How to put on a sari

TO get into the mood for Durban’s Sari Stroll on August 6, the Independent on Saturday enlisted the help of Srishti Pattundeen and Zabe Mzamo on how to drape a sari, showing off one of the many styles in which the garment can be worn.

If you want to participate in the Sari Stroll but have no sari and do not know how to drape it, then not to worry as the organisers will have extra saris on hand and will drape the garment for you.

The Sari Stroll is the brainchild of Kamlesh Gounden and Natalie Lange who, being avid collectors of elegant saris, wanted to celebrate the beauty and grace of this versatile garment.

“According to history, the sari, which is known for its bright colours, was traditionally worn in India, since 2000BC, when cotton was first cultivated. It consists of five yards (4.5m) of unstitched material that is wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff. In recent years, the sari has been made popular by female celebrities around the globe,” said Gounden.

The stroll celebrates the sari, and Gounden said was a way for women of all walks of life to get together.

The stroll will begin at 1pm on August 6, at the old Amphitheatre, near the Sunken Gardens, and will then head southbound, after which light refreshments will be served at the Amphitheatre.