#debsaristories #vineyardsmeet #california

What a day! I ended up hosting an event for saree enthusiasts, an entire group of positive people who are all sportive and motivating, and a wonderful team that stood together to make it memorable. I am actually at loss of words and just have a swollen heart of memories, laughter, thankfulness, sarees, laughter and the huge family of saree lovers.

Growing up as a kid, I never thought that one doesn't need bling, sari, jewelry to look confident in a saree, going by what I saw around me. In traditional south Indian homes all our important occasions revolve around kanjivaram. Pattu pavada (lehenga), pattu cheera, pattu podava.. it's all about it. The little less popular ones being dharmavaram, arni etc..and mysore silk a distant cousin. Ikat and uppada were unheard of commonly then.. basically if its not pattu then either it isnt an important occasion or it isn't a saree at all. Forward to my first meeting with ma - she had flawless skin and gorgeous hair. But what caught my attention was that she wore a pastel cotton dhakai jamdani and zero jewelry and I couldn't take my eyes off her at all. I was trying to keenly look what was it that made her the showstopper even in a crowd dressed without zari and jewelry. She wasnt ma to me then so I could not ask much, but over the years I discovered and hear her saying a million times, it's your heart, your thoughts, your inner beauty and your self confidence. That's what makes you attractive not physical features, expensive clothes or jewelry. My dream drape organza teamed with brocade blouse perfect for the occasion and the venue, an ode to the queens like ma and my other inspiration Maharani Gayatri Devi!