Showcasing South Asian Handloom Textile Roots through Saree Walk, London, 6th August 2025

Saree is a traditional garment from the Indian subcontinent, consisting of a long piece of unstitched fabric, typically 5 to 9 yards long, that is draped over the body in various styles. It’s a versatile garment, worn by women in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The saree is more than just clothing or global fashion statement by now, it’s a symbol of cultural identity, tradition, and femininity, often reflecting diverse regional styles and craftsmanship. From Banarsi, Chanderi, Pashmina textile from the North, to Kanchipuram and Pochampally from South. Paithani and Patola sarees from West to Bhagalpuri Tussar silk, Jamdani, Sambhalpuri from varied Easter part of South Asia.

Handloom sarees are woven on a loom manually, resulting in unique designs and textures not found in machine-made sarees or textile. They are known for their intricate craftsmanship and are often made from materials like silk, cotton, or linen, which are eco-friendly.

Handloom sarees are a testament to traditional weaving techniques and are considered a cultural heritage. The handloom industry has been India’s second-largest source of employment, providing livelihoods to millions of weavers and artisans, many of whom are women. The Handloom Day of pre-Independence historic importance, honours the skilled handloom weavers and promotes our handloom, sustainable heritage.