One Saree at a Time, Indian Women in the U.S.A
An nri woman talked about her affinity for indian clothing and how much she misses the colorful looks she used to wear every day in a heartfelt social media post. Many indian women who live overseas discover that although indian food, movies, and groceries are widely available in the United States, traditional indian clothing is not. Her remarks strike a chord with these ladies.
She recalls her wardrobe in India, which was filled with elegant sarees, phulkari dupattas, anarkalis, and chikankari kurtas. She used to proudly wear them, accessorizing her ensemble with thick necklaces, bangles, a little bindi, and bright jhumkas. Every event served as an opportunity to dress up, engage with others, and highlight the richness of her culture; every ensemble felt like a celebration. However, things are now different. She now only uses them to send her children off at school or conduct errands in simple cotton outfits.
She recalls her wardrobe in India, which was filled with elegant sarees, phulkari dupattas, anarkalis, and chikankari kurtas. She used to proudly wear them, accessorizing her ensemble with thick necklaces, bangles, a little bindi, and bright jhumkas. Every event served as an opportunity to dress up, engage with others, and highlight the richness of her culture; every ensemble felt like a celebration. However, things are now different. She now only uses them to send her children off at school or conduct errands in simple cotton outfits.
The only occasions when she could wear a saree without feeling overdressed were at her annual festivities, which were often held on Diwali. In the United States, life is different. She no longer participates in the various festivals, get-togethers, and hectic social events where she used to dress to express her identity. There are very few opportunities to dress in indian attire in the small indian population in the city where she resides. She works from home, and the majority of her wardrobe consists of casual attire rather than the sophisticated items she used to wear.
Wearing a saree feels excessive when she goes out with friends on the weekends. She feels uncomfortable rather than proud; it's as if she's making a statement simply by being herself. nri women frequently had this experience. Cultural events are more common in American cities with higher indian populations, such as Dallas, Chicago, and New Jersey. The majority of locations, however, don't have the same link to traditional indian attire. Indeed, American society has made room for indian cuisine and films.