A Guide to the Seven Different Types of Traditional Sarees From India
The saree is an iconic garment of India, a symbol of grace and beauty. This long, unstitched garment, usually draped in an array of intricate designs, has been a part of Indian tradition for centuries. In this blog article, we have mentioned seven traditional types of sarees, each with its own unique style, design, and history. From the signature Kanjeevaram sarees of the south to the handwoven cotton sarees of Bengal, this guide will explore the seven different types of traditional sarees from India and their cultural significance. Whether you’re looking for a saree to wear for a special occasion or just curious to learn more about the rich culture of India, this guide will help you discover the beauty of the traditional saree.
Kanjeevaram Sarees
Kanjeevaram sarees are one of the most popular sarees in India. Made from fine cotton, these sarees are embroidered with zari (gold thread). The Kanjeevaram sarees are produced in the region of Tirupur in Tamil Nadu, hence the name ‘Kanjeevaram’, which translates to ‘golden river’. The Kanjeevaram sarees have a rich cultural significance and are often worn by brides during their weddings. Kanjeevaram sarees are known for their intricate designs and the use of rich, vibrant colours. The designs are usually floral or contain geometric shapes, often like squares or diamonds. The sarees are also characterized by their bright colours such as pink, green, yellow, and orange.
Chanderi sarees
Chanderi sarees are also made from fine cotton and are generally unstitched. Chanderi sarees are native to the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and are known for their subtle yet intricate designs. These sarees are woven out of cotton and silk. The design of the saree is woven, and not embroidered, which is why it appears more subtle than other saree designs. The colours of the sarees are usually muted, as they are made with natural dyes. This makes the sarees more soft and subtle in design. Chanderi sarees are known for their unique checked design. The sarees are usually blue and white, but can also be found in other colours like red, yellow, or green. The design of the saree typically consists of squares woven together. Although this design is subtle, the sarees are still very elegant.
Banarasi Sarees
Banarasi sarees are one of the most luxurious types of sarees in India. These sarees are made from silk and gold zari. The Banarasi sarees are produced in the city of Varanasi, hence the name ‘Banarasi’. The Banarasi sarees are usually made from pure silk, even the zari is made from silk. The silk is usually handwoven and treated with a special technique to make it shiny and extremely soft to the touch. The sarees are characterised by their use of a rich palette of colours and intricate designs. The designs on the Banarasi sarees are often floral or contain geometric shapes. However, the designs can vary from saree to saree.
Tussar Silk Sarees
Tussar silk sarees are also made from silk but are woven with Tussar, a type of wild silk. The silk is handwoven and dyed naturally with flowers and leaves. This gives the sarees a unique, earthy feel. They are the most affordable variety of silk sarees. The designs on the sarees are usually floral or contain geometric shapes. Their muted colours and soft designs characterize the sarees. Tussar silk sarees are known for their subtle, earthy designs. The colours of the sarees are usually muted and range from browns to reds. The designs on the sarees are usually floral or contain geometric shapes. However, the designs can vary from saree to saree. A lot of women choose to customize their own dresses using Tussar silk saree since they are so easy to manipulate and turn into various designs.
Paithani Sarees
Paithani sarees are also made from silk but are woven with a special technique known as ‘kalas’. This technique uses a natural-coloured dye that produces rich, vibrant colours. The silk is also handwoven to produce a very fine and soft fabric. Their vibrant colours and intricate designs characterize the sarees. Paithani sarees are known for their bold and vibrant colours. The sarees are usually red and orange, with the occasional blue thrown in. The designs on the sarees are also distinct, often featuring animals such as elephants, deer, or birds.
Kota Sarees
Kota sarees are one of the most intricately woven types of traditional sarees from India, made from cotton or silk. The sarees are woven in the city of Kota in Rajasthan and are known for their rich and royal designs. Kota sarees are made from silk, which is collected during the monsoon season when the silkworms shed their cocoons and the silk is unspun. The silk is coloured and intricately woven into beautiful sarees with a thick and textured fabric. Kota sarees are known for their rich and royal designs, often woven with gold zari threads.
Handwoven Cotton Sarees From Bengal
Cotton sarees are woven in Bengal and are known for their distinct handwoven patterns. These sarees are woven with ikat, a technique that produces unique designs on the fabric. The designs are created by tying and dyeing the thread before weaving it into the fabric. The thread usually goes over two or three times on the loom to create a design on the fabric. The designs on the fabric can vary depending on the type of cotton saree. However, each type of cotton saree has its own distinct characteristics. The sarees are usually soft and subtle, having pastel colours such as pink, blue, yellow, or green.
Cultural Significance Of Traditional Sarees
The saree is a symbol of grace and elegance and a traditional Indian garment that has been worn for centuries. Traditionally, brides in India wear a saree as a part of their wedding attire, and many Indian women continue to wear a saree on special occasions. Sarees are available in many different materials and designs, allowing you to choose the one that best reflects your personality and style. The various types of traditional sarees exhibit the rich cultural heritage of India and are an excellent way to learn more about Indian culture. Whether you choose to wear a traditional saree for a special occasion or just admire its beauty, this guide will help you discover the charm of the traditional saree.
How To Drape A Saree?
Now that you know all about some of the different traditional sarees of India, let’s learn how to drape them perfectly. Draping a saree can seem like a complicated task, but with a little practice, you’ll be wrapping these long garments like a pro! The most important thing to remember when draping a saree is that it is unstitched, so it should be wrapped neatly and securely to prevent it from coming unravelled. – Start by wrapping the saree around your body with the loose end of the saree in the front. – Then, take the loose end and wrap it around your back and through the loop in the front. – Bring the loose end across your chest and across your back to the other side of your waist. – Finally, tuck the loose end into the waist loop and enjoy the beauty of your drape!