Sari or Saree has been symbol of Indian women for over 5000 years. It’s made of 6-9 yards fabric with no stitches. It is wrapped around the waist and draped over one shoulder. Underneath sari a skirt and a blouse is worn. Petticoat is basically a skirt indian women wear underneath their sarees. This piece has many different names depending on region. In western India it is called chaniyo, parkar or ghagra, shaya in the east, pavadi or padava in the south, and lahanga or lehenga in the North. A top is also worn beneath the sari and it’s called either a choli or ravika. The chili is basically a crop top with short sleeves and a low neck. These cholis are either backless or halter style. For formal events they come with a lot of embroidery and embellishments.
The saree originated within the Hindu culture. Hindus believe that stitched clothing is impure, they also believe that the belly button is very important and a source of life and creativity. This is why saree is a one piece fabric and the waist is not covered. Although saree exposes a small portion of the female figure, it keeps their modesty, covering them from head to toe.
Different parts and regions in India have different sarees:
North
Bandhni(Rajasthan, Gujarat)
This saree use the Tie-Die technique in which the clothing is tied in patterns before dipping it in a dye bath. Bandana saris are worn at festivals. You’ll also find them decorated with mirrors and bead works.
Chikan(Lucknow)
Chicken embroidery is speciality a city called Lucknow. This unique style was developed during Mughal period and is also called Lakhnavi Chikankari.
Kota Doria(Rajasthan)
This type of saree uses a fine woven fabric containing a pattern in the weave itself. These sprees are very delicate and lightweight.
Banarasi(Benaras)
The Banarsi saree is for brides. This classic style came into existence during the Mogul era. The signature design of this saree is a narrow fringe like pattern called Jhalar, found along the inner and outer border of the fabric.
Taant(Bengal)
The word Taant literally means “Made of the Loom”. Also known as Bengal Cotton Sarees, these are a traditional saree worn by Bengali women.
East
Baluchari(West Bengal)
This saree is about 200 years old. Made of silk and woven on looms, and only uses silk threads. Borders of these sarees tell stories from Indian epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Kantha(West Bengal)
Kantha saree is known for its delicate embroidery and decorative motifs. This saree is made by rural women in West Bengal as a hobby and each piece is a result of hard work.
West
Bandhej(Gujarat)
These sarees use the Gujarati style of tie-die. The multi-coloring method involves working in the lightest shades first and then darker ones are introduced.
Patola(Gujarat)
Paola sarees are the most time consuming of all. Patan in Gujarat produces only 25 to 30 sarees per year! They can cost between $2,000 to $20,000!
Chanderi(Madhya Pradesh)
This saree is light and breathable perfect for Indian summers. It’s made from silk or fine cotton.
South
Kanchipuram(Tamilnadu)
Characterized by the gold-dipped silver thread that is woven into premium quality silk. Kanchipuram is actually a town in Tamilnadu; and the town’s history of weaving goes back centuries. Kanchipuram remains untouched by todays fashion, so it still maintains traditional weaving style and techniques. The silk base of these sarees is thicker than any other silk saree, which makes it the most expensive kind of silk saree in India.
Madisar(Tamilnadu)
Madisar is a type of saree worn by Brahmin community in Tamilnadu (Brahmin is a class in Hinduism that includes gurus, saints and etc). Brahmins wear madisar for any important occasion. The length of this saree is 9 yards instead of the common 6.
