Mumbai, Aug 1, 2025
On Friendship Day 2025 when Saree Sakhiyaan celebrated Friends of Max’s Chai for Cancer – The coming together of tradition and compassion
On August 1st, the eve of #FriendshipDay, Saree Sakhiyaan hosted a Chai for Cancer Adda at the iconic Taj Mahal Tea House. Saree Sakhiyaan , or the Saree Friends, are a group of women united by their common passion for the traditional Indian drape and their awareness and consciousness of social issues that need to be addressed and supported.
At Chai for Cancer we are grateful that this energetic group of women decided to espouse our cause to raise awareness and funds for patients in need.
Over 70 saree aficionados turned up, each a celebration of Indian weaves, heritage, and fierce feminine energy. From handlooms in cotton to crepes and chiffon , they charmed as they raised their cups for the cause — showing off not just their style but their spirit. The energy was contagious, the smiles endless, and the giving – simply extraordinary.
The highlight of the evening ?
An unusual auction featuring some unique and designer drapes donated by modern saree icons like Suta, Ek Dori Pratha by Kavita Koparkar Papiya’s Loom Story, suhavi threads, NicibyNici, kozylook, Jaypore and Grathita . The response was amazing as the lovely and gracious Aarti and Sneha of Saree Sakhiyan modeled each one of the sarees that were up for bidding The bidding for every Saree began from anywhere between ₹2000 and 5000/- and went for as much as 25,000/- to 45,000/-
A brother bidding for his sister’s Rakhi gift, a son picking one for his mom, women buying for themselves — it was a heart-warming fashion-meets-philanthropy moment. By the end of the evening —over 3300 cups of chai had been raised for Chai for Cancer, supporting patients and families living with cancer. What a celebration of the cause!
Also commendable was the quiet kindness in contributing, displayed by Nei Native, Art for Happiness , Aloha, Somany Tiles , Surfica and Tushna Riyaz Marfatia.
What wonderful and generous women! Thank you Saree Sakhiyaan Tiya thakur Aarti, Mousumi, Sneha!!
We remain grateful forever! Here’s looking forward to many more such events where we can come together.
