Traveling Kunbi (a Goan handloom saree) - so many stories in those folds.

The Kunbi sitting on my dresser is telling me many stories. It started it’s journey in Goa, has gone to various places and now it is a world across in Boston tonight. I am thinking about it’s journey and only if it could talk to me. So many stories ready to unfold. Was the suitcase stuffed with pickle and spices? Or was it accompanied by some fancy clothes, some indian sweets and snacks. Or perhaps other kinds of  sarees. Did it fly direct or was there a stop over in the Middle East or Europe ? 

The first home, did it find it an interesting household- lots of laughter, a busy household or of empty nesters? The home of a 

cute toddler or stubborn young adults or fussy teens? Newly weds or seasoned couple? Happy household or arguments about everything.

The women who adorned this Kunbi, were they happy, felt beautiful? Did someone praise her or did the kids make  faces that mom wore a saree? Did she feel powerful or did she feel old fashioned ? Did someone compliment her or did it go  unnoticed. Did she take a selfie or had a son or daughter, partner, friend or spouse as a willing photographer. Did she go out for a dinner or just wore at home. Was it a cold or warm day. Did she wear it for a special occasion? Did she spend the time alone or hung out with friends?

This saree is a symbol of sisterhood of its own kind. The Kunbi is a handloom saree from Goa and a couple of Kunbi Sarees are traveling around the world and within India. I got it a few days ago and wore it on a cold but sunny Saturday here in Boston. I wore  it to celebrate friendship and visited a saree sakhi. While chatting over chai I made the tassels on the edges. She was making fun of me saying the owner may not like it but I called it a “communal sisterhood Kunbi”.

An afternoon very well spent in a saree with a woman I met because of our mutual love for sarees who slowly became more than a saree sakhi. A chai with samosa and dhokla and a conversation about nothing and everything. By the time the sun set, the tea and snacks were over, edges were done and we both got the energy to go back to the real world.

What is your saree story?

 A pic of our flight from Cancun Mexico, who knows there might be a saree somewhere in those suitcases. Mine was in my carry on bags :) Did you read those stories?