The Ministry of Textiles will organize country's largest ever ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ in India's financial capital, Mumbai on Sunday, December 10^th 2023. The event aims to promote the handloom sari culture in India by inviting participation of women across the country to showcase their ways of wearing saris and thus present India as a country of “Unity in Diversity”. It will also promote the spirit of traditional textile & support the idea of “Vocal for Local” and will raise awareness about fitness among women and to encourage them lead healthier lives.

In this celebration of cultural diversity & empowerment, enthusiastic participation of more than 5000 women including leading professionals, Bollywood & television personalities, sports personalities, business women, designers, influencers, housewives, women from the music industry and many more are set to join the event adorned in their distinctive traditional attire. Previously, Sari Walkathon was organized in Surat.

The Minister of State for Textiles Smt. Darshana Jardosh and Member of Parliament - Lok Sabha Smt. Poonam Mahajan will jointly flag off the Mumbai Edition of ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ at MMRDC Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai.

While talking about the Walkathon, Smt. Jardosh said the event will hold particular significance in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, where the spirit of womanhood is deeply embedded in every aspect of its existence. The participation of women from various backgrounds, draped in saris representing their distinct regional styles, will create a beautiful tapestry of diversity and strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. This will not only resonates with the vibrant essence of Mumbai but also add a layer of deep cultural significance to the walkathon. By combining the economic, cultural, and regional elements, the 'One Bharat Sari Walkathon' is poised to make a meaningful impact, celebrating the unity in diversity that characterizes India while simultaneously promoting the enduring legacy of handloom craftsmanship.

Smt. Mahajan, in this regard said, “I believe that sari is not just a garment but a symbol of women’s financial independence and freedom. The ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ aims to bring women on a platform that supports the Indian textile industry and promotes women empowerment. Regardless of whether it's the CEO of a multinational company or a Koli woman from the indigenous Maharashtrian tribe, each participant will walk the marathon adorned in a traditional sari. This unification through the dignity of labor and a shared love for Indian culture will be the common thread among all participants.”

Handloom sector is a symbol of our country’s rich and varied cultural heritage, besides being one of the key sectors providing employment to a large number of people, especially women. The handloom sector of India engages more than 35 lakh persons. The art of handloom sari weaving has traditional values attached to it and each region has exquisite saris varieties.

The uniqueness of saris such as Paithani, Kotpad, Kota doria, Tangail, Pochampally, Kancheepuram, Thirubuvanam, Jamdani, Santipuri, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Patola, Moirangphee, Banarasi Brocade, Tanchoi, Bhagalpuri Silk, Bawan Buti, Pashmina Sari etc. to name a few attracts saris across the globe with exclusive art, weaves, designs and traditional motifs.

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