Growing up in late 80s in a city, amidst urban influence and changing times, my encounter with the whole nine yards, also known as the Saree, happened in my late teens during the most coveted festival for us Bengalis, the Durga Puja. This traditional religious festival celebrates the divine feminine, Goddess Durga and her victory over Mahishasura with grandeur and greatness. However, what struck me most as a little girl was the sartorial splendour bursting in colours and glitters and thus began my fascination of the greatest beauty and elegance, the Saree.

While growing up I was significantly influenced by my mother and all other female relatives in my family who would adorn the saree with ease and simplicity.  I learnt the variety of sarees that were popular in those times, namely the traditional and ever elegant cotton Tant er saree with striking borders and ornate floral pallus, the Balucharis that weave designs from mythological texts, the soft and supple Dhakai Jamdani, with its beautiful weaving of silk and cotton, the Tussar silks with its embroidered kantha style works, the murshidabad silks etc.

With the passage of time, I too reached that stage in my life where I learnt to celebrate womanhood with pride and confidence. But my fashion journey into this world of elegance was being rewritten and a new story was evolving.

By the time I got married and moved to the UK in early 2000s, Saree had already become very popular, not only outside Bengal into other states of India but also abroad and had a substantial international presence. Now currently living in Perth, Western Australia, my love for sarees are no longer restricted to the traditional sarees celebrated during Durga Puja but to a host of trendy party and casual wear. A new generation of sarees have made its mark on the fashion scene. Ruffle sarees in silk, georgette or net fabrics, Stonework, and sequins embroidered silk or Zari sarees and thread woven Net sarees are now popular for their style, charm and elegance. I have stood out unrivalled and took pride in presenting my culture to the international world. I revel in joy and spirit to celebrate womanhood with Durga, the eternal invincible force.