Six yards of unstitched fabric. In India, these six yards of unstitched fabric contain within them the seeds, roots, and fruits of thousands of years of heritage — threads that connect generations, communities, and geographies. The saree's unstitched form resists rigid categorisation: it is not bound by age, sex, or location. It carries within it the cultural heritage and identity of every community that drapes it in its own way.
The saree embodies a uniquely Indian concept of culture and identity that is as fluid as it is diverse. To wear a saree is to participate in this living archive of craft and culture. From Kanjivarams and Ikats to Paithanis and Maheshwaris, from Banarasis and Kota Dorias to Bandhanis and Balucharis, from Mekhla Chadors and Narayan Peths to Sambalpuris and Kasavus — the saree tells the story of the land it comes from, the metaphors its people live by, the colours they cherish, and the yarns born of their soil.
Architect Ankon Mitra's 'The 100 Sarees Project' is a celebration of the saree as a cultural cornerstone. This monumental art installation, created by Ankon Mitra, Shovna Pathak, and a skilled team of artisans, reimagines a hundred sarees as extraordinary works of art, highlighting heritage, tradition, and craftsmanship while transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The installation is currently on view at The Kunj — a landmark initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, led by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handicrafts. The Kunj is conceived as both a cultural beacon and a dynamic commercial hub that brings India's diverse craft traditions into the heart of the capital in a way that is both contemporary and timeless.
Located in Vasant Kunj, Delhi's luxury retail district, and close to the historic Qutub Minar monument, The Kunj aspires to be more than just a commercial venture. It is designed as an immersive cultural hub that integrates exhibitions, installations, retail, workshops, and live craft demonstrations.
In celebrating India's rich craft heritage, preserved for centuries by skilled artisans, The Kunj seeks to create a contemporary platform that bridges tradition with modern markets while engaging diverse audiences and highlighting Indian crafts on the global stage.
'The 100 Sarees Project' is on view at The Kunj until 16 October 2025.
Learn more about The Kunj here.
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