The saree is a traditional garment worn by millions of women in India and other South Asian countries. It is a symbol of elegance, grace, and femininity. However, beneath its beautiful facade lies a dark curse that has plagued countless women throughout history. This curse, known as the saree curse, stems from the societal expectations and pressures associated with wearing the saree. At first glance, the saree may seem like a harmless piece of clothing. It is a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the body in a specific manner, showcasing the woman's figure and accentuating her curves.
But when her husband, Prageeth Ekneligoda, a cartoonist and journalist went missing on 24 January 2010, Sandya Ekneligoda openly accused the Rajapaksas, naming them as those behind her husband’s disappearance..
For years the political family enjoyed the support of the masses; not only was the opposition decimated, but also had to face the wrath of the adoring masses. Knowing that the Rajapaksas cannot be brought before the courts for Prageeth s disappearance, Sandya says only a punishment from the gods, such as this, could be given to the powerful family.
It is a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the body in a specific manner, showcasing the woman's figure and accentuating her curves. It is often worn for special occasions, such as weddings and religious ceremonies, and is seen as a symbol of cultural identity and tradition. However, the saree curse emerges when women are forced to conform to strict and oppressive societal standards.
Did One Woman’s Curse Vanquish Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa Dynasty?
At the height of their power, few in Sri Lanka dared to challenge the Rajapaksa family. For years the political family enjoyed the support of the masses; not only was the opposition decimated, but also had to face the wrath of the adoring masses.
But when her husband, Prageeth Ekneligoda, a cartoonist and journalist went missing on 24 January 2010, Sandya Ekneligoda openly accused the Rajapaksas, naming them as those behind her husband’s disappearance..
Her continued struggle to find her husband has led her to police stations, courts and to the Hague Tribunal. But in 2022, she took a different, more desperate approach; she abandoned her white saree of mourning, shaved her head and invoked the vengeance of gods.
Sandya Ekneligoda, wife of missing journalist Prageeth Ekeligoda getting her head shaved near the Modara Sri Maha Badra Kali Amman Kovil on 25 January 2022, seeking divine justice for her husband’s disappearance. Photo credit: Vikalpa News
From a young age, girls are taught that wearing the saree is a requirement for being a proper woman. They are told that it is a symbol of their femininity and that they must embody the qualities associated with this garment – modesty, docility, and subservience. This curse becomes evident when women are expected to follow certain rules and restrictions regarding the saree. They are not allowed to wear it in a certain way or with certain types of blouses. Their choice of colors and patterns is often dictated by societal norms. They are expected to constantly adjust and readjust their saree throughout the day, ensuring that it is draped perfectly and does not reveal too much skin. The saree curse also manifests in the discomfort and physical pain that women endure while wearing this garment. The saree is a complex and intricate piece of clothing that requires skill and practice to wear properly. It can be heavy and burdensome, particularly when worn for long hours. The constant need to adjust and maintain the saree can be tiring and physically taxing. Moreover, the saree curse extends beyond the physical realm and affects women psychologically. The pressure to conform to societal expectations and meet the standards associated with the saree can take a toll on a woman's mental well-being. Many women feel pressured to constantly look perfect and presentable in the saree, leading to body image issues and low self-esteem. In conclusion, the saree curse is a dark underbelly of the traditional garment that countless women have had to endure throughout history. It is a curse that stems from the societal expectations and pressures associated with wearing the saree. Women are forced to conform to strict standards of femininity and face discomfort, physical pain, and psychological distress as a result. It is imperative that society breaks free from this curse and allows women the freedom to make their own choices regarding their clothing and identities..
Reviews for "The Saree Curse: Surpassing Boundaries of Time and Culture"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was extremely disappointed with "The evil of the saree curse". The movie lacked a cohesive storyline and failed to deliver any scares. The acting was subpar and the characters were one-dimensional. The director seemed more concerned with showcasing elaborate saree designs than actually creating a thrilling horror film. Overall, it was a waste of my time and I would not recommend it.
2. John - 1 star - "The evil of the saree curse" was honestly one of the worst horror movies I have ever seen. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, and the scares were cheap jump scares that failed to leave a lasting impression. The acting was wooden and uninspired, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. Save your money and watch something else.
3. Samantha - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The evil of the saree curse" but it fell flat for me. The pacing was off, with a slow start that failed to build suspense. The movie also relied heavily on cliches and typical horror movie tropes, making it feel unoriginal. The special effects felt cheap and poorly executed. Overall, it was a forgettable horror film that didn't live up to its potential.
4. Andrew - 2.5 stars - "The evil of the saree curse" had a promising premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The scares were few and far between, and when they did occur, they felt forced and ineffective. The acting wasn't terrible, but the characters lacked depth and development. I was left wanting more from this film, as it had the potential to be a genuinely chilling horror movie.
5. Megan - 2 stars - I found "The evil of the saree curse" to be underwhelming and forgettable. The story lacked originality and relied too heavily on predictable twists. The scares were lacking, with few moments that genuinely sent a chill down my spine. While the movie had some visually stunning scenes, it failed to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. Overall, I was left disappointed and unimpressed by this film.