Scores of persons graced the top floor of Kalyan’s Mall on Lamaha Street, Georgetown, attired in extravagant Indian wear on Saturday afternoon in support of Sari draping demonstrations and exhibition hosted by the High Commission of India.
The programme commenced with welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies, Narda Mohammed, followed by the lighting of a ceremonial lamp.
traditional wear of the sari to the audiance
A well-choreographed dance piece was performed by students of the Indian Cultural Centre while Dancing Delights did not fail to appease the audience, gracing the stage with a traditional segment.
High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam in his address to the gathering expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the demonstration ceremony finally come to life, since it has been in the programme of the High Commission for over two years.
He gave a short history of the ancient Sari wear, noting that it is “one of the world’s oldest and perhaps the only surviving unstitched garment from the past”, which overtime became a sensuous and glamorous attire for women.
He added that it is inconceivably wrong to attribute Sari to be Hindu attire as it is commonly worn among other religions as Christians and Muslims in India, emphasising that Mother Teresa wore a sari and her disciples continue to do so.
The High Commissioner attested that the Sari Draping Demonstration and Exhibition is only a soft beginning and based on the response of supporters, the event will continue on a larger scale in the future, even in other parts of the country.
He concluded his address by quoting renowned singer Whitney Houston saying “I like being a woman even in a so-called man’s world. After all, men can’t wear dresses but we women can wear pants.”
Chief Guest Sita Nagamotoo; wife of Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who was elegantly draped in a sizzling hot red Sari, briefly paid homage to the event which was held in sync with the 100th anniversary of the abolition of Indian indentureship, relating to the audience that it was when she was robed in a Sari, she caught the eyes of her now husband of 43 years.
The crowd was left in awe following the modelling segment which saw several stunning beauties of Indian decent take control of the stage, rocking traditional and modern Sari pieces.
Anu Mahalingam, wife of the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, showcased her sari-draping skills; effortlessly wrapping the garment on a model to the amazement of the crowd.
The ceremony engaged in a local Documentary Film on Sari, a drama and a final dance piece, concluding with modelling and closing remarks.
