Pics: Jeevan D'Costa

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JP/MS)

Udupi, Aug 1: “Modern and artificial clothes may be attractive, but handloom woven sarees are more comfortable for the body. These sarees symbolize our culture. When a woman wears a saree, it evokes feelings of admiration,” said the seer of Paryaya Puthige Math, Sugunendra Theertha Sripada.

Sripada spoke after inaugurating an 11-day festival of handloom woven sarees organized by Padamshalin Nekara Pratishtana and Paryaya Puthige Math at Rajangana on Thursday.

Swamiji further stated, “Everyone buys new clothes during festivals. Women, in particular, are interested in new sarees. With Sri Krishna Janmashtami approaching, this festival is timely. It helps preserve indigenous skills, ancient values, culture, and tradition.”

Municipal Commissioner Rayappa, city municipality members Rajini Hebbar, T G Hegde, Manjunatha Manipal, entrepreneurs Hariappa Kotian, Ajay Shetty, Dr. Vijayendra Vasant of Denta Care, Ammunje Prabhakar Nayak, president of the chamber of commerce, Ganesh Patil Parkala, Dineshkumar, Vishwanatha Shenoy, secretary of the math Prasanna Acharya, and convener of cultural activities Ramesh Bhat were present.

Sharada Damodar and Shobha Srikant sang the prayer song. Chandan Shettigar welcomed the attendees. Ratnakar Indarli, president of the organization, gave the introductory speech. The program was compered by Sadashiva Shettigar Golijora.

Sugunendra Theertha also noted, “Dress codes are implemented in various temples across the country and state, and there is significant pressure to implement the same in Udupi Math. If a dress code is implemented, women would have to wear sarees, which would support the handloom saree industry and other saree industries.”