There are favorites. And then there are favorites among the favorites. Saree # 19 takes that spot, reminding me of the title of one of Jeffrey Archer’s novels – First Among Equals 🙂

This saree has a special place in my heart. It was the first saree that my husband gifted me; something he picked himself. It’s the saree I wore for my engagement. And it’s a saree that was a positive surprise for me, let’s see how…

We had a small engagement ceremony at my in law’s home, with just the immediate family. As is tradition, I was expecting to be gifted a saree on this day by my in laws. Usually the shopping gets done with the bride to be, so she can exercise her choice on the saree as well. But in my case, surprise surprise, I directly got the matching blouse piece so I could have it stitched and ready to wear on the big day. The matching blouse was of a bright pink color (matches the border and palla) and seen by itself without the accompanying saree, unfortunately not very attractive. It gave no clue whatsoever as to the color, pattern or anything else of the saree, except for the fact that it was a thick pure silk. And my hubby also refused to share any details. So I kept guessing and guessing, and praying that the saree was not all bright pink 🙂

So naturally, when I was finally presented this beautiful piece in purple with the bright pink confined to the border and a short palla, imagine my delight! The border had a delicate jari design with tiny green flowers and the palla was covered with beautiful paisley motifs separated by creepers of green flowers. The purple color as it turned out blended really well with me – as many people told me that day – glowed on me, so the saree was the cynosure of all eyes and I felt immediately so special 🙂

I’ve draped this saree quite a few times since. Of course that pink matching blouse no longer fits, and over the years I have draped this saree with a pink, then purple, and this time my multicolored blouse. In 20 years the saree still looks as new as it did the first time, and makes me feel as special. Indeed, a first among equals.