The United Kingdom recently hosted its first-ever Saree Walkathon in honor of National Handloom Day, showcasing the splendor of Odisha’s handloom sarees on the streets of London. Organized by British Women in Sarees (BWIS) and supported by the Inspiring Indian Women Group, the event was a magnificent display of Indian culture and tradition. Led by Dr. Dipti Jain, the walkathon began at Trafalgar Square and proceeded through Downing Street to Parliament Square, with participants paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue. Over 700 women from 16 Indian states, including a group of 25 from Odisha under the leadership of Dr. Renuka Jena, participated in the vibrant extravaganza.

The unique and uncommon sight of ladies walking in royal style, wearing the razzling-dazzling handloom sarees from Odisha such as Bomkai, Dolabedi, Sambalpuri, Khandua, Passapali, Gopalpur Tussar, and Kotapad, was momentous and memorable. The event aimed to promote Indian handicrafts and handlooms, and proceeds from the Walkathon will be donated for the development of weavers’ clusters in India. The unique sight of women adorned in Odisha’s exquisite handloom sarees was a memorable spectacle, capturing the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions.