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The third consecutive edition of “Saree Goes Global USA,” organized by Uma Global in partnership with the Consulate General of India in New York, brought together women, families, performers, community leaders, and visitors from across the United States and beyond in Times Square.
The host committee thanked Consul General of India in New York Ambassador Binaya Srikanta Pradhan for his continued encouragement and support of the initiative. It also expressed appreciation to the consulate team for helping bring the celebration to Times Square for a third year.
Rajlakshmi Appasaheb Kadam, consul for trade at the Consulate General of India in New York, spoke about the heritage and craftsmanship represented by the saree.
“The saree is a living legacy of our art, traditions, and hard-working weavers,” Kadam said, according to a statement from Uma Global.
The program also featured messages and remarks from public officials. New York Governor Kathy Hochul sent greetings recognizing the third annual celebration and its role in bringing communities together through cultural exchange.
Dilip Chauhan, deputy chief business diversity officer in the New York City Mayor’s Office, described New York City as a place of opportunity and inclusion. He referred to Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s first South Asian mayor, and his vision of making opportunities accessible to New Yorkers regardless of their backgrounds or cultures.
Chauhan also highlighted the role of diverse communities in strengthening the city’s economy and congratulated the Saree Goes Global team on the event’s continued success.
In remarks delivered on her behalf, Ragini Srivastava, the elected town clerk of North Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, emphasized the importance of passing cultural heritage on to younger generations.
“When our daughters drape themselves in these beautiful six yards of gorgeous fabric, they are not merely wearing a garment; they are wrapping themselves in thousands of years of grandeur and history,” she said, underscoring the role of younger generations in carrying the heritage forward.
Three women were honored during this year’s celebration:
- Yoshita Singh, an award-winning senior multimedia journalist and chief United Nations and New York correspondent for the Press Trust of India, was recognized for her career covering international affairs, India-U.S. relations, trade, culture, and the United Nations.
- Shaila Rizvi, an interior designer and creative director of Bungalow, the New York restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Vikas Khanna and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi, was honored for her creative accomplishments, including her role in shaping the restaurant’s design and visual identity.
- Mysha Rizvi, guest relations manager and a member of the Bungalow team, was recognized for her hospitality and contributions to the restaurant.
The celebration was led by the Saree Goes Global USA host committee, comprising Dr. Garima Agrawal, Dr. Mitali Chattopadhyay, Dr. Rita Kakati-Shah, and Jayeeta Mukherjee.
Reflecting on the event, Mukherjee said, “Our mission is to preserve this heritage, champion true craftsmanship, and take the story of the saree from our communities to the global stage.”
Dr. Chattopadhyay described the saree as “a living symbol of Indian heritage, carrying centuries of stories, craftsmanship, and identity across borders.”
Dr. Agrawal added, “Every weave tells a story. Bringing the incredible diversity and craftsmanship of India’s sarees onto a global stage in Times Square was truly special.”
Dr. Kakati-Shah said, “Seeing Times Square filled with women and girls showcasing the extraordinary diversity of India’s weaves, men proudly joining in their dhotis, and people from so many backgrounds celebrating together was incredibly special. Saree Goes Global is about heritage, confidence, connection, and bringing people together across cultures.”
The cultural program opened with a traditional welcome shloka performed by members of the host committee. It was followed by performances from Dance X Studio, led by choreographer Jayshree Srikanth and featuring Aniiya Darden, Apurva Kothari, and Sonal Bhandagi.
Trintaal 2.0 provided live music featuring vocalist Subhabrata Das and guitarist Dane Dinanath, along with Aziz Mehboob Nuren on flute and Mohammed Mobaraq Hossain on dhol.
The program also included a flash dance led by Dance X Studio performers. Saree Goes Global participants and members of the public joined the dancers in Times Square for a group celebration centered on music, movement, and community.
The signature ramp walk, led by Agrawal, showcased sarees and traditional weaves from across India. Women and girls walked the Times Square ramp wearing an array of “regional textiles, drapes, colors, and styles.”
The presentation highlighted the saree’s enduring appeal and recognized the generations of weavers and artisans who sustain India’s textile traditions. Young participants showcased the heritage, artistry, and fabrics associated with different regions of India, adding an intergenerational element to the program.
The celebration also featured competitions for participants ranging in age from 10 to 90. Chattopadhyay and Agrawal served on the judging panel, while Mukherjee was both a judge and the compere for the competitions. She also led a lucky draw as part of the audience activities.
The festivities concluded with the Saree Walkathon, during which live music accompanied participants around Father Duffy Square. Women, families, and supporters joined the walk to celebrate cultural heritage and community connections.
Dr. Dipti Jain, founder of the Saree Goes Global initiative in the United Kingdom, reflected on the movement’s international expansion.
“Sarees create a vibrant platform to celebrate our shared heritage and support projects that consistently foster a deep sense of belonging,” Dr. Jain said.
The organizers thanked the performers, media partners, sponsors, prize partners, volunteers, photographers, supporters, Times Square Alliance, and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation for supporting the third annual celebration.
