More than a thousand women, largely doctors and bankers, wore traditional sarees to Britain's most prestigious Royal Ascot race meeting on Thursday, 16 June.
The Queen, who recently celebrated her platinum jubilee, frequently visits this occasion. The saree-clad women, many of Indian origin, showcased India's culture on a worldwide fashion platform.
The initiative started by Dr Dipti Jain aimed to draw attention to the plight of Indian weavers, especially in the aftermath of the COVID outbreak.
Jain wore a saree with Big Ben, the London and Kolkata skylines, the Union Jack, and the Tower of London imprinted on it. The saree was hand-embroidered by an artisan from West Bengal, named Rupa Khatun.
“I am so happy that I am getting recognised. As of now, I just give my sarees to the middleman who sells it to the market. No one gives us any recognition. I am really proud of this saree. It has received such massive appreciation," Khatun told The Times of India.
"This is a wonderful initiative and so worthwhile, we welcome them all at Royal Ascot," an Ascot spokesperson told the newspaper.
The Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot, the famous race meeting in the United Kingdom, attracts many of the world's best racehorses to compete for millions of pounds in prize money. Each year, eighteen group races are held and transmitted to audiences in nearly 200 countries across the world.
Royal Ascot has been held every year since its inception in 1711 by Queen Anne. It has 11 monarchs as patrons and is essentially a Royal summer get-together.
The Royal Enclosure has the tightest Dress Code, with males wearing grey, navy, or black morning dress and a top hat, and women wearing formal daywear and a hat.
At an event which sees the best of fashion, the diversity of Indian states was on full display.
(With inputs from The Times of India)
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