As fashions change, Surat’s sari industry takes a tumble

Supermodel Gigi Hadid broke the internet when she walked the pink carpet at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai in an ivory-and-gold chikankari sari. And as you read this, a four-month-long ‘Offbeat Sari’ exhibition is on at the Design Museum in London. In India, though, the sari’s popularity as everyday wear is sliding, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.
Anjali Rana last bought a sari for herself 14 years ago. “I wore saris for 35 years, but now I am more comfortable in salwar kurtas since they fully cover the body and allow me ease of movement,” says the 64-year-old teacher from Bhuj.