Irish Speaker Verona Murphy Graces Women-Led Sari Festival in Dublin Celebrating Swadeshi Spirit

By A Staff Reporter: In a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity and the spirit of Swadeshi and Make in India, the Indian Embassy in Dublin hosted a women-led Sari Festival showcasing saris representing 20 Indian states. The event marked the 156th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and drew participation from diplomats, cultural figures, and influential Irish women.

The Honourable Ms. Verona Murphy, Speaker of the Irish Parliament, attended the festival as the Chief Guest—making it the first time a Speaker of the Irish Parliament graced a cultural event at the Indian Embassy. Her presence was widely seen as a gesture of goodwill toward India and its diaspora. Notably, Speaker Murphy, who became the first woman to hold her position in 103 years of Irish parliamentary history in December 2024, attended the event wearing a sari herself, winning hearts across the community.

The hybrid event featured virtual multimedia presentations, fashion demonstrations, and lectures highlighting innovations in modern sari design and the diverse weaving traditions of India’s rural and tribal communities. Despite limited local resources, the exhibition successfully showcased India’s textile artistry and craftsmanship.

The festival was a fully women-led initiative, conceptualized and organized by Mrs. Reeti Mishra, wife of the Indian Ambassador to Ireland, alongside women diplomats and volunteers from the Indian diaspora. Speaker Murphy also presented certificates of appreciation to the organizers, commending their efforts in strengthening India-Ireland cultural ties through creativity and collaboration.