The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : From kimono to traditional Indian sari

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Mar 10, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

From kimono to traditional Indian sari

Special Correspondent

Japanese women get a feel of the Indian dress

THIS ONE IS GOOD: Japanese women choosing their saris at a `sari workshop' for the Sakurakai Japanese Women's Association organised by the India-Japan Initiative in Bangalore on Thursday. — Photo: K. Gopinathan .

Bangalore: A group of women from Japan, now living in Bangalore, had a crash course in selecting the best silk saris and, more importantly, how to tie them gracefully.

The India-Japan Initiative (JPI) organised the `sari workshop' for the Sakurakai Japanese Women's Association with the help of Deepam Silks.

Variety

The workshop focused not only on how to properly wear a sari but also the rich and diverse variety of weaves and embellishments available in India.

The Sakurakai women were taken to a silk weaving facility to give them an idea about how saris are woven.

The Sakurakai women were then brought to the silk showroom where they were acquainted with the amazing variety of weaves available from different regions, such as Kanjeevarams, Benarasi silks, Paithanis, Ikats and Crepes, and of course the many ranges of Mysore silk.

Interest

Commenting on the workshop, Geetanjali Kirloskar, who is the chairperson of the India-Japan Initiative, pointed out: "The Indian sari is the quintessential woman's garment of the country and has attracted a lot of interest and wonder across the world. The abundance of textiles and weaves available in India in unmatched anywhere.

"The workshops and cultural programmes arranged by us are aimed at familiarising the Japanese community in India with the different aspects of our culture. We hope this particular event will popularise the sari and take it beyond our boundaries."

Cementing ties

The India-Japan Initiative tries to build enduring association between the peoples, governments, business and cultures of India and Japan. As a non-profit organisation, it facilitates stronger ties between India and Japan through exchanges of views, interests and learning at various levels.

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