In Mumbai, this year’s Guru Purnima celebrations unfolded with profound elegance and cultural reverence at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, marked by the second edition of the esteemed ‘Parampara’ programming. Dedicated to honoring the timeless Guru-Shishya tradition, the event was a poignant reflection of India’s rich cultural heritage.
Mrs. Nita Ambani, Founder & Chairperson, graced the occasion, her presence resonating with deep gratitude towards her gurus.A lifelong devotee of Bharatanatyam, she embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of 5 under the guidance of Guru Menaka Desai, followed by Guru Arjun Desai, and later, Gurus K. Kalayanasundaram and Mythili maami from Sri Rajarajeswari Bharatha Natya Kala Mandir. At 40, Guru Deepak Mazumdar reignited her passion for the art, rekindling her journey back to the stage. Through ‘Parampara’, Mrs. Nita Ambani‘s vision to preserve and propagate India’s cultural essence stands as a testament to the enduring grace of her gurus.

This year’s inaugural ceremony was graced by Mrs. Nita Ambani in a resplendent white-and-gold Kasavu sari from SWADESH. Woven meticulously over 20 days by skilled artisans of Kerala, the handloom masterpiece features a tissue pallu adorned with magnificent borders and intricate meena kari butta detailing. The simplicity of the sari exudes sophistication, embodying timeless elegance and a tribute to India’s craftsmanship.

The choice of the Kasavu sari reflects not only Mrs. Nita Ambani’s refined taste but also her commitment to promoting traditional weaves and artisanal crafts. As she adorned this symbolic attire, she epitomized grace and cultural pride, encapsulating the essence of ‘Parampara’ and its mission to safeguard India’s heritage for generations to come.

In celebrating Guru Purnima with such reverence and style, Mrs. Nita Ambani continues to inspire and lead by example, reinforcing the importance of cultural preservation and the profound influence of gurus in shaping our identities and traditions.

The Kasavu sari holds a special place in traditional Kerala attire, distinguished by its off-white base adorned with intricate golden borders. Woven meticulously by skilled artisans, these saris often feature a contrasting pallu with elaborate motifs like meena kari butta, showcasing the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Kerala. Worn on auspicious occasions and cultural events, the Kasavu sari exemplifies timeless elegance and cultural pride, making it a cherished choice among women who appreciate traditional Indian textiles.