Abu Dhabi workshop introduces Emirati women and ambassadors’ wives to saree draping.
Abu Dhabi: Emirati women and ambassadors’ wives got a hands-on introduction to draping the saree, India’s traditional unstitched garment, at a cultural event recently held in Abu Dhabi.
Titled “Six Yards of India – The Saree Story”, the event took place at the headquarters of the UAE General Women’s Union (GWU).
According to the GWU, the programme was organised under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “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.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Diplomatic Group of Ambassadors’ Spouses, the Indian community and the Embassy of India, the GWU said in a social media post.
“Its aim was to enhance civilisational dialogue and cultural exchange among peoples,” the Union added.
A garment without buttons or zips
The programme featured a presentation on the history and cultural significance of Indian sarees by Reema Mahajan, founder of Indian Women in Dubai, the UAE’s largest community of Indian women, with more than 150,000 members. She also conducted a live saree-draping demonstration.
Speaking to Gulf News, Reema said the event was designed for two main audiences: members of the Women’s Union and ambassadors’ wives.
“Our objective was to present India’s culture to them through the 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.”
She described the saree as one of the world’s oldest garments, distinguished by its unstitched design.
“It has draped Indian women for thousands of years — from queens to farmers, from dancers to brides,” she added.
A tour of India without leaving the room
“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,” Reema said.
The exhibition showcased the richness of India’s textile heritage, featuring traditional weaves and styles such as Banarasi silk, Kanchipuram silk, Mysore silk, Kerala Kasavu, Bandhani, Kalamkari and Bengal’s Tant saree.
Guests were also introduced to regional draping techniques, including the Nauvari and Seedha Pallu styles, offering a glimpse into India’s diverse and centuries-old textile traditions.
The programme also gave participants an opportunity to 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 designs, which guests could view and try on.
Dance, art and Indian flavours
A Bharatanatyam demonstration by Rashika Ojha brought classical Indian dance to the programme. Other activities included a film and quiz about India, an exhibition of Indian art and an introduction to Indian cuisine.
In a social media post about the event, Dr Alpna Mittal, wife of India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr Deepak Mittal, described the experience as “India in miniature”.
She highlighted the different cultural elements on display, from henna and bangles to an explanation of the language of hand gestures, or mudras, by Rashika Ojha.
She said Reema’s live saree-draping demonstration captivated the audience. Other highlights included Kaushik Velendra’s fashion presentation, displays of tribal art and sculptures, and a spread of Indian dishes and sweets that brought the programme to a close.
Dr Alpana thanked the General Women’s Union for its generous support and partnership, as well as the artists, volunteers and guests who contributed to the event.
The Embassy of India summed up the occasion in a social media post with the words: “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.
