Bhubaneswar: Sarees of myriad hues of colours shone in the streets of London much to the delight of the spectators as the United Kingdom hosted the first eve Saree Walkathon on the eve of National Handloom Day recently. The woven wonders highlighted the rich art, vibrant culture and tradition of the country.
Organised by British Women in Sarees (BWIS), the mega event was supported by the Inspiring Indian Women Group. Led by BWIS’s founder president Dr Dipti Jain, the Saree Walkathon kickstarted from historic Trafalgar Square and went through Downing Street to picturesque Parliament Square. The programme ended with paying tribute to the statue of Mahatma Gandhi. More than 700 women from 16 states of India participated in the spectacular cultural extravaganza. Unusual interest, unexpected enthusiasm and unprecedented excitement were clearly visible among the participants.
A contingent of 25 members from Odisha also took part in the grand jamboree to celebrate the proud heritage of their state under the leadership of Dr Renuka Jena. The unique and uncommon sight of ladies walking in royal style wearing dazzling handloom sarees from Odisha like Bomkai, Dolabedi, Sambalpuri, Khandua, Passapali, Gopalpur Tussar and Kotapad was indeed memorable.
The walkers in the Odisha group included the co-ordinator Dr Renuka Jena, Monalisa Senapati, Swatee Rekha, Reena Meher, Rasmita Patro, Tanaya Sen, Geeta Chandra, Sonica Goel, Priyadarshinee Sahoo, Banita Raut, Dr Usha Rout, Niharika Sahoo, Dr Lipi Pradhan, Dr Sanjukta Das, Dr Indermeet Sawhney, Pragnya Arihan, Madhusmita Jena, Kinjal Patel, Kanaklata Patel, Krishna Kar, Rashmi Mishra, Geetika Gohe, Sagarika Mohanty, Mamta Mishra and Madhushree Ghosh. Budding Photographer Akshita Brahma captured the myriad moments of the walkathon.
The participants were cheered and abundantly complimented by bystanders during their entire journey. The cultural attaché of the Indian High Commission in London Nandita Sahu was the chief guest. The motto of the Saree Walkathon is to promote and popularise the handicrafts and handlooms of India and provide patronage to the weavers and artisans. The organisers declared that the proceeds of the Walkathon will be donated for the development of weavers clusters in India. The special attractions of the supersonic show were the recital of a song based on the essence and fragrance of India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari at Downing Street and the presentation of the popular Odia musical number Rangabati at Parliament Square.
