The Saga of Handloom Sarees

Though there is no consolidated information about Handloom sarees but based on different region it can be segregated in various classes. Each region portrays special features which makes these sarees unique on its own way. The saga of handloom sarees says it’s all.

Why Handloom Sarees are special?

It takes effort of 3 to 4 people to weave an average saree for 2 to 3 days. The weaving of handloom sarees mostly takes place in private homes by cottage weavers. There is an earthen bench and series of pedals operating the procedure of weaving. The complex patterns are done with the help of jacquard machine which is suspended from the top. Let us now take a brief look back about different types of handloom sarees based on various regions.

Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh referred as “the heart of India” is known for its handloom chanderi silk sarees. The subtle shades with exquisite patterns give the saree a classy look. These sarees are well known for its soft texture, airy feel, pallus and butis. The borders of chanderi vary in market from narrow to broad. Chanderi sarees are light woven either in silk or cotton. Maheshwari sarees owes its origin from Maheshwar town in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. This is cotton silk saree and the main part of the saree comes in checks and small butis. The use of zari & kinari makes it unique.

West Bengal

The Balachuri Sarees of West Bengal is famous is known for its complicated weaving and intricate designing. In body you can spot with small weaved designs on the contras pallus is adorned with local stories or royal court scenes. Apart from this, the Tant Saree is another well known variety. It generally comes in soft hues and has a natural mixing of silk thread works at the borders. The katha stitch sarees is also well known. The word “Katha” means simple stitching which is done on mulberry or tussar silk. The motifs are generally plants, animals and fish.

Gujarat

The bhadni saree of Gujarat specially deals with the art of tying and dyeing. The sarees has a colourful look and the unique print emerges with application of wax. There are three types of Bhandhani sarees like Panetar, Lehariya and Garchola. Woven by the master weavers of Gujarat, Patola sarees is the speciality of Gujarat. Delicate patterns and intrigue designs are the speciality of these sarees.

Assam

The Munga silk of Assam is another handloom saree that has its own speciality. The saree features three dimensional effects which highlights its amiable look.

South India        

The most well known handloom saree in south is the traditionalKanchipuram Sarees. The Saree is famous for its silk and intricate zari weaving and elaborate designing. They are perfect for bridal wear and are generally woven with golden and silver thread. You can also opt forMysore Silk Sarees which is somewhat similar to Uppada Sarees. The silk use is extremely fine and it is beautifully woven using old techniques. Mythological figures, temple motifs and nature inspired designs are most spotted. Kasavu sarees in Kerala is made by using cotton and silk blends. The colour is generally white with golden borders.

It is worth of having a handloom saree in your wardrobe for those special moments when you want to dress in your traditional attire. Samyakk is the best place where you can get varieties of handloom sarees which will give you the rarest of collections.