The saree is one ethnic wear which is the emblem of pure grace and elegance. It is designed in such a way that it graces the femininity of a woman and grants her not only a beautiful appeal but also enhances her chastity.
While the saree is considered the attire for women in Indian culture, it dates back many centuries ago when the Vedic or Hindu tradition was prevalent in the entire world. Indian Women wore pure handloom sarees and this encouraged the textile industry. Every part of her body would be covered so as to be protected from the evil eyes of lusty men. The pallu covered her head in front of the elders and while engaging in devotional activities. This represented her modesty which was considered an ornament of the woman.
The saree, however, was not only the protective covering against lusty gazes but was also a “spiritual attire” for women in general. The food we eat has a direct influence on our consciousness. Similarly, what we wear has an impact on our subtle thinking. The biggest asset for a married woman was her husband who had dedicated his life for the maintenance of his wife and children. The wife would serve him to the best of her capacity and remain chaste towards him. The saree helped her maintain that chastity on the exterior and prevented other men from being attracted to her.
If we try to trace the time when the saree became the staple attire for women, it would be impossible to even speculate about it. The Vedic scriptures which are eternal, describe the women in various pastimes adorned in luxurious sarees and decorated with gold ornaments. We all have heard of the pastime in Mahabharata in which Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandava brothers, was disrobed in the royal assembly hall. Duryodhana tried to pull off her saree but when Draupadi intensely prayed to Lord Shri Krishna, He appeared in the form of an unending supply of saree and reciprocated by preventing her humiliation in front of everyone. The paintings and idols of Goddesses in Hinduism also depict them in sarees and even the most exalted devotees of Lord Krishna, the Gopis, wore sarees.
The Vedic tradition transgresses the influence of the material realm and thus every culture related to it also remains eternal for the people to follow. The presence of sarees in Indian history establishes their unshakable status as the symbol of tradition.
While the saree is predominantly associated with the Hindu culture, it nonetheless holds great significance and is revered in other religious backgrounds in India. In many regions of India, women belonging to Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism have embraced the saree as a part of their everyday attire. In many parts of West Bengal, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh Muslim women wear their traditional sarees and celebrate the local festivals with awe and reverence. In states like Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Goa, many Christian women visit churches dressed in their favorite sarees. While Sikh women primarily wear a Salwar Kameez as their basic attire, some don beautiful sarees on weddings and other occasions and express their adoration for sarees. Similarly, Buddhist and Jain women also drape sarees in their style at various religious ceremonies and other events.
Over several decades, the fashion industry has seen many changes and trends both nationally and internationally. Women now have turned their eyes towards Western choices of clothing and although it seems they have left the Indian traditional attire back, it is not so. Sarees were, are, and will always remain the pinnacle of traditional clothing. It is deeply rooted in the Vedic customs and can never be uprooted however strong the Western influence may be.
In the wedding traditions in many Indian communities, sarees are passed from one generation to another as family heirlooms as a token of love and affection and are cherished for all the memories that they carry. Over the years, the sarees evolved in their fabric, embellishments and draping styles. The artisans from different regions of India adopted a distinct weaving technique influenced by regional traditions and cultures and this gave rise to a plethora of varieties in sarees. Gujarat’s Bandhani, Tamil Nadu’s Kanjivaram, Uttar Pradesh’s Banarasi, Maharashtra’s Paithani, West Bengal’s Jamdani, and Madhya Pradesh’s Chanderi beautifully reflect the rich tapestry of Indian culture and tradition.
Sarees transcend the boundaries of age, ethnicity, and culture, bringing women across India and beyond to the mode of goodness. Appreciated for their versatility, they have now become one of the most popular choices of traditional attire among women. From formal events to special occasions such as festivals and weddings, women love to drape a saree and confidently showcase their personalities.
Beyond their appeal, sarees have gained immense popularity for their significance in the cultural heritage and intricate craftsmanship. The vibrant and subtle hues and the perfect flowy drape surpass any regional diversity or religious significance. The International fashion industry now looks towards this lovely outfit and women see the saree not as a Hindu garment but as an elegant attire whose timeless charm can never fade away.
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