Introduction/ Origin of Saree
Saree holds a cultural significance in Indian history because of its importance which is narrated to us through epics of our mythology. The most iconic event is from Mahabharata, when Dushasan tried to disrobe Draupadi. Draupadi who was wearing a saree, started chanting Lord Krishna’s name, and the cloth never stopped from unwinding ergo protecting Draupadi’s dignity.
Although, this garment is dated back in our mythology, in history, it comes from the Indus Valley civilization. A garment that was made by the then Hindu community, with the belief that a stitched piece of clothing is impure, a saree is thus one long piece of cloth.
What is a Saree?
A saree is an Indian woman’s grace. It is a traditional Indian garment that is in existence since centuries back. It is a garment that is almost 5 to 8 meters long.
Above all, Saree isn’t only a traditional dress, it also a garment that adds to a woman’s grace. In India, every festive look of a woman is completed with a red bindi and a saree. Saree isn’t something that comes from one part of India. Since India is a diverse country, with different ethnicity and various cultures, the style of saree from these different states changes as well.
Ways of Draping Saree
Bengali draping style is quite popular among the masses. It has box pleats, and the pallu comes from the back to front. It is colloquially known as Athpourey.
The most elegant looking draping style has to be the assamese style. In this, the bottom is worn like a sarong with pleats in the front whereas one end of the upper garment is tucked to the left side of the waist in a triangle. It is locally known as Mekhela Sari.
Nauvari aka Dhoti Style
The most popular style of draping coming from Maharashtra has to be Nauvari. This saree represents a woman’s strong mind and independence. It is worn on the legs in dhoti style, whereas the upper part is worn like a sari.
The pleats of this saree are rolled outwards and secured in the front. It is known as Mohiniattam among the locals. The saree style of Karnataka is most known for its beauty seen in dancing.
One of the most famous styles of draping from the central India is Surguja hailing from Chhattisgarh state. This style is usually most worn by the Oraon community. This style of draping gives them advantage to dance and move freely.
Halakki Vokkaliga style
This style was in fact given to us by a cultural group based in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, named as ‘Aboriginals’. They drape their sarees by tying the ends around neck, making blouse and petticoat an unnecessary item. But they accessorize themselves with colourful beads, keeping their look in the roots with their culture and grace.
The famous Parsi style of draping is called Gol. The most elegant part of this style of draping is that the pallu, or colloquially known as gara, flows in pleats from the shoulder to the hem of the saree.
Apart from the serene beaches and tasty seafood, the goan culture is also known for their music and dance. The part that makes their folk dance so much fun is the saree that they wear. The style of draping makes goan women look carefree, confident and also distinguished at the same time. Although, the style is basic, it’s not only known for their folklore dances but they also give ease while working on the paddy fields.
The different ways of draping saree just tells us about the diversification of our culture in clothing as well.
But the most common style of draping saree still remains the same, the prominently traditional yet formal way, which can be worn at work place as well as cultural events.
Types of Sarees
Indian sarees are most well-known for their uniqueness. It’s not only one type of saree that can complete your look; every saree hailing from the parts of India has its own distinctive look. The most uppermost type of saree in India has to be the Benarasi silk, with vibrant colours and heavy shining border which gives you a classy look.
The exact contrast to such vibrant sarees will be the Kasavu saree from Kerala, a simple white saree with intricate golden border.
The most royal type of saree from India is from Gujarat, namely Patola, worn by the royal families from Gujarat and are most vibrant and expensive.
Furthermore, many sarees from further different states like Kanjeevaram Silk from Tamil Nadu, Kalamkari from Srikalahasthi, Sambalpuri from Odisha, Pochampally from Telangana, Paithani From Maharashtra, Muga from Assam are quite popular.
Hand Block Printed Sarees
Also, one of the most unique types of sarees that is in the midst of traditional and contemporary is the Hand Block Printed saree coming from Rajasthan. Hand Block printing is the technique of printing on fabrics, which is labor intensive and it goes through many stages namely dyeing, printing, and washing. These many layers give it a different depth and sensational beauty.
Above all, it can be printed on any fabric but the most commonly used fabrics are mul cotton and chanderi silk.
Hand block printed saree is made through an eco-friendly process.
You can shop for the hand block printed sarees at www.thatsindian.in or click on the pictures below:
You can click on the link below, in case you want to see how to place an order with us.
Written by: Vaishnavi Nagwekar