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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 04, 2026 | The Indian Eye 31
weave tells a story. Bringing the in- judging panel, while Jayeeta Mukher-
credible diversity and craftsmanship jee combined judging duties with serv-
of India’s sarees onto a global stage in ing as compere for the competitions
Times Square was truly special.” and leading a spirited lucky draw,
The cultural program reflected adding to the fun and audience partic-
that spirit throughout the day. Host ipation throughout the day.
Committee members opened the per- Rounding out the festivities, the
formances with a traditional welcome much-loved Saree Walkathon saw
shloka, followed by energetic perfor- live music accompanying participants
mances from Dance X Studio, led by around Father Duffy Square as wom-
celebrity choreographer Jayshree Sri- en, families, and supporters came to-
kanth and featuring Aniiya Darden, gether in a joyful display of heritage,
Apurva Kothari, and Sonal Bhandagi. cultural pride, and unity.
Live music came from Trintaal 2.0, Dr. Dipti Jain, founder of the Sa-
with vocalist Subhabrata Das and gui- ree Goes Global initiative in the UK,
tarist Dane Dinanath, alongside Aziz reflected on the movement’s contin-
Mehboob Nuren on flute and Mo- ued international growth: “Sarees cre-
hammed Mobaraq Hossain on dhol. ate a vibrant platform to celebrate our
One of the day’s highlights was an shared heritage and support projects
exuberant flash dance that took over that consistently foster a deep sense of
Times Square, led by Dance X Stu- belonging.”
dio dancers and joined by Saree Goes Heartfelt appreciation was ex-
Global participants and members of pressed to the performers, media
the public, turning the square into a partners, sponsors, prize partners,
spontaneous celebration of music, volunteers, photographers, support-
movement, and community. ers, Times Square Alliance, and New
The signature Ramp Walk, led by York City Department of Parks &
Host Committee member Dr. Gari- Recreation, whose collective generos-
ma Agrawal, showcased the remark- ity, time, and efforts helped make the
able diversity of sarees and traditional third annual celebration possible.
weaves from across India. Women and Now in its third year in Times
girls took to the Times Square ramp Square, Saree Goes Global continues
in an array of regional textiles, drapes, to demonstrate how a traditional gar-
colors, and styles, celebrating both the ment can become a powerful global
timeless elegance of the saree and the symbol of heritage, artistry, unity, con-
generations of weavers and artisans fidence, and women’s empowerment,
whose craftsmanship sustains these while paying tribute to the weavers
traditions. Young participants also and artisans whose skills keep India’s
helped showcase the heritage, artistry, extraordinary textile traditions alive.
and textile traditions of different re- Uma Global is a New York-based
gions of India, bringing an intergener- philanthropic organization commit-
ational dimension to the celebration. ted to empowering youth and women
The celebration also brought through education, leadership devel-
together generations and genders opment, and cross-cultural initiatives.
through a series of fun competitions, With programs spanning multiple
with participants ranging in age from countries, Uma Global fosters confi-
10 to 90 years old. Host Committee dence, collaboration, and global un-
members Dr. Mitali Chattopadhyay derstanding among emerging leaders
and Dr. Garima Agrawal joined the and changemakers.
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