Sarees and India- An unending love saga
After some mental persuasion to write an article on Saree, I finally started with more curiosity than zeal to write on the topic.
Yes, I needed a convincing inner voice to write anything about the Saree, the wonderful attire occupying a major part of my wardrobe.
Whenever I open my wardrobe, there is a murmur from the vicinity that my sarees need a day out.
My husband often teases me about my ever-growing collection of sarees, expressing his disbelief at how many I already have. Despite his playful complaints, I can’t resist the allure of adding another beautiful saree to my wardrobe whenever I come across one that catches my eye.
Different sarees, Different stories
I have a deep affection for sarees, appreciating their elegance and versatility, but I tend to wear them only on special occasions or events.
Our fascination with sarees goes beyond mere attraction; it’s a deep-rooted love for this exquisite garment. Each saree tells a unique story through its intricate designs, vibrant colors, and rich fabrics. We find it impossible to resist the allure of adding yet another saree to our already overflowing wardrobes, even when we have many options. Each new addition feels special, like a treasure waiting to be showcased, reflecting our personality and cultural heritage.
The story behind the Sarees: Alluring legacy of Indian sarees
A saree is an exquisite garment consisting of a single piece of fabric that measures around 1.15 meters in width and approximately 5.5 meters in length. This elegant drape is often paired with a fitted underskirt and a stylish blouse, creating a beautiful silhouette that accentuates the wearer’s figure. Though at first glance, the saree may appear simple in its design, its rich cultural significance and the artistry involved in draping it showcase a level of sophistication that is truly unparalleled. The saree embodies grace and elegance, standing out as a timeless attire that surpasses all others in both beauty and tradition.
Those who insult sarees probably do not realize that the saree market is an industry that powers the country’s economy and whose shine has never diminished.
The saree industry has been evergreen for centuries.
State-wise list of evergreen sarees
- Andhra Pradesh –
Kalamkari Saree
Guntur Saree
Bobbilli Saree
Dharmavaram Saree
Uppada jamdani Saree
Venkata giri Saree
Mangalgiri Saree
Handloom Pattu Saree
Ponduru khadi Saree
- Assam –
Eri silk Saree
Muga silk Saree
Mekhela Chador / Mekhela Sador
Gamosa Saree
Endi Cotton Saree
- Bihar –
Bawan Buti Saree
Bhagalpuri Silk Saree/ Tussar Silk Saree
Madhubani print Saree
Applique work Saree
- Chhattisgarh –
Champa silk Saree
Kosa silk Saree
Lugda
- Gujarat –
Ajrakh print Saree
Patan patola Saree
Jamnagari bandhani Saree
Ashavali Saree
Lehariya Saree
Gharchola
Panetar Silk Saree
- Jammu & Kashmir –
Jamawar Saree
Kani Silk Saree
Pashmina Pure Silk Saree
Saresagaa Kashmiri Georgette Chinar Embroidery Saree
Aari work Embroidery Saree
Tilla Embroidery Saree
Chand Patta Zari Embroidery Saree
- Karnataka –
Ilkal Saree
Mola Kalmuru Saree
Udupi Saree
Mysore Silk Saree
Guledgudd Khana Saree
Pateda Anchu Saree
Sandur Lambani Embroidered Saree
Kasuti Saree
- Kerala –
Balaramapuram saree
Kasara saree
Kuthampally saree
Kasavu saree
- Madhya Pradesh
Chanderi saree
Maheshwari saree
- Maharashtra –
Paithani saree
Nauvari Saree
Ganga-Jamuni Solapur Silk Saree
Karvat Kathi Silk Saree
Himroo Saree
Kolhapur Cotton Saree
- Manipur –
Moirang Phee saree
- Odisha –
Khandua saree
Sambalpuri saree
Habaspuri saree
Bomkai saree
Pasapalli silk saree
Santhali Putta saree
Dola Bedi saree
Pattachitra print saree
Dongria saree
- Punjab and Haryana –
Phulkari Saree
Tissue Silk Saree
- Rajasthan –
Kota Doria saree
Lehariya saree
Gota Patti saree
- Tamilnadu –
Kancheepuram silk saree
Thirubuvanam silk saree
Kandangi saree
Madurai Sungudi saree
Konrad saree
Salem Silk Saree
Arani Silk Saree
Kovai Kora Saree
- Telangana –
Pochampally saree
Gadwal saree
Narayanpet handloom saree
Puttapaka saree
Gollabhama Saree
- Uttar Pradesh
Chikankari saree
Banarasi brocade saree
Mau cotton saree
- West Bengal –
Nakshi Kantha saree
Baluchari saree
Dhaniakhali saree
Tant saree
Garad saree
Tangail jamdani saree
Dhakai jamdani saree
Batik print saree
Sarees Throughout the Ages: How the Saree Withstood the Test of Time
From the rich and enduring traditions of the past to the lively and dynamic present, sarees have maintained their place as a fashion staple. Their elegance and timeless appeal shine brightly, even as India enthusiastically welcomes and incorporates diverse foreign cultures into its vibrant tapestry. With its intricate designs and varied fabrics, the saree continues to celebrate the beauty of Indian heritage while adapting to contemporary trends.
From fusion sarees to cocktail sarees, ready-to-wear sarees to saree gowns, half sarees to sarees worn as lehengas, the humble saree’s evolution is beyond words.
Saree: Weft and Warp
The versatile saree is an all-time winner with a wide variety of materials used in their making.
Jute, silk, nylon, chiffon, georgette, cotton, linen, net, organza, crepe, velvet, rayon, satin, jacquard, brasso, khadi, tissue, lycra, viscose, wool – the list goes on – the journey of the saree goes on. This has significantly made a strong contribution to the empowerment of millions of weavers in the long run.
While we are eagerly watching the next generation of fashion gurus adopt new ways of making sarees, and many are exploring and researching sustainable and eco-friendly materials for making sarees, we have to look forward to these amazing 6-9 yards long cloth-piece that effectively adds the beauty of women.