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Wearing a sari - your views

We’re collecting together views on saris, particularly on bridal saris and the idea of a British Bridal Sari. Please email info@bridging-arts.com and we add your thoughts to the website.

Nidhi Uppal is the mother of four small boys and lives in Ickenham, west London. Normally she wouldn’t wear a sari every day – only for religious ceremonies, celebrations or special occasions. But as an experiment last autumn she cast aside her usual jeans and wore a sari daily for a week, sometimes over a black polo neck to keep warm. She wore heels every day, something she would not normally do – as she always wears heels with a sari. She was surprised at the number of compliments she received and said it was a wonderful experience.

“Mrs Uppal,” someone said at the school gates. “You look as if you’re floating.”

NEWS FROM BRADFORD
Asiya Bashir writes from the Cathedral Centre

“I have not worn a sari before, but when I was young we used to wear Asian outfits with scarves which are very long and colourful. I wondered how it would feel to wear a sari, so I wrapped the scarf around my body. The funny thing is it really did look like a sari and it felt good. I felt like a princess or a film star, and I had a light feeling, like I was flying in air.”

AND LONDON
“Graceful
Great for posture
Elegance
Tradition.”
Poonam Jagota, solicitor

“I have never worn a sari (but on the odd occasion have tried on my mum’s sari!) as yet, but when I do see a woman wearing a sari, I see it as sheer elegance. If you think about it, it’s really just a piece of extra long cloth wrapped around you, but the beauty is how you wear it, how you carry it off and also, how you put it on. It looks so easy to wear but when you do, it can sometimes be difficult to handle! However, nowadays with fashion changing so dramatically, the sari can be worn in a number of styles so that it is comfortable. I can’t wait to wear it one day!”
Deepa Rai, Sunrise Radio

“Ahhh I was just given a sari in Chandigarh by my cousin and it’s so so beautiful, so flowy, so lovely. Can’t believe I just haven’t worn them. In fact my cousin couldnt believe I live in London and that I love saris – well I do – and I shocked them by wearing them so gracefully.”
Rainu Jansz

“I wore my first saree at seven – my mum made it for me. Before then I would dress my dolls up with my homemade sarees! I loved them then and still love them now. The great thing about sarees is that no matter how old or young, or what shape or size you are, they make you look and feel great. With two very young children, wearing sarees can be a bit tricky, but when I do, I feel elegant and very cultured. To me, a woman in a saree is an image of beauty, elegance and womanhood. If you havn’t already worn one, try one on and you’ll see what I mean!”

Neerja Sehgal

AND AUSTRALIA
Have only ever worn a Sari in public once, and that was one of Nidhi’s that she kindly fitted me in one evening. I remember feeling like a princess! I remember feeling as though I was floating across the floor rather than walking. It is such a wonderful experience to wear a sari , one that really makes a
woman feel like a woman! I had so many compliments I remember feeling great. Yes an experience i would gladly try again.

Ali Manuel

AND SPAIN ,/B>