Bandhej saree

In my previous post, I have already described Bandhej saree and the technique how it is made.

On my second day in Varanasi, I wore another Bandhej saree. Unlike the previous one, which has only two colours- orange and blue, this saree has more colours. In fact, it also has light mirror work on it. I teamed it with a silver necklace that I bought in Jaipur, small silver earrings and artificial bangles. To be comfortable during the whole day, I wore it with a light T-shirt instead of a blouse. I also added jasmine flower gajra to my hair.

We are going through times when sarees seem to be disappearing. People find suits (Punjabi suits) easy to wear, more comfortable, trendier, more in vogue.
In these times, there are discerning few who still don sarees (handloom sarees) on an everyday basis.
There is nothing more graceful, comfortable and elegant than a handloom saree.
Somehow, in Delhi, the perception of saree clad woman is that she is not in sync with fashion or trend and is little backward. Suits are considered more upmarket.
The fashion industry is extremely commercial. Why would a designer, a boutique, a retail store promote a handloom saree woven by weavers? They would rather promote garish looking suits, western dresses, jeans and T-shirts. The sarees that designers would sell would be overladen with embroideries and sequins.
Sarees are eternal and timeless beauties. Fashion and trends will come and go but sarees spell class and style that is everlasting.
Recently I was at a wedding. I observed all women dressed in designer suits and lehengas. Some girls were also wearing western dresses. I was the only one in a silk saree. In such times, one does feel societal pressure, pressure from social media but you need to be comfortable in what you are wearing. You need to be comfortable in your own skin.
Saree is six yards of magic draped around you.