Sarees have remained the most elegant piece of clothing forever. The traditional attire of India has drawn interest from throughout the world. People have always been inspired to wear sarees because of their rich variety of colours and designs
World Saree Day was started by social activist and entrepreneur Nalini Shekar in the year 2009, to help preserve this traditional dress and to make it known worldwide
Handloom sarees are a symbol of India’s rich and varied cultural heritage. It is also a source of employment for nearly 35 lakh people. With numerous indigenous weaving styles and fabrics, India is known to have more than 30 exclusive types of sarees.
Here are a few you can get familiar with
The most popular handloom saree in India is the Benarasi saree, which comes from Varanasi, and is renowned for its gold and silver zari embroidery. The finest sarees are popular for wedding ceremonies and are woven in silk with gold and silver threads
The sarees originated in the Chanderi town of Madhya Pradesh. Initially, the Chanderi fabric was used for producing turbans for Maratha rulers
Gradually, it became the favourite fabric of the royal families. The sarees were initially woven in pure silk. After independence, weavers switched to cotton-silk and cotton versions making them very popular. The Chanderi saree's gold and silver embroidery pattern is another distinguishing element
Woven on pure mulberry silk, the Kanjivaram sarees are a pride of
the artisans of Kancheepuram to make. It is a perfect blend of gorgeous silk from the south and pure gold and silver Zari from Gujarat
As per the folklore, the Kanjivaram saree weavers are the descendants of Markanda, who was known for weaving clothes for the Gods themselves. Actress Deepika Padukone chose a Kanjivaram saree for her wedding reception
Pochampally sarees originated in the Nalgonda district of Telangana. The sarees are one of the oldest dyed prints and are known for their resemblance to the Ikat style of dyeing the cloth popular in Indonesia. The saree became popular in the 1800s and was one of the most traded items on the Silk Route
Muga silk is one of the varieties of wild silk available in India, geographically tagged to Assam. Economist and philosopher Kautiliya, who lived between the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, mentioned the production of golden silk in ancient Assam in his writings
A Sambalpuri sari is a traditional handwoven bandha or ikat saree from Odisha. The saree is known for its god figures and flora and fauna motifs. It is one of the most popular types of cotton sarees available in India
Also known as Dhakai Jamdani, Jamdani saree originated in undivided Bengal in Dhaka district and is one of the finest varieties of the hand-woven muslin. The sarees, which are very fine due to their silk threads, are known for their beautiful floral motifs
Chikan is an ancient form of needlework from Lucknow, which was popularised by Nur Jahan, Mughal emperor Jahangir's wife. The sarees are available in various patterns and designs of muree, lerchi, keelkangan and bakhia, and on fabrics including chiffon, muslin, silk, organza, net, and cotton
Story By: Basudha Das
Produced by: Prashanti Moktan