100/100
#100sareepact

So that’s it . My 100th Saree . It kind of just happened I think . Work day , normal as normal can be except that I had to find time in between to attend an event in town bang in the middle of the working day . And the choice of saree was taken out of my hands . It had to be Yellow according to the Navaratri colour code.
A lovely old and light Tussar silk , well worn, from Gaurisaraya in Calcutta . Bought in 2007 I think . Teamed with a black and yellow Bijouri blouse and its 100th status acknowledged with my favourite olive wood beads.
Well, one hour into my commute , Normal flew out the window when I got a call from work saying Pranay, our Bangalore City Chapter leader had dropped in to surprise me and disappointed at not finding me in yet had left to catch his flight back which was in a couple of hours . With Bombay traffic one doesn’t ever surprise anyone, Pranay . You need to tell me so I can be there at my desk on time. It was providential that I was taking the Sea Link to work for he too would have to cross it to get to the airport and so one phone call later our rendezvous spot fixed . I was not going to let him go without a hello and hug . No way .
Worli Seaface was all ours and of course , you guessed right , the Saree Pact photos were begging to be taken. Pranay approved of Saree #100.
The work day stretched long after that and after Lunch it was time to get out and be at the J J Institute of Applied Arts,where a first time showing of al of J P Singhal’s remarkable work was on. My friend and photo journalist Pradeep Chandra , who has worked for long with JP had invited me and since I was going to be away all of next week this was my only chance to see the exhibition.
As we were crossing VT it crossed my mind that this edifice which stands for Bombay like no other does had never featured in any one of my pact stories . And what better back drop for the 100th ? Azim was only too happy to oblige and the light was brilliant . VT never looked so good .
Once at the J J School one could not resist taking a few pictures too. Such beautiful architecture . Lucky are those that study there. The whole ambience is so soothing and conducive to happy , creative thinking.
Had to rush back to work as we were celebrating a colleague’s birthday . The lovely Vijaya . We have a sweet protocol for birthdays . Towards the end of the work day we gather for a small treat , maybe some ice cream , or some cake and then a hand made card with messages from all of us is given and exclaimed over with great happiness .
Traveling tomorrow for meetings in Ahmedabad and Calicut so material packed and boxed and some prep work before calling it a day.
Then I remembered a promise I had made to young Sukanya . We waould celebrate Saree #100 over a cup of tea. Sukanya , who follows each story eagerly . And so an impromptu party of sorts happened with more friends dropping in.
Phew quite a day for my 100th .
Anju and Ally, thank you for this wonderful, wonderful experience . It has changed my life and the way I look at my Sarees. The #100sareepact has allowed me to reminiscence and share as much for myself as for the kind friends who have read what I write. It has brought some beautiful women into my life , who share my passion for Sarees and their stories and finally , a big thank you to my two devoted Saree Pact Photogrpahers , Azim and Venky 🙂
And of course , I may have reached a 100 , but 2015 is not over yet. Right ? So see you soon on101