(Image source from: Twitter/cherniemei)

Draping a saree is definitely not a cakewalk for any first-timers. Saree is the most famous Indian attire worn by women not only in India but all over the world.

Breaking the myths, a freelance motion graphic designer Cheryl Teh in Little India is sharing insight on the various types of sarees and the method of draping it through a workshop - Saree: From Tangible to Intellectual. The workshop is so soon a biggie with locals and foreigners waiting with bated breath to learn about the attire.

Cheryl Teh said she planned to wear one to her best friend’s wedding. “Now that I have learned how to drape it, it doesn’t seem too difficult. I will probably forget the method but I think it will be easier next time,” she said when met at the workshop held at the Malaysian Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry Penang office in Penang Street.

Teh, 28, said the workshop made her understand more about the various types and patterns of sarees.

“When I bought my saree, I did not know much and just picked a random one.

“Now, I know what to look out for when choosing a saree for a special occasion,” she said.

                        (Image source from: The Star Online)

Australian Kristin Phillips said she had always been intrigued by the saree and wanted to learn to drape it for years.

“I never had an opportunity like this, it is such a fun way to learn about another culture. I have always wanted to visit a saree shop but it is intimidating to go in on your own and browse. This time, I got to visit three shops. And I now know how to drape a saree.

“I will definitely consider wearing a saree as it is not as difficult as it seems to drape it,” said the 53-year-old who is volunteering with the George Town Festival.

The workshop and visit to the local traders were part of the many programs lined up for this year’s George Town Festival.

i joined a workshop today, and learnt The Art of Wearing Saree: From Tangible to Intellectual at @GT_Festival where a lot of general knowledge was bestowed upon us by Ms Preveena. ⁣#GTF2019 #saree #tradition #culture pic.twitter.com/uoVdeN1NKi

— Toh Mei Chern™ (@cherniemei) July 21, 2019

Earlier, project director B. Preveena shared insights on the different ways sarees are draped in different states in India.

“In Tamil Nadu, the Kanjivaram, Kandangi, and Chettinadu are some of the types of sarees while in Madhya Pradesh, the Chanderi and Maheswari are their staples.

“It is difficult to find some of these sarees outside their respective states. While the draping styles also differ such as the Madisari way in Tamil Nadu and Nivi, which is a common drape, originating from Andhra Pradesh,” she shared.

Preveena said there were many different techniques of making a saree which led to the varying price range. “A saree can range up to a few thousand ringgit based on its cloth and design.

“The motifs on a saree also signify different things such as a peacock for immortality, courtship, and fertility while blooming flowers are considered holy and associated with the Hindu gods. The various colors also carry significance based on the occasion.

“Yellow, red, pink orange and magenta are favored for weddings while indigo and blue are not considered auspicious colors,” she said.

By Sowmya Sangam