Saree Speak held their latest event at the Six Bells Pub in Church Lane, Shinfield last Sunday with around 60 ladies from the local Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading Community.
Organised by Mohima Bose and Anjali Mittal’s, the women of all ages got together with one aim – to celebrate their culture and the diversity of the saree, many of which become family heirlooms and are passed down through the generations.
Mohima, who lives in Earley, said: “We were very please – the event went very well. We chose the Six Bells because of its central location, we could have our own space and because of the lovely food – and we were sold out in the second week.”
Mohima added: “We are all proud of our culture and heritage. The saree is part of the Indian tradition. There are so many different sarees and each state has its own identity and speciality. The group is all about getting together with like-minded ladies.”
At this, the second event of its kind, the ladies took part in ‘Rock your State’, each wearing a saree from the state in India they originate from and speaking about it.
The next meet-up is the Holi event on March 23rd at The Wren School, Bath Road in Reading from 12.30pm to 5pm. The multi-cultural event is an Indian festival with powder colour, performances from children and a talk about the legend of Holi, ending with a DJ. Known as the Festival of Colours, Holi is celebrated on the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna. Everyone is sticky in blue, yellow, green, and pink during Holi, a festival of colors and love that ushers in spring. And then Saree Speak will celebrate their anniversary in June when they are expecting more than 100 ladies to attend.
Saree Speak is aimed at women within the Indian community as a way of meeting up and making friends. The group was inspired by the global Saree Speak Facebook page.
Photos by Paul King
