Saree wearing workshop

Description

The Saree, more than a garment, a cultural and identity symbol

Sari or Saree is a traditional female garment with various styles of draping, varying from five to nine yards (4.5 to 8 meters) in length. History of sari-like drapery is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, which flourished during 2800–1800 BC around the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent.

Cotton was first cultivated and woven in Indian subcontinent around 5th millennium BC. Dyes used during this period are still in use, particularly indigo, lac, red madder and turmeric. In the modern Indian subcontinent, the sari is considered a cultural icon. There are more than 30 types of sarees available in India and there are more than 80 reported ways to wear a sari! It is likely that you will be inclined to buy at least one piece of this heirloom; we suggest that you learn to drape it to feel Indian when you wear Indian!

South Indian women are known for their impeccable saree tying skills, and at SITA, we have Lakshmi, our saree tying instructor, who will guide you through the historical and geographical representation of this garment in a short theoretical session. She will explain the different types of sarees, the accessory clothing needed to wear a saree, and different ways to wear it.

What will you do?

3 techniques are taught during the workshop: the daily option that most of the women around the sub-continent use to wear, a  party-style version and another one more traditional which  shows the pallu, thre embellished border of your saree.

You will get to practice the steps and Lakshmi will answer your questions so that once you are through with the class, you will be confident to wear the saree on your own. The workshop ends with a small photoshoot in saree to frame your saree-clad avatar forever!

Things to know

The workshop lasts 1.5hour and is taught in English.

As you might have guessed it, this workshop is especially designed for women but still if some gents are interested we can explain the male twin of the saree, means the lunghi or veshti.

Children can participate as well along their mother.

What is included

• all the material needed for the session with a wide choice of sarees, and different sizes of blouses and petticoats.
• accessories to match the saree.
• an e-booklet will be sent afterwards.

What to bring

• comfortable clothes
•  you may bring your own saree for the workshop
• your camera