For decades, the saree has been the traditional favorite for Indian women. Across the globe, this ethnic dress has won the hearts of millions of individuals. Indian sarees are the symbol of the culture and regional differences of the country. Sarees are so appealing that it fascinates western women also by their beauty. Indian sarees are a little wonder, and women from different parts of the world like Bangladesh, Srilanka, and the USA like to wear sarees on different occasions.
With the increasing demand for Indian sarees in the domestic and international market, sarees have become a successful trading item. The designs, patterns, and draping styles vary from region to region. For example, Nivi style, Bengali traditional style, Mumtaz style, Butterfly and Marmaid, etc. style are the famous saree draping techniques. Saree weavers always try to bring a new style of borders, laces, pallu, pleats, etc., to make the saree unique.
Today sarees are not only worn by Indian women but by women worldwide. In recent years sarees have got so much appreciation that it has crossed the borders. Here we have curated a list of some authentic and traditional sarees of India, which have huge demand in the national and international market:
Banarasi Saree
An opulent Banarasi saree is the most treasured saree for Indian women. These sarees have colossal demand not just in India but all over the world. Banarasi saree is primarily made in Banaras, hence, its name. These sarees are famous for their gold, zari, and rich embroidery work. The Banarasi sarees are costlier than the other sarees because they are woven from the best quality silk from Karnataka. Some typical Banarasi sarees are Korial Banarasi, Pashmina Banarasi, Traditional Banarasi, and Tanchoi Banarasi, among others. Banarasi sarees are the favorite of Indian brides who love to drape this marvelous piece of cloth on their special day.
Kanjivaram Saree
Kanjivaram saree is a silk saree made in the Kanchipuram region in Tamil Nadu, India. Kanjivaram sarees are well known for their excellent texture, quality and craftsmanship. It takes a lot of effort and time to manufacture a single saree. Kanjivaram sarees usually have a thick golden border brocade design. Brocade designs are the most popular technique for decorating expensive sarees. In addition, you can find floral or Indian mythological tales designed on Kanjivaram sarees. Kanjivaram sarees have an incomparable regal, indigenous, traditional, and rich look.
Dhakai Saree
Dhakai Jamdani is one of the most exquisite textiles of Bengal, primarily produced in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The word Jamdani has a persian origin, Jam means flower, and Dani means a vase. Jamdani is woven by the most acceptable form of cotton fabric and requires hard labor. This famous Bangladesh saree is an artistic creation because of its rich motif work and brocade design. Jamdani sarees are one of the ways to indulge yourself in rich Bengali culture.
Tant Saree
Tant Saree is a traditional Bengali saree produced by weavers from all over West Bengal and Bangladesh. Few places like Murshidabad, Nadia, and Hooghly are the primary producer of Tant sarees. Cotton Fabrics are used to make tant sarees, and women from different parts of the world like Tant saree because of their extra light weight and transparency. This is the perfect wear to beat the scorching sun and humidity of northern India. Tant saree’s quick muslin-like finish and expanded pallus have made it more comfortable to wear.
Baluchori Saree
Baluchori saree or Baluchari saree is worn mainly by the women of India and Bangladesh. Baluchari sarees have a unique look because they depict mythological scenes on the saree’s pallu. Murshidabad is the place where Baluchori sarees are mainly produced. Around two hundred years ago baluchori saree was woven in a small village called Baluchar in the Murshidabad district; this is from where the Baluchori saree has got its name. Processing a Baluchori saree takes around one week. Baluchori saree goes through several phases during its production to get its fine quality. Baluchori sarees depict the tale of Mahabharat and Ramayana with detailed craftwork. Such intricate detailing is what makes women from across the world wear it.
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Bandhni Saree
The name is derived from the word ‘Bandhan,’ meaning ties. Bandhani sarees are crafted from the unique and traditional tie and dye technique where the saree is tied in knots followed by filling color in the saree. The knots prevent the color from spreading. Their lively colors are enhanced by beautiful dotted prints. The price of the Bandhni saree depends on the number and intricacies of its design.
The dots may often be in symbolic forms of elephant, peacock, or geometric forms of flowers, squares, etc. Bandhani sarees are manufactured in fabrics like fine cotton, georgette, cotton-silk blends, crepe, chiffon, and resilient silk variants.
Erik Silk Saree
It is also known as Ahimsa (Non-violent silk) or fabric of peace. Erik silk is the as it is the only tamed silk obtained without killing the silkworm. Eri silk is India’s most refined and purest form of silk with a diffused sheen produced by Samia Cynthia Ricini worm.
Erik silk is also known as the Mother of all silks for its texture. The saree’s fabric is coarse, fine, and dense making it extremely strong, durable, and elastic. Being heavier and darker than other silks it blends well with wools and cotton making it a perfect wear for both summer and winter. Erik silk is the sigil of sophistication with a touch of royalty which goes perfect for any occasion or festival.
Ilkal Saree
Ilkal sarees are uniques because of their lengthwise weaving wraps. The pallu of the saree is decorated with art silk or pure silk. Contemporary Ilkal sarees go on delightful weaves, a tedious process of preparing the warp of every sari separately and linking the border and body wrap threads by loops locally addressed as the “Topa Teni” technique, which is only used exclusively for Ilkal sarees.
The main body of the saree exhibits checks, squares, stripes, or rectangular patterns. In contrast, the pallu of the Ilkal saree has length-wise color bands running across them, carrying the designs inspired by temple architecture indicative of the lasting influence. The motifs of Liga, gopura(temple tower), ratha(chariot), temple tank, lotus, animals, and conch shell are among the popular designs inscribed on the pallu.
Initially used as daily wear saris by the Bellary women glowing in the sun while working in the fields, Ilkal sarees are worn by high society ladies as a fashion statement.
Indeed, sarees are six yards of sheer elegance! Sarees may feel like a light feather or heavy as gold. Yet, their beauty and elegance make sarees one of the most sought-after outfits. Stay connected to know more.