris come in various fabric types. These days, I usually wear saris only for Indian festivals and special occasions. In India however, women wear saris all the time as a way of life.
Here's a poem from my book, "Euphoric Natya" that takes me back to the time when I got married.
Shopping for bridal saris with my mother
Shopping for bridal saris with my mother
I grew up thick in amma's sari,
my hands tied around her waist.
I felt her thighs by lying on her lap.
We cannot remain this way forever, so time slips away.
Its three months to my wedding
and we're at Chennai Silks, where diffused lights
glimmer yellow. The colorful saris, resting
on the wooden shelves dazzle.
I see amma's touch in everything.
Even the mirror bends invisibly,
accentuated and affirming. I could be amma,
twenty-five years ago in the same assessment of a sari.
I draw the Kancheevaram silk over my left shoulder.
We look similar, my face lent by amma.
The young salesman who stands
is pressing rainbow colors on us.
We get engrossed in juicy gossip at noon,
in family ties. Amma's sari crumpled,
slides from the dupatta on my shoulder -
I get up baffled by many colors.
I didn't know that I can't decide.
She doesn't want to leave.
She still sits on the black chair
looking at more designs;
I know now there is no going home.
We're going to continue looking.
Under the caring supervision of amma,
my sari is a beginning.
I'll swing and drape my body in silk.
I think the sari is not my own,
but I'll try it in Kancheevaram,
Dharmavaram, Pochampalli and Mysore silks.
I'll gather the colors like the flowers
in amma's sari- my eyes are drawn to them.
We'll do this together. Like amma's lap,
wearing for the warmth.
So, do you like saris? What kind of clothes do you wear everyday and for special occasions?
my hands tied around her waist.
I felt her thighs by lying on her lap.
We cannot remain this way forever, so time slips away.
Its three months to my wedding
and we're at Chennai Silks, where diffused lights
glimmer yellow. The colorful saris, resting
on the wooden shelves dazzle.
I see amma's touch in everything.
Even the mirror bends invisibly,
accentuated and affirming. I could be amma,
twenty-five years ago in the same assessment of a sari.
I draw the Kancheevaram silk over my left shoulder.
We look similar, my face lent by amma.
The young salesman who stands
is pressing rainbow colors on us.
We get engrossed in juicy gossip at noon,
in family ties. Amma's sari crumpled,
slides from the dupatta on my shoulder -
I get up baffled by many colors.
I didn't know that I can't decide.
She doesn't want to leave.
She still sits on the black chair
looking at more designs;
I know now there is no going home.
We're going to continue looking.
Under the caring supervision of amma,
my sari is a beginning.
I'll swing and drape my body in silk.
I think the sari is not my own,
but I'll try it in Kancheevaram,
Dharmavaram, Pochampalli and Mysore silks.
I'll gather the colors like the flowers
in amma's sari- my eyes are drawn to them.
We'll do this together. Like amma's lap,
wearing for the warmth.
So, do you like saris? What kind of clothes do you wear everyday and for special occasions?
Best Regards,
Suma
10 comments:
Hey Suma!
I adore saris and used to wear them into university and just for everyday life. Now, with my job, I have to dress more western but I still indulge in saris when I go to the temple and on special occasions.
Years ago, my sister was taking a speech class and she decided to give a demonstration of how to put on a sari. Guess who got stuck as the model? It was terrifying, standing there in my blouse and petticoat, putting a sari on in front of perfect strangers. But it was worth it in the end because they got understanding of the beauty of our fashion and the tradition and culture that underlies it. I enjoyed it.
You and your mother look gorgeous in your saris.
Jai
@ Jai - I agree, dressing western has become a regular chore these days for most of us. I like western outfits as much as I like saris. They're comfortable and perfect for the weather conditions we live in.
I'm so glad the sari session in the speech class turned all worthwhile in the end for you.
I could imagine how terrifying it must've been and how you would've felt when the beauty of the tradition came to light. Thank you for sharing your experience and the compliments :-)
Best,
Suma.
Lovely post! You and your mom are beautiful! I like the poem you shared.
I think saris are pretty. Most days, I'm a jeans and a top kind of gal, but I love skirts and dresses too! I like dressing up for special occasions--usually in a dress or a skirt!
Dawn!
You will look very beautiful in a sari. I should help you wear one sometime:-) A pair of Jeans is by far one of the most universal comfortable outfits, don't you think?
Best,
Suma.
Hai suma
That was wonderful enjoyed reading it and remembered those days when i too did shopping for my wedding.Each of my saree was from different shops...name Nalli, Sundari silks, Mahaveers...and from patti's collections too. I too luv saris but occasionally wear them so stopped buying them too....but ppl keep getting saris for me still.
Sometimes i even feel i don't remember how to wear them properly. I am recollecting those days in college when all friends used to plan a day to wear sari and go to college.....those wonderful days.....golden days we used to enjoy. I must thank u for revisiting those memorable days...
chithu
I love the poem, Suma.
As for the saris, they've always inspired and amazed me. I often see them made out of most beautiful fabrics. And I am a real sucker for a nice fabric :-)
Beautiful poem! I have always loved the way Indian women dress......so elegant! Your mom is so pretty! blessings,Kathleen
@Chithu - so glad you liked the post and it rekindled your memories. I agree, the sari days in college were quite exciting.
@Angela - Thank you so much. Saris come in various kinds of fabric and there's always something for everyone. The cost of a sari can range from a dollar to millions of dollars.
@Kathleen - Thank you very much! I also adore this picture of my mom. I will let her know about your compliment.
Best,
Suma.
Wonderful poem.
I've always loved the look of saris. I remember one of my teachers wore beautiful ones. It was always a treat to see what she wore.
@ Medeia - Thank you! That reminds me. My school teachers mostly wore saris and they looked really elegant in them.
Best,
Suma.
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