The Ministry of Textiles has organized country's largest ever ‘One Bharat Sari Walkathon’ in India's financial capital, Mumbai on Sunday, December 10th 2023 at R2 Ground, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Bandra East, Mumbai.

The aim of the event was to promote Handloom sari culture in India by inviting participation of women from various states showcasing their ways of wearing saris and thereby, presenting India as a country having “Unity in Diversity”. It has also promoted the spirit of traditional textile and support the idea of “Vocal for Local” and raised awareness about fitness among women and to encourage them lead healthier lives.

In the august presence of Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Smt. Darshana Jardosh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Textiles and Smt. Poonam Mahajan, Member of Parliament jointly flagged off the Mumbai Edition of One Bharat Sari Walkathon.

The event has empowered the Nari Shakti which has been a relentless focus of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership which has paved the way for women-led development from Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan to Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam

The participation of women from various backgrounds, draped in saris representing their distinct regional styles, has created a beautiful tapestry of diversity and strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'. This not only resonates with the vibrant essence of Mumbai but also adds a layer of deep cultural significance to the walkathon. By combining the economic, cultural, and regional elements, the 'One Bharat Sari Walkathon' is poised to make a meaningful impact, celebrating the unity in diversity that characterizes India while simultaneously promoting the enduring legacy of handloom craftsmanship.”

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of more than 5000 women including leading women professionals, Bollywood and television personalities, sports personalities, business women, designers, influencers, housewives, women from the music industry like Anita Dongre, Dolly Jain, Shaina NC, Faye D'Souza, Sonali Bendre, Neeta Lulla, Dr. Jaishree Sharad, Sonali Kulkarni, Rouble Nagi, Amrita Somaiya, Dr. Megha Phansalkar, Renuka Kriplani, Rupali Ganguly, Priyanka Priyadarshani, Archana Khosla Burman and many more.

During the event Ms. Dolly Jain, the fastest saree draper (18.5 seconds) the record in the Book of World Records in 2011, also demonstrated the sari draping. Workshop on Sari Draping was also done by NIFT Mumbai.