Sarees, Sarees, Sarees

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.

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