A Special Saree for a Special Woman

There is no denying that every woman, regardless of shape and size, looks wonderfully attractive in a saree! True, body images (height, weight and skin tone) do come into play, but only with regard to kinds of prints and diverse colours. What is heartening is that ‘creators’ of different types of sarees have taken all aspects into account while presenting their collections to the female populace.

1. Kanchipuram

Every Kanjeevaram saree, woven from gold and silver threads, is a glorious labour of love from the weavers of Tamil Nadu! Yes, it is expensive in comparison to other sarees, for it is ‘Queen of Sarees’. Various richly glowing colours are combined for highlighting unique patterns. When you don the Kanchipuram saree, you will feel elegant, smoothly luxurious and graceful.

2. Paithani

It is grand indeed, making you feel that you have descended from an aristocratic family! You have to thank the skilled weavers of Aurangabad in Maharashtra for their patience and time in churning out this splendidly elegant and chic specimen, just for you! The peacock design is a favourite, as is the beautifully patterned zari border and fine motifs.

3. Konrad

In the olden days, the priests of Tamil Nadu used to deem the Konrad saree as the ideal apparel for deities in temples. In contemporary times, the Goddesses’ tastes have become a hit with the ‘ordinary’ woman too! The fabric displays wide and unusual borders, along with checks or stripes on its body. You should be able to view motifs exhibiting the shapes of animals or natural elements on the borders.

4. Banarasi

This may prove heavy wear, for the saree is loaded with charming motifs and designs woven from silver and gold zari threads! During those times when India was a landscape of different kingdoms, the weavers used real silver and gold threads for intricate detailing. The practice continues today, despite the absence of royal persona.

5. Muga

The Assamese obtain this kind of silk from a particular silkworm larva. This larva loves to gorge on two kinds of special leaves only. As a result, the silk is also unique in texture and gloss. In fact, weavers deem this as the best type of natural silk in India. The golden threads utilised for weaving the Muga saree are tremendously durable and strong.

6. Chanderi

It might seem as if this ‘light as a feather’ saree cannot be useful for gracing a formal or a grand social occasion. However, you could not be more wrong! Just look at the intricate manner in which cotton, silk and zari threads have come together in a bedazzling combination, and you will understand! The gorgeous sheen of the fabric serves to highlights your personality.

7. Bandhani

The Khatri community of Gujarat were responsible for launching the hand-woven Bandhani saree into the marketplace. They use a unique method of tie-and-dye to create a smoothly flowing and good-looking garment. In fact, the saree derives its name from the term, Bandhan. This means ‘ties’. The state of Rajasthan has taken over the production of Bandhani sarees too.

8. Leheriya

It is another variety of the Bandhani saree, albeit from Rajasthan. The technique of tie-and-dye is different from the one used for designing the former type. The cloth is tied in a different manner, during the process of dyeing.

9. Pochampally

Boodhan town in Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, offers this gift to the rest of India! Every Pochampally saree displays a gloriously pleasant colour, which is suitable for every kind of skin tone. The weavers bring together fine threads of silk and cotton, in order to highlight geometric ikat designs and intricate motifs.

10. Kasavu/Settu

In earlier days, the outfit comprised of a silk dhoti or mundu, which combined with a blouse and a stole covering this blouse. However, modern women prefer to drape a creamy, silken version of the dhoti around them, teamed with a matching blouse. The thick border comprises of golden threads. The gold is real! Over the years, the Kasavu has been displaying vivid colours, as well as artificial threads too.

11. Bomkai

The people of Odisha also call it, Sonepuri silk. Measuring nine yards in length, it is also available in cotton fabric. Whatever is the case, there is no denying that the garment is akin to a painting, which carries tremendous visual appeal! The intricate thread work, ikat and embroidery are awesome to behold!

12. Sambalpuri

You must praise the weavers for their patience and dedication, as their ‘hands’ spend hours on creating this traditional saree. They ensure that the threads that come to them are dyed beforehand. This aids in providing rich blends of colours, which refuse to fade. They use these dyed threads to create the garment, taking recourse to a variety of techniques for delicate weaving.

13. Phulkari

As the name suggests, phul refers to flower and karigari refers to work. The khadi fabric or cotton blend is a great background for displaying diversely shaped flowers, each one in a different colour. Punjab’s weavers take care to keep the colours bright, but not gaudy or garish. You should be able to find this kind of embroidery on dupattas of salwar suits too.

14. Taant

Although designed from genuine cotton, this traditional offering from West Bengal is suitable for daily wear, as well as for semi-formal events. You should be able to carry off this lightweight material comfortably in any season. The most attractive part of the saree is its thick border, and the lovely prints covering the length and breadth of the garment.

15. Chikankari

The name is synonymous with the weavers labouring away in the lanes of Lucknow. Earlier, muslin cloth would come into play for creating this unusual-looking saree. In contemporary times, other fabrics have entered the picture too. The embroidery is a treat to the eye!

Summary

No Indian woman can remain satisfied with a handful of varieties in sarees. As each new design, created with different types of fabrics enters the clothing arena, she craves it deeply!