THE FIRST PAITHANI I EVER DESIGNED..STILL TIMELESS, ALWAYS CHERISHED.

The human brain is a funny thing. A mere smell or a sound or even a texture can unleash memories so vivid, it would seem as if you are actually experiencing it in present.

The smell of a particular agarbatti, immediately takes me back to my Ajji’s ‘deoghar‘ ( Puja room) . I can almost see her in her nine Yard saree, making chandan (sandalwood paste) for her gods. The sight of parijat flowers on the ground, transports me to my nani’s house in a small village called Barshi. All this happens in a nano second, almost like magic. Memories that are tucked away deep in the corner of your heart, become unlocked by these visuals and smells.

As I hold my Paithani in my hands and run my fingers on the delicate weave, I am overwhelmed by the flood of memories that engulf me. I had draped her for the first time for the naming ceremony of my first born , Nikita. My Paithani was brand new then. I had personally chosen the colours, the pallu design and the butti motif.

It is considered auspicious to wear black for a naming ceremony. I was very clear even back then, that my sari for that special day, had to be a Paithani! Having just finished my degree in textiles the year before, I was already head over heels in love with this amazing textile from Maharashtra!

My Paithani looked so resplendent .

In the years that followed I draped her many times for many special occasions. Every time I draped it, she gave me the same joy and the same happy feeling. Little did I know that every time I wore it, a new memory was silently getting woven into its silken threads.

Today, 33 years later, she looks as resplendent, as graceful and as beautiful as she did almost 3 decades ago!

As I close my eyes hold the Paithani against my cheek, I can see my son Neel, as a toddler , sitting in my lap for his ‘bor nahan‘. My Paithani was with me, like a best friend, for that occasion.

When I unfold the Paithani to appreciate the beautiful dancing peacocks on its pallu, I fall in love with it ……again! I smile, as I remember the compliments I receive every time I wear this saree.

This time, she will be with me as I celebrate my first grandchild's naming ceremony. Another beautiful memory to cherish together.

How can anyone not fall in love with this beauty?

I fold it with care , as if to preserve all my memories in it . I am awaiting eagerly to weave more magical memories into its threads. Memories that I will pass on as a legacy to my children and their children.

Because , I know for sure, that tomorrow I maybe gone, but my Paithani will be there, strong and beautiful as ever. Sharing old memories and weaving new ones into its silken yarns!

This is the story of my most cherished sari, I would love to hear yours too!