The Global 100 Sarees Pact Group First Anniversary Celebrations at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre

The Global 100 Sarees Pact Group is celebrating its first anniversary today at the Marriott Convention Hall, Hotel Marriott, Hyderabad from 2.30 pm on November 26, 2016. This is the fascinating story of a virtually community, launched on Facebook, for a larger cause - foster an abiding and expanding interest in classical Indian weaves and textiles.

The Global 100 Saree Pact begun in November 2015 is today an entity of nearly 6,000 members spread across the globe. This group strives continuously to encourage wearing of the saris, support our textile heritage, ethnic wear and handlooms. The Global 100 Sarees Pact has grown from strength to strength with great camaraderie and positivity in sharing thoughts and ideas about different and distinct genres of saris. In turn, many members acknowledge that the group has prompted them to wear saris oftener and use all the saris lying in the wardrobe for years. This has in less than a year more than justified the formation of such a group.

The proof is in the outcome. There is greater awareness and wider appreciation for a large number of handlooms from across the length and breadth, the range of innovation through fusion fabrics by blending different weaves and patterns, the creative role of the weavers and the revival of weaves that were paling into oblivion. It will in the ultimate analysis protect and nourish India’s colorful weaves and handloom heritage.

This is how and why the virtual community has come face to face on its first anniversary, November 26, to celebrate Saris, Sisterhood and Solidarity. The programme included a fashion show put on boards by Kalanjali, a leading sari stores chain, on the different drapes in varied hues, the screening of a film on what the virtual community has done so far and what it plans to do in coming face to face at regular intervals and interactions on what is to be done to protect select handloom heritage and promoting the interests of weavers.
In concerted action, the Global 100 Sarees Pact members are to support the cause of Goonj, the award winning NGO, to distribute bridal saris to the financially challenged rural brides. The Global 100 Sarees Pact members are contributing saris for distribution as a wedding trousseau - two wedding saris and two regular saris each - to these brides.