Emirati women and diplomats’ spouses explore saree draping at Abu Dhabi cultural event
Emirati women and the spouses of ambassadors gathered in Abu Dhabi for a hands-on introduction to the saree, the traditional unstitched garment that originated in India and is worn mainly by women across South Asia. The cultural event, titled “Six Yards of India – The Saree Story,” took place at the headquarters of the UAE General Women’s Union (GWU).
Organised under Fatima bint Mubarak’s directives
According to the GWU, the event was held under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation. It was jointly organised with the Diplomatic Group of Ambassadors’ Spouses, the Indian community and the Embassy of India, the GWU said on social media.
“Its aim was to enhance civilisational dialogue and cultural exchange among peoples,” the Union added.
Presentation and live draping demonstration
The programme featured a presentation on the history and significance of Indian sarees by Reema Mahajan, founder of Indian Women in Dubai, the UAE’s largest group of Indian women with more than 150,000 members. She followed the talk with a live draping demonstration.
Reema told Gulf News that the event had two key audiences: members of the Women’s Union and the ambassadors’ wives. “Our objective was to present India’s culture to them through saree,” she said. “We brainstormed quite a bit before deciding on the concept of the ‘Six Yards of India’, which essentially told the story of the saree and its significance.”
“I spoke about how the saree is one of the oldest garments, with buttons or zips. It has draped Indian women for thousands of years — from queens to farmers, from dancers to brides,” she added. “We took the audience on a tour of India without them having to leave the room, showcasing sarees from several Indian states. We wanted to share the stories and diversity behind these regional traditions.”
Showcasing India’s textile diversity
The showcase highlighted the diversity of India’s traditional weaves, including Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram silk, Mysore silk, Kerala Kasavu, Bandhani, Kalamkari and Bengal’s Tant saree. Guests also learned about regional draping styles such as Nauvari and Seedha Pallu, gaining insight into the country’s centuries-old textile traditions.
Attendees could also try the garment themselves. “Another highlight was an interactive stall where non-Indian women could try wearing a saree, learn how to drape it and take photographs. We also had ready-to-wear sarees to make the experience easier for them,” Reema said.
London-based Indian fashion designer Kaushik Velendra presented a session titled “Threads of Tomorrow – India Fashion, Reimagined.” He also displayed his outfits for guests to view and wear.
A Bharatanatyam demonstration by Rashika Ojha added a classical dimension to the programme, which also featured a film and quiz on India, an exhibition of Indian art and an experience of Indian cuisine.
‘India in miniature’
In a post about the event, Dr Alpna Mittal, wife of Dr Deepak Mittal, Indian Ambassador to the UAE, described it as “India in miniature.” She pointed to henna on waiting hands, bangles tried on and chosen, and the grammar of mudras explained by Rashika Ojha. She said Reema’s live draping session drew the whole room. She also highlighted Kaushik Velendra’s fashion presentation, tribal art and sculpture on the walls, and a table of Indian food and sweets to close the programme.
Dr Alpana thanked the General Women’s Union for its generous partnership, along with every artist, volunteer and guest who made the event what it was.
The Embassy of India summed up the occasion in its own post as “draped in heritage, woven with friendship.”
“The entire experience was very Indian in theme, with different elements coming together to showcase India’s culture and heritage,” Reema added.
