SATTARI: While international gynecologist and aspiring actor Dr Sonal Parihar is busy getting the rest of her wardrobe ready for her Cannes Film Festival debut, more than 12 craftsmen and women from a rural area in Sattari are busy working on her Kunbi saree and other related attire. The deadline for the outfits are fast approaching as she will leave for Cannes on 15th May.
The art and technique of weaving and preparing the Kunbi fabric is almost dying in Goa and there are hardly any weavers left. In order to support the traditional craft which is centuries old, Dr Sonal Parihar teamed up with the NGO Goemcho Goenkar – which works with Goan artisans to promote the near-forgotten traditional occupations. Goemcho Goenkar identified 12 artisans from Sattari and Sanguem to work on the project, which is financially supported by Dr Sonal Parihar.
The origin of the Kunbi saree is said to be the Kunbi tribe of Goa. The textile is not just a piece of clothing but a way of life for the Kunbi and Gauda women who have been known to be agriculturalists, for several generations.
Historically, Kunbi weaving was more widespread, particularly in areas inhabited by the Kunbi and Gawda tribes. The current resurgence focuses on natural dyes, such as red (representing laterite soil), yellow, black, and maroon in the trademark checkered pattern. Natural elements like iron ore were used for the red color, but later on the dyes began to be imported, leaving a vacuum in the trade in Goa.
Dr Sonal Parihar’s saree which she will wear at one of the events at Cannes is hundred percent handwoven, but has a few embellishments and related work to give it a fusion feel and to meet the fashion requirements of an international forum like the Cannes Film Festival, while still ensuring that the traditional weave and Kunbi fabric, with its organic colors obtained with the use of natural locally-sourced dyes remain intact. The saree which will dazzle at Cannes, is not just a piece of fabric or a garment, but an intricate part of centuries-old Goan tradition, culture, soil and soul, says Dr Sonal Parihar.
Dr Sonal Parihar, a world-renowned gynec, as well as a Mrs Earth title holder, is a special invitee this year to the Cannes Film Festival to be held in mid-May. She will be attending most of the main events and film screenings at Cannes as well as other related film and fashion events held in the vicinity of the main film festival and will adorn the Goan Kunbi saree at one of the Cannes events.