Can you wear a sari and a hijab without worrying about religion?
- Contrary to popular belief, many women feel strong and safe when they wear a hijab.
- Ayush Kejriwal, an Indian designer based in UK, drove home the point that a woman's fashion choice or style isn't restricted by the hijab.
- In his recent Instagram post, he celebrated women's fashion choices by uploading a picture of a woman draped in a saree while wearing a head scarf.
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Is the hijab empowering or is it suppressive? This piece of clothing, which requires Muslim women to wear it, is popularly looked upon as oppressive. However, women have different attitudes towards it.
For instance, Indian poet Kamala Das once said she felt safe and strong behind the veil. And to be sure, she isn’t the only one who felt empowered by it. But this narrative is rarely heard.
However, Ayush Kejriwal, an Indian origin designer living in the UK illustrated how hijab isn’t a restrictive piece of clothing. He recently uploaded a picture of a woman wearing a headdress while she’s draped in a saree.
Through the picture, he communicated that a woman’s style isn’t limited by the veil. Instead, it reinforces the fact that women can dress however they want because after all, it’s their choice.
This striking ensemble was complemented by many. However, one Instagram user commented on the picture saying, “Don’t pollute our beautiful Hindu Culture with suppressive Islamic elements. Saree represent Hindu values.”
Clothes, after all, have little to do with religion and Kejriwal drove home this point. In a succinct, strongly worded reply, he said, “RELIGION SHOULD EMPOWER NOT HINDER #hijabandasaree."
He went on to say, “I respect all faith and religions and everyone has the right to dress in any which way they feel comfortable in. No one has the right to dictate or comment on how one chooses to dress! I would request you all to be mindful of what you say here as I will not tolerate any nonsense. None what so ever. Let's spread love not hatred. Build bridges not walls ! Live and let live.”
