The Bundaberg Region community is invited to celebrate Indian cultural heritage through a hands-on workshop exploring traditional dress.
Saree Stories is part of Bundaberg Indian Malayali Association’s (BIMA) annual harvest festival Onam celebrations to be held in August.
BIMA Vice President Shini Sreejith said the event gave the wider community an opportunity to learn more about the significance of the saree.
“Saree Stories is a participatory cultural experience featuring demonstrations and learning activities led by experienced cultural practitioners,” Shini said.
“Participants will explore the artistic, historical and cultural significance of the saree as traditional dress, including draping techniques, symbolism, regional styles, and its role in storytelling, identity and cultural expression.”
Saree Stories includes a saree draping workshop on Saturday 15 August and a saree celebration as part of Onanilavu, on Saturday 29 August.
Participants to the workshop will learn draping techniques and receive hands-on guidance from experienced volunteers.
They can then put their new skills into practice by dressing in a saree for Onanilavu celebrations that will include culture, music, dance, food and community spirit.
Shini said Saree Stories would give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to engage directly with traditional Kerala cultural practices.
“The activity strengthens social inclusion and fosters greater understanding of Indian cultural heritage within the wider Bundaberg community,” Shini said.
“Interest has been demonstrated through previous attendance at multicultural celebrations, ongoing participation in Onam events, enquiries from community members wishing to learn about traditional Indian cultural practices and engagement from local multicultural organisations.”
Bundaberg Regional Council has supported the project through a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) quick response grant for $2,000.
The grant will support the cultural participation, artistic practice and cultural knowledge sharing aspects of the celebrations, particularly the provision of cultural materials, sarees and associated performance elements.
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Bundaberg Regional Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Saree Stories
Saree draping workshop
When: Saturday 15 August
Time: 9 – 11 am
Where: Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre
Booking required. Contact BIMA at bundabergmalayalees@gmail.com
Saree celebration – Onanilavu 2026
When: Saturday 29 August
Time: 12.30 – 7 pm
Where: Bundaberg Civic Centre
Cost: $60, booking required for catering purposes
Contact BIMA at bundabergmalayalees@gmail.com
About RADF
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, a 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.
“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies.
“The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”
