Political fashion in India resides in a lesser talked about realm but has a great chance of striking the right chords in a conversation. With many politicians selling Mother India’s saffron to homes that seem like a potential bank of votes, the idea of fashion in politics has rather remained a constant, unlike their promises. What interests us more about this happy relationship between a crisp khadi and a politician’s closet is how powerful it makes every wearer feel. An example of something so true in its existence, rooted and powerful was President Droupadi Murmu’s choice of drape during her oath-taking ceremony.
Identical to the shades of our tiranga, or the tricolour flag, Madam President made sure to stitch her ideologies and glorious win to her choice of attire, as well. On July 25, 2022, when India’s India’s 15th President arrived for the swearing-in ceremony, all eyes were on her inspirational journey and of course the gorgeous Santhali saree that she came wrapped in. The now new female president of India scripted history by being the first tribal leader to hold office. Associated with the Santhals, the largest tribe in Jharkhand and West Bengal, her Santhali saree holds a special place in the closets of the women from this tribe. With a growing love for cotton, which was cultivated by the tribe alongside grains, Santhals eventually spun yarns and built a cloth with help from the local weavers. The Santhali saree was born out of the gradual shift from the two-piece clothing style, that was a staple amongst women from the tribe. In the earliest years of its existence, the saree in its unique version of three-bow designs stood as a symbol of freedom. With changing times, the saree found its variants in motifs of peacock, dots, and linear, triangular patterns, taking over a particular side of the pallu.
The 64-year-old former Jharkhand Governor’s thoughtful choice of Santhali saree was not only a special note of appreciation for her tribal roots, but it also celebrated the rich handloom heritage of our Motherland India. The splurge of colours saffron and green denoted the growing love of the Santhal women for dyed yarn and patterned weaves. The saree as seen on Madam President, presented a saffron stripe on the inner drape, with a green triangular border covering the outer pleats. While there isn’t a known designer of this drape, it is said that her sister-in-law Sukri Tudu was on her way to gift her “didi” the special saree, a few days prior to the ceremony. The handmade drape also celebrates the significance of this special style of drape, which is known to be worn by the tribe during special occasions. The day indeed is a special one for her, which made Santhali saree a special and apt choice.
Also Read: 10 Inspirational Quotes From Droupadi Murmu’s First Address As President Of India
Throughout her time in the public eye, President Droupadi has displayed her affection for this traditional saree, in shades of red and orange. While India’s favourite silhouette, the saree has been synonymous with power dressing for years now, its importance in every woman’s closet talks about her native roots and her personal style. As for our 12th and first female President of India, Pratibha Patil, who often dressed in a variety of Odisha native, Sambalpuri sarees, she sure made Mrs Indira Gandhi’s favourite drape her beloved closet staple during her tenure.
Putting her roots and ideologies both on display, India’s new Madam President, who achieved victory with a myriad of firsts, has a special journey to kickstart with.
Image Credits: Instagram
Droupadi Murmu Swears-In As 15th President Of India On July 25. Here’s Why The Date Holds Importance