This article was commissioned by Sputnik International:
A saree is an ethnic attire of women in India and also in some of its neighbouring countries. This dress comprises primarily of a seamless piece of cloth, about 8 meters in length, that is worn in over hundred different traditional styles across different regions of the Indian subcontinent.
The saree is an element of the cultural representation of Indian women. It’s considered as a graceful garment that flatters all body types in a sensuous yet elegant manner. A sari can be a two or three piece set worn with a blouse and a petticoat. The main drape is typically 4.5 to 8 meters in length and 2 to 4 feet in breadth. It’s wrapped around the waist, just below or above the navel. In fact there are varying cultural norms about weather or not the navel should be exposed.
Some people consider it immodest to bare the navel. While others may argue that it should be left uncovered, following the belief that all life emerged from the navel of the Supreme being.