The saree is the traditional item of clothing worn by Indian women for a long time and they have been worn in their current form for hundreds of years. In the history of Indian clothing, the saree is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished during 2800-1800 BCE around the western part of the Indian subcontinent. We have discussed the origin and history of the saree earlier in details in prior sections of our website. However with the onset of the festive season in India marking not only the harvest of golden grains in paddy fields, sarees are no longer restricted to just a clothing for the female. It is also symbolic of the many ritualistic activities surrounding the auspicious festivities and marking the onset of the same.

For those of you who are new to the world of sarees and keen to acquire some information on the advent of sarees and its traditional outlook, it is elongated unstitch cloth ranging from four to nine meter in length. Different part of the Indian sub continent wear the saree in different style for instance women in the north wear with drape coming from back to front; in the south women wear it with the drape down over the shoulder. In addition, the most common style to be wearing a saree is to wrap around the waist area with one end drop over the shoulder baring the midriff. The saree is accompanied by a blouse and a petticoat. Saree will be made from lightweight traditionally silk or lightweight cotton, however today made from a variety of man-made fabric too.

Different types of saree like wedding saree, traditional saree, contemporary saree and festival saree and so on will be worn depending on the occasion. These sarees greatly raises appearance and perfect look needed for the occasion.Festival sarees are expression of events and festival. Colour and designing of festival sarees are contrived in the way to perfectly match the occasion. Festival sarees are beautifully crafted with cutwork, sequin work, beadwork, mirror work, patchwork, embroidery etc. Bridal saree are available in very attractive colour combination with heavy embroidery all over the saree. For fancy saree these pattern could be woven with gold or silver thread and sometimes with precious stones and pearls. These saree are design to add grace and elegance to one’s personality. India, which is the characteristic birthplace and the geographical location where the saree is widely used, is still markedly different from the rest of the world in celebrating its festivities. The most popular festival, Diwali, is date decided after extensive research on the lunar positions and Hindu astronomical calendar. Although it is the festival of lights and the entire nation is illuminated to a visual feast by lamps, the other ingredient that serves as fest for the eyes in this festival are the lovely traditional sarees and salwar kameez and lehenga cholis in bright colours adorned by women of all ages from eight to eighty. Indeed the nation is resplendent with colour and lights not only by the lamps but also by the most beautiful sarees and traditional salwar kameez and lehenga cholis worn by the women, who are revered and respected as the mother cult and symbol of Indian goddess of wealth who is the ambassador of this occasion, Goddess Laxmi.

Saree is considered the most stylish outfit for Indian women. Indian women folk believe that adoring a saree is an integral part of Indian tradition that symbolizes sophistication in the ethnicity. Women from all over the world have accepted this attire because it not only keeps the grace of women intact but also the beauty of the wearer.