The Ministry of Textiles is hosting the 'One Bharat Sari Walkathon' on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Dussehra Ground, Shakti Nagar, Kota, Rajasthan, in an effort to improve women's fitness and celebrate India's rich handloom heritage. The event is part of the AatmNirbhar Bharat Utsav taking place in Kota from 3rd to 8th February 2024. Building on the success of the Sari Walkathon events in Surat (9th April 2023) and Mumbai (10th December 2023), the Ministry of Textiles aims to replicate the enthusiasm in Kota.
AatmNirbhar Bharat Utsav: Celebrating Self-Reliance
The AatmNirbhar Bharat Utsav is not new to the Indian cultural calendar. The 2024 edition, held from 3rd to 10th January at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, showcased and celebrated India's self-reliance. The event provided comprehensive support to traditional artisans and craftspeople, especially those in the handloom sector, which employs over 35 lakh individuals, predominantly women.
Draping Saris for Fitness and Unity in Diversity
The upcoming Sari Walkathon in Kota aims to raise awareness about fitness among women and encourage healthier lifestyles. Women from across the country are expected to participate, each showcasing the traditional way of draping saris from their respective regions. The event envisions presenting India as a country with "Unity in Diversity" through the diverse styles of sari wearing.
Handloom Culture: Symbol of India's Heritage
India's handloom sector is a symbol of the country's rich and varied cultural heritage. With more than 35 lakh individuals engaged in the sector, it plays a crucial role in providing employment, especially to women. The handloom industry produces a myriad of exquisite saris, including Paithani, Kotpad, Kota Doria, Tangail, Pochampally, Kancheepuram, and many more, each attracting global attention for its unique art, weaves, designs, and traditional motifs.
Expecting Diverse Participants
Approximately 10,000 women from across the country are anticipated to participate in the Sari Walkathon, showcasing their distinctive traditional attire. The event promises to be a vibrant tapestry, featuring not only enthusiastic participants but also notable figures from various fields, including celebrities, influential personalities, fashion designers, and committed Anganwadi workers.
In the AatmNirbhar Bharat Utsav exhibition, participants include representatives from various State Government Bodies, Apex Societies, Primary Handloom Weavers Co-operative Societies, and Handloom, Handicraft, Jute, Silk, and Woollen Weavers/Artisans. A total of 150 participants from all over India will contribute to the exhibition, further emphasizing the cultural and economic significance of India's handloom sector.
