Sarees of India: A Guide to Different Traditional Sarees

One of the most popular and prestigious types of traditional sarees in India is the Kanjivaram saree from Tamil Nadu. This saree is made from pure mulberry silk and has a distinctive gold or silver zari (metallic thread) border and pallu (end piece). The saree is known for its vibrant colors, royal look and intricate motifs inspired by temples, mythology and nature. The Kanjivaram saree is considered to be a symbol of luxury and status, and is often worn by brides and celebrities on special occasions. The weaving of a Kanjivaram saree is a complex and time-consuming process that requires skilled artisans and high-quality materials. It can take anywhere from 10 days to 6 months to make one saree, depending on the design and intricacy. The price range of a Kanjivaram saree can vary from 5,000 to 5,00,000 rupees, depending on the quality of silk, zari and craftsmanship.Shop Kanjivaram sarees here.

Another unique and traditional type of saree in India is the Nauvari saree from Maharashtra. This saree is nine yards long (hence the name Nauvari, which means nine yards in Marathi) and is draped in a dhoti style that leaves the legs free for movement. The Nauvari saree has a history of valor and courage, as it was worn by the Maratha women warriors who fought alongside their men in battles against invaders. The Nauvari saree is also associated with cultural pride and identity, as it is worn by women during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Gudi Padwa. The Nauvari saree is usually made from cotton or silk, and has a plain or checkered pattern. The draping of the Nauvari saree requires practice and skill, as it involves tucking and pleating the fabric around the waist and legs. The price range of a Nauvari saree can vary from 1,000 to 10,000 rupees, depending on the fabric and quality.Shop Nauvari sarees here.

Another type of traditional saree from Maharashtra is the Paithani saree, which is named after the town of Paithan where it originated. This saree is made from fine silk and has a rich gold or silver zari border and pallu that feature intricate designs of peacocks, lotuses, parrots and other motifs. The Paithani saree is known for its vibrant colors that are obtained from natural dyes such as indigo, turmeric, lac and henna. The Paithani saree is considered to be a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship, as it involves a complex weaving technique that uses two different colored threads for the warp and weft. The weaving of a Paithani saree can take up to 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the intricacy of the design. The price range of a Paithani saree can vary from 10,000 to 5,00,000 rupees, depending on the quality of silk, zari and workmanship.Shop Paithani sarees here.

The Kerala saree is a simple and elegant white saree with a gold border, worn by women in Kerala. It is also known as kasavu saree or mundu saree, and is usually paired with a matching blouse. The Kerala saree is made of fine cotton and represents the purity and simplicity of the Malayali culture. It is a symbol of tradition and is often worn during cultural festivals and special occasions in Kerala. These sarees are crafted from fine cotton. The gold border is intricately woven into the fabric. Traditional weaving techniques are employed to create the distinct gold border.The time required to make a Kerala saree varies based on its complexity and the skill of the weaver. However, it typically takes several days to produce one. Kerala sarees come in a wide range of prices. The cost depends on factors such as the quality of cotton, the intricacy of the gold border, and any additional embellishments. Prices can range from a few hundred rupees to several thousand rupees.Shop Kasavu sarees here.

The Sambalpuri saree is a handwoven saree that originates from Odisha. It is made of ikat fabric, which is dyed before weaving to create intricate patterns. The Sambalpuri saree is known for its geometric shapes, floral motifs, and vibrant colors. It is also considered a symbol of pride and identity for the Sambalpuri people. These sarees are a representation of Odisha's rich textile heritage and are worn on various occasions, including weddings and cultural festivals.Shop Sambalpuri sarees here.

Ilkal sarees are a traditional form of sarees that originate from the town of Ilkal in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka. They are known for their unique weaving technique, which involves joining the cotton body and the art silk pallu with a knot called topi teni. The pallu is usually red in colour and has white bands or motifs. The border of the saree can have different designs such as chikki paras, gomi, or gayathri. Ilkal sarees are worn by women in North Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, and have a cultural and regional significance. They are handwoven by the weavers of Ilkal, who have been practicing this craft for over 140 years. Ilkal sarees are comfortable, durable and elegant, and come in a variety of colours and patterns. They are suitable for any occasion, whether festive or casual. Ilkal sarees are made from cotton and art silk, which are dyed using natural or synthetic colours. The weaving process takes about 10 to 15 days for one saree, depending on the complexity of the design. The price range of Ilkal sarees varies from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 20000, depending on the quality of the material and the workmanship. Ilkal sarees are a symbol of the rich heritage and culture of Karnataka, and are cherished by many women across India.Shop Ilkal sarees here.

A Bengali saree is a traditional garment worn by women in the Indian state of West Bengal and Bangladesh. One of the most common types of Bengali sarees is the red and white saree, which is usually worn on festive occasions such as Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, and weddings.The red and white saree is also known as garad saree or gorod, which means white in Bengali. The saree is made of pure silk or cotton, and has a plain white body with a red border and pallu (the loose end of the saree that drapes over the shoulder). The red colour symbolizes auspiciousness, purity, and fertility, while the white colour represents simplicity, elegance, and peace.

The red and white saree has a rich cultural and regional significance in Bengal. It is considered as a symbol of Bengali identity, heritage, and pride. It is also associated with the worship of Goddess Durga, who is depicted wearing a red and white saree in many idols and paintings. The saree is also worn by Bengali brides as a sign of respect to their new family and tradition

The manufacturing process of the red and white saree involves several steps, such as spinning, dyeing, weaving, washing, starching, ironing, and finishing. The saree is usually handwoven by skilled artisans using traditional looms and techniques. The quality and price of the saree depend on various factors, such as the type of fabric, the design of the border and pallu, the fineness of the weave, and the authenticity of the colours. The average price range of a red and white saree can vary from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 10000 or more.Shop Bengali sarees here.

A Banarasi saree is a type of silk saree that originates from the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, in India. Banarasi sarees are renowned for their exquisite gold and silver brocade or zari work, which creates intricate floral, geometric or animal motifs on the fabric. Banarasi sarees have a rich history and cultural significance, as they are traditionally worn by brides and women on festive occasions. Banarasi sarees are also admired for their vibrant colors and fine texture, which enhance the beauty and elegance of the wearer.

Banarasi sarees are handwoven by skilled artisans using a special technique called kadhua, which involves weaving each motif separately with a shuttle. This process can take anywhere from 15 days to six months, depending on the complexity and size of the design. The quality and price of a Banarasi saree depend on the amount and purity of the zari used, as well as the craftsmanship and intricacy of the weaving. A pure silk Banarasi saree with real gold or silver zari can cost up to several lakhs of rupees, while a blended silk or artificial zari saree can be more affordable.

Banarasi sarees come in various types and styles, such as katan, organza, georgette, chiffon, kubera pattu and more. Each type has its own unique features and appeal, such as the softness of katan, the transparency of organza, the lightness of georgette, the shimmer of chiffon and the richness of kubera pattu. Banarasi sarees can also be customized with different colors, patterns, borders and blouses to suit one's preference and occasion. Shop Banarasi sarees here.

Patola Saree is a type of silk saree that is made using a complex and time-consuming technique of double ikat weaving. It originated in the city of Patan in Gujarat, India. Patola Saree has a rich history and cultural significance, as it was once worn only by the royal and aristocratic families of Gujarat and neighboring states. Patola Saree is known for its vibrant colors, intricate patterns and motifs, and fine quality of silk. It is considered a symbol of status, wealth and pride.

Patola Saree has a unique aesthetic appeal, as it looks the same on both sides and does not fade with time. The patterns and motifs on Patola Saree are inspired by nature, animals, flowers, geometric shapes, and religious symbols. Some of the common motifs are nari kunj (dancing women), chhabdi bhat (basket pattern), choktha (cross pattern), paan bhat (betel leaf pattern), and narikunjar bhat (elephant and women pattern). Patola Saree can be classified into two types: Rajkot Patola and Patan Patola. Rajkot Patola is made by single ikat technique, where only the warp threads are dyed, while Patan Patola is made by double ikat technique, where both the warp and weft threads are dyed.

Patola Saree is a labor-intensive and expensive product, as it requires a lot of skill, precision, and patience to create. The silk threads are first dyed with natural colors. The dyeing process involves tying and untying the threads according to the desired pattern. The weaving process involves aligning the dyed threads on a wooden loom. the whole process can take upto 18 months. The final product is a masterpiece of art and craftsmanship, which can cost anywhere between ₹ 50,000 to ₹ 5 lakh. Shop Patola sarees here.

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