Indian Saree

The graceful attire has long been adorning the women. Since time immemorial, visitors from distant kingdoms and empires to India have been tantalised by bewitching Indian women clad in sarees. References in ancient history indicate that an amazing variety of sarees made of silk and cotton fabrics were used in India. The Rig Veda mentions a golden woven fabric and the Greek records talk of gorgeous fabric worn by the Indian ladies.

The western influence has changed the dressing style of Indian women to a large extent, but sarees still rule the heart of Indian women specially on festivals, Indian wedding ceremony and other major events.

Saree is an Indian women’s statement to the world. What is a typical saree like??? The sari can be a shimmering silk, or fine cotton or an elegant chiffon material. It can have the most intricate embroidery with silk threads or even silver and gold threads. The colors can be vibrantly bright or subdued pastels. There are sarees to match every mood and every occassion to suit every budget.

Places like Bangalore, Varanasi, Jaipur, Calcutta, Bhubneshwar and now the states like Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Orissa & Karnataka are reputed for their own style of saree making using different fabrics like georgette, silk, organza, etc.

In any international fashion shows or contenst of Miss India contestant wear sari as Indian traditional wear.

There are a few important aspects of a sari. The pallu which is the free end of the sari can be worn over the head, as a mark of respect for elders, as a custom, or for style, or be left to hang free at the back. The other important, and much looked for, part of the sari is the border. It is usually adorned by prints and designs which are different from the overall pattern on the sari. This adornment can sometimes take the form of intricate patterns handcrafted using delicate gold thread known as zari. In this way, the border of a sari is often a status symbol.

Types of Saree / Sari

Kanjeewaran sari from kanchipuram in South India near Madras now known as Chennai.

Bandhani Sari. Bandhani is famous cloth from Gujarat / Saurashtra. It's in western India. Bandhani is hand tie-dye. Jamnagar is famous for bandhani sarees.

Banglore Crepe Silk Saris. These pure crepe silk sarees are created with a palette of vibrant colors, rich textures, classic Indian designs, styling & sheer elegance of Indian Art.

Maharastrian nauvari Saree. This classical style has nine yards of fabric sari or call it saree worn in traditional manner in the western state of India which is Maharashtra. The famous Amachi Mumbai (Bombay).

Pochampally Sarees
There are at least 40 village's within a 70 k.m. radius of Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, including Pochampalli, Koyalagudam, Puttapakka, Elanki and Chautupal where ikat textiles are woven. Here ikat weaving has become a way of life -- from child to grandparent, every family member is involved at one stage or another.

Gadwal Sarees
Gadwal Sarees show strong design links to the silk border - Cotton body Sarees of the eastern Central Deccan. Gadwal, a small town; around 150 k.m. away from Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh makes many saree's for the main stream south Indian market.

Andhra Pradesh is famous for its cotton saris which is designed with jerry and thread. The saris woven at Venkatagiri and Pochhampalli in Andhra are famous. Cotton saris of Bengal is ideal as a summer wear.

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