PANAJI: Thanks to India-born, international gynecologist and fashionista Dr Sonal Parihar, this year in May 2026, the Goan Kunbi saree will be on display on the red carpet, as well as at the main event of the Cannes Film Festival, in France.
Dr Sonal Parihar, a world-renowned gynec, as well as a Mrs Earth title holder, is a special invitee this year to the Cannes Film Festival to be held in mid-May. She will be attending most of the main events and film screenings at Cannes as well as other related film and fashion events held in the vicinity of the main film festival and will adorn the Goan Kunbi saree at one of the Cannes events.
She is particularly fond of Goa, with its expansive beaches, acres of untouched greenery, fields and its warm and welcoming culture, music and cuisine. According to her, when asked to choose her wardrobe for Cannes, the two top traditional options were the Goan Kunbi saree and the Maharashtrian Nauvari or the 9-yard sari. Besides the two traditional outfits, she will also be seen in fusion wear and other specially made designer outfits.
Who is Dr Sonal Parihar?
Dr Sonal Parihar has been practising as a gynecologist for the last 26 years and also runs a hospital with her husband. She has dedicated her life to women’s health, healing and bringing new life into the world. She specialises in painless deliveries, endoscopic surgeries and colposcopy. For her medicine is a purpose, not just a professional job.
Besides medicine, she is a fashionista and the winner of the Mrs India title. She also represented India at Mrs Earth International in Las Vegas and won the title. She has walked the ramp for several fashion designers in India at various platforms and, besides medicine, is an authority on fashion and style.
She is also active in the field of medical education and has worked extensively in the women’s health sector as well as with NGOs to promote women’s health and hygiene.
More about the Goan Kunbi saree!
The Goan Kunbi saree is an indigenous, ethnic, sturdy cotton handloom garment, traditionally worn by the Kunbi tribal community in Goa and Maharashtra, featuring a distinct red and white or red and black checkered pattern (known as Kapad), a thick, contrasting border that varies from region to region. It also has a shorter, comfortable drape perfect for field labor and worn by women who not just work at home, but also in the fields, putting in hours of hard labour.
The key features of the Kunbi saree include:
Design and Pattern: It is known for its classic, bold checked pattern, often in red with white or black checks. Modern variants or combinations also include green, purple, and mustard options and fashion designers have modified the color patterns to give the cotton Kunbi fabric different hues and finishes.
Fabric and Weave: Made from 100% breathable cotton, the fabric makes it suitable for hot and humid climates. It has a high-quality, strong plain weave, though the original has seen some variation to suit different concepts.
Traditional Drape: Historically, it is worn short (knee-length or above the ankle) by tying the fabric below the shoulder and crossing a strip over the left shoulder, which allows for ease of movement and field or outdoor labor.
Border & Finishing: It often features a plain, contrasting border, usually in red or deep red (maroon), which adds to its distinctive appearance. While it is typically plain in texture and finish, modern designers have used embroidery or embellishments to give it a fusion feel.
Cultural & Fashion Significance: As a symbol of Goan heritage, it was historically worn by the indigenous Kunbi and Gauda communities, though it was revived from near extinction by the late Goan designer Wendell Rodricks. Goan fashion designer Varma D’mello had also showcased the Kunbi saree at Cannes a few years ago. Prominent international fashion designers of Goan origin – like Raymond Fernandez, based in the UK, have also showcased the Kunbi saree on various platforms abroad.
Length: Traditionally, it was shorter than the standard 5-6 yard saree, typically around 4-5 yards, to accommodate its unique, functional draping style. Today, the saree is popular for its heritage value, often styled for cultural festivals like the Shigmo.
Where is Cannes?
Cannes is a renowned resort city located in southeastern France on the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), within the Alpes-Maritimes department. Positioned along the Mediterranean coast, it is roughly 30 km (15.5 miles) southwest of Nice and known for its sandy beaches, the Boulevard de la Croisette, and the annual film festival.
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