Saris shine at Royal Ascot as hundreds wear South Asian traditional dress

Women aim to help support artisans who lost their income during the Covid-19 pandemic

Hundreds of racegoers wearing saris attended Royal Ascot's Ladies' Day. All photos: Getty Images

The initiative by a group of women was held to help promote artisans who lost their income during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the attendees in their colourful saris.

The five-day Royal Ascot is Britain's most valuable horse racing meet.

Ladies' Day, although it's not officially known as that, takes place on day three of the five-day event, which is also the day the most prestigious race is held — the Gold Cup.

Britain's royal family members including Zara Tindall, her mother Princess Anne, and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, joined racegoers on the day when hats, fascinators and elaborate headgear took centre stage.

It is believed that the third day of Royal Ascot was first referred to as Ladies' Day in 1823, after an anonymous poet described it as a day "when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine".

Dipti Jain, a doctor with the UK's National Health Service, who was behind the sari initiative, said she came up with the idea so women could show pride in their heritage and celebrate the creations of weavers.

Most women for the sari initiative came from Britain but some flew in from other countries, including India, organisers said.

Ladies turned out in force dressed in array of colours.

The women who were part of the sari initiate were mostly made up of healthcare workers.

An attendee in a black sari with matching fascinator.

Another racegoer in her outfit.

Saris featured various themes ranging from healthcare workers to characters from the Indian epic, the 'Mahabharata'.

A racegoers wearing a sari poses for photographs.

Some of the saris were specially made for the day.

Hundreds of women wearing colourful saris shone brightly at Royal Ascot's highly anticipated afternoon of fashion, colloquially known as Ladies' Day, on Thursday.

The dapper group, who turned up in their finest traditional South Asian garments — some made especially for the occasion — dazzled at the third day of Britain's most valuable race meet.

Scroll through the gallery above to see women in their saris on day three of Royal Ascot

They appeared as part of an initiative to help promote artisans who lost their income during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ladies' Day, although it's not officially known as that, takes place on day three of the five-day event, as does the most prestigious race — the Gold Cup.

British royal family members including Zara Tindall, her mother Princess Anne, and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, joined racegoers on the day when hats, fascinators and elaborate headwear took centre stage.

Scroll through the below gallery for some of the best headpieces from the Royal Ascot Ladies' Day

Zara Tindall, second from left, Anna Woolhouse, third from left, and Kirsty Gallacher, right, during day three of Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse. PA Wire

Visitors wear fancy hats as they attend Ladies' Day at Royal Ascot on Thursday. EPA

It's tradition for women to pull out all the stops with their headgear on Ladies' Day. EPA

A racegoer dons an oversized floral fascinator. Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse

A dramatic black fascinator with pops of bright colour. EPA

A racegoer wears baby pink and light blue headgear with lacy detail. EPA

This multicoloured hat certainly offered its wearer some shade. EPA

A tall floral hat catches eyes. EPA

There were floral headpieces galore. EPA

Pinks and blues were in abundance. AFP

A dramatic white hat with horn-like embellishment. AFP

A patriotic choice. AFP

A parrot-themed hat.

The full bird-themed outfit captures attention. EPA

A fabulous purple hat adds drama to a matching outfit. AFP

An oversized green hat. EPA

Flowers and butterflies in bright pink. AFP

Bright colours add to a vibrant day at the races. AFP

Some guests opted for pale pastels. AFP

A racegoer wearing an interesting hat during day three of Royal Ascot.

Racegoers during day three of Royal Ascot.

Grand floral attire. Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse

Standing out in bright blue. Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse

A sunshine yellow iteration. Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse

More pastels on show. Getty Images for Royal Ascot

Stylish in shocking pink. PA Wire

A pastel pink number with feathers. PA Wire

Women co-ordinate their outfits and hats. Getty Images for Royal Ascot

Going old school. Getty Images for Royal Ascot

More unusual headgear is seen. Getty Images for Royal Ascot

Dipti Jain, a doctor with the UK's National Health Service, who was behind the sari initiatIve, told the Times of India, she came up with the idea so that women could show pride in their heritage and celebrate the creations of weavers.

Most women live in the UK but some flew in from other countries, including India, she said.

Jain’s silk sari was hand-embroidered with skylines of Kolkata, her hometown, and London, as well as Queen Elizabeth II's portrait.

Other saris featured various themes ranging from health workers to characters from the epic Indian poem the Mahabharata. One woman wore a sari with borders in the colours of the Indian flag.

"They are calling me Miss India here because I have the flag and tricolor on my sari, I feel so proud," she told NDTV.

Rupa Khatun, an artisan from West Bengal, told Times of India she had never heard of Queen Elizabeth II or Royal Ascot before she was asked to create the sari Jain wore to the event.

The piece took her four months to complete, she said.

”This is the hardest sari I have ever made. The hardest part was making the queen’s face absolutely perfect," she said. “I am so happy that I am getting recognised."

Sheikh Hamdan and Britain's royal family dazzle at Royal Ascot — in pictures

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, attends Royal Ascot. All photos: @faz3 / Instagram

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed attended the opening day of the event at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire, England.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Ascot Racecourse.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed with Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed with Prince Charles and Camilla.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed at Royal Ascot.