While on my two month trip to India I chose to write only on my One Handful of Rice site. That kept me busy enough. But now I’m home and anxious to return to writing tasks.
   It occurred to me that most of you have never worn that most beautiful of garments, the sari. They are simply the prettiest and most flattering garments to wear, but it does take a little practice. A sari is a long piece of fabric about 6 feet long. It has an end piece which will go over the shoulder and which usually has more color in it.That is called the pallu. Sometimes the sari has an end piece which is cut off and made into the “blouse” which is the top garment, not much more than a bra. It fits very tightly and has short cap sleeves which also are made to fit snugly. Then you either buy or have stitched a matching petticoat. The petticoat is crucial because the pleats of the sari are tucked into the waist string of the petticoat. If the pleats come out, you’re in major fashion trouble. The pleats and pallu can either be pinned in place or you can trust to fate. Women comfortable in sari often leave the pallu unpinned and hold it gently with the left arm.
Buying a special sari is a lovely experience. Of course they are available in every price range and often come in flat boxes–the equivalent of our off the rack. But for special occasions you go to a sari shop and are greeted warmly, offered tea and shown a variety of saris in your choice of color and price range. Once you have selected several to consider, you are shown to a person who is an expert in “draping” the sari. An elastic band is tied around your waist and the sari is quickly pleated and pretend-draped to show the effect.
   Once the sari is purchased then you have to take it to a tailor to be measured for the blouse and have it stitched. You either buy the petticoat or have it made of a matching color as the petticoat will sometimes show a tiny bit as you sit.
   Saris may be draped or “tied” in many styles, but there are several traditional and common styles. Often when women are working they grab the pallu and tuck it into their waist at the right side. I’ve also seen working women bring the pallu up through their legs and turn the sari into a pant-like garment.
   I hope you women will get an opportunity to try on a sari at least once in your lifetime. It can turn the roughest tomboy into a genteel lady for a time.