Sarees are a big part of our culture and our tradition. But, if you look back at your past, sarees are a part of your memories too! I have many fond memories around sarees. Let me just mention the association I have between sarees and the three most important women I have in my life.
Mom
My mom always wears these soft cotton sarees. They become softer after repeated washing and drying on the terrace in hot sun. When I was young, may be around 6 years old, I used to run into the kitchen and hug my mom's legs. I still feel the softness of her saree to my cheek. The warmth I used to feel can only come from a mother!
When I was in engineering all I had for a bed were this old mat and two of my mom's old sarees. I can say with confidence that those two soft saree were better than any mattress I have seen so far.
When I am home, whenever I wash my hands after eating lunch or dinner, I never had to use a napkin to wipe my hands. I always wipe my hands on my mom's pallu. She never said a word! (I feel like going home now)
Sister
Actually she is my cousin sister* but she is more like a sister to my brother and me. I remember this incident when she was still new at wearing a saree. She was at our place and mom made her wear a saree. My brother and I teased the hell out of her. We walked behind her stepping on the saree and chased her with threats of tickling her because she couldn't run in a saree. We basically made sure that her initial saree experience was miserable in general.
This went on for a while until we successfully pushed her over the edge. In a fit of fury she hit me with all her force. Unfortunately it didn't hurt me much but she broke her bangle. That was is, she was overcome with anger and helplessness. She shouted
peddamma (auntie) and ran to my mom with tears trickling down her face.
My brother and I know the brotherly thing to do in such situations. Flee from my mom's sight. Later that evening our mom gave us a huge lecture about treating sisters. But that episode remained a fond memory for my sister and me.
