"Threads of Thought: Sarees, Mathematics, and the Palimpsest of Change"

This was the beginning of another hectic week, and I honestly didn't realize when this week stormed in, only to discover that, well, Thursday was National Sari Day and yesterday was National Mathematics Day. Both approached me and almost passed me by, unknowing, until my Facebook feed informed me just now. I was in a state of paranoia when my better half asked me what was so wrong with missing a day when half the world was nonchalant about this day. Gosh, how could I tell them how much I had planned a gorgeous family photo shoot with my wife, sister, and mother in tow to showcase three generations of saree loyalists on this day? All seemed lost.

Sarees are a part of my daily life and a major part of the crafts I work with other than my normal professional fortitude, which is somewhat technical, electronic, and mathematical and was an integral part of something I was allowed to pursue in school when I was young. I am fascinated when others look at a page of figures and can find hidden stories and truths hidden in their columns. Of profit and loss, success and mismanagement, fraud and enlightenment. To me, it’s mainly gobbledegook! And as for algebra... and the ever-raised upgraded display on screen, it is indeed the future of technology and technical electronic know-how.

On the other hand, I find stories in the warp and weft of a sari pallav equally fascinating and interesting. The way a peacock or elephant is depicted can tell me whether it’s Banaras, Paithani, Kanchipuram or Kotpad. The color of the body of an Ilkal sari tells me whether it’s intended for a young girl, a wife, or a widow. And then each of those peacocks, elephants, fish, or parrots tells their own further stories—of seasons, emotions, community, or celebration.

Western music notation as well as the Indian classical music diaspora is another mystery that fascinates me: that those symbols, ragas, and instruments, Bhairavi, Durbari, Malkauns, Jhinjhinoti, Thumri, or Kajri, so beautiful in themselves, translate magically into such wonderful sounds that are immediately comprehensible to any musician, whether he be from Latin America, Latvia, Benares, or Bhopal. I used to go out with a young, friendly acquaintance years ago who read music scores as if they were comics, exclaiming and wiggling his fingers as if he could hear the chords in his head.

How ingenious human beings were to develop so many sounds, languages, scripts, and symbols over the ages, each with its own significance and meaning, comprehensible only to the initiated... And we continue to do it now with computer coding.

These ways of communicating can both unite and divide. Shared knowledge and language bring people together, but not being part of that charmed circle is to be a perpetual outsider, creating inferiority and caste systems. What a stigma  ‘illiteracy’ carries. Regardless, so-called ‘illiterate’ people have their own means of storing and sharing information. Village craftswomen in Kutch may not know how to write their names but carry hundreds of motifs and stitches in their heads and can replicate them with their needles with ease. Itinerant balladeers know all the songs their forefathers sang without a word being written.

The mind is a palimpsest in itself, full of pictures, stories, numbers, and symbols. Inexorably, though, technology is changing what we remember. Those telephone numbers we used to reel off are now saved in our phones, not our memories; one barely remembers one’s own! Now that songs, poetry, entertainment, and even our prayers are digitally available at a tap of a finger, how many of us can summon them up the way previous generations did? I remember an uncle reciting Shakespeare's King Lear’s verses all along the winding road to boarding school, while another capped him with comic Lavni couplets of unending beats of gungroo and the taals.

“The world is changing," and we are changing with it. Where it’s taking us is still written in indecipherable hieroglyphics. Maybe emojis will be the universal language of the future.

Meanwhile, as we celebrate what is known as Kisan Diwas, or National Farmers Day, let's warmly celebrate those unsung but essential providers of our lives, our food, which is Annadata. So much is said that life becomes insignificant without the three important juxtapositions of life, Roti Kapda and Makan. Much said, the better in my said salutations to the Great World Saree Day.

Before I end this week's blog, I wanted to share the trending sarees of the generation this festive season. So much is said for handlooms and handicrafts, but honestly, very few can afford or appreciate them, so without any misgivings, I am sharing the same with you. From traditional ceremonies to elaborate festivities, sarees occupy a unique and cherished spot in the wardrobe of every Indian woman. The initial encounter with a saree for many girls often entails donning their mother’s saree for school events or farewells. With the ever-changing fashion landscape, the range of available saree styles continues to expand. Let’s delve into the essential top 5 saree styles that every Indian woman should have in her collection.

Organza Saree

Organza sarees are the epitome of grace and sophistication. The sheer fabric adds a touch of ethereal charm to any occasion, making it a versatile choice for both daytime events and evening soirees. The minimalistic yet intricate embroidery on organza sarees enhances their appeal, making them perfect for the modern woman who appreciates subtlety and style. You can pair the saree with either heavy earrings or a simple choker set.

Crush-pleated saree

The crush pleated saree stands out as a modern and captivating choice that beautifully blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary style. The crinkled pleats exude a unique charm, adding a dynamic quality to the saree’s overall appeal. These sarees come in various colors and prints, making them suitable for a range of occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events.

Banarasi Saree

A Banarasi saree is crafted in Varanasi, also known as Banaras. These sarees are among the finest in India. They are characterized by intricate gold and silver brocade or zari work, fine silk, lavish embroidery, and vibrant patterns. Every thread tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship, making it a must-have for special occasions like weddings and festivals. Investing in a Banarasi saree is not just a fashion choice; it’s a celebration of India’s cultural legacy.

Sequin Saree

For those who love to sparkle, the sequin saree is a glamorous choice that adds a contemporary twist to traditional attire. Whether attending a festive celebration or a grand evening event, sequin sarees effortlessly blend tradition with modernity. The play of light on sequins creates a mesmerizing effect, ensuring you stand out in any crowd. Choose bold colors like royal blue or emerald green to make a striking statement.

Kanjeevaram Saree

Hailing from the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the Kanjeevaram saree is a symbol of timeless elegance. The rich silk and intricate zari borders of the saree exude a regal charm, making it a perfect choice for weddings and formal occasions. The vibrant color combinations and detailed motifs make Kanjeevaram sarees a cultural treasure. The saree can be paired with temple jewelry and gajras for a graceful look.

An epitaph to my evergreen love Paithani, it is there to stay like the forlorn love, forbidden yet cherished. Nee, I say more. Enjoy the chill of this year's Yule tide.