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Category Archives: Sarees
After the partition of Bengal, the weaver families migrated to West Bengal, they got along with them the priceless heritage of highly stylized weaving techniques which they had learned from their fore fathers. The handloom industry in the eastern region has had its share of bumpy rides, but Bengal handlooms have survived the ups and downs to become a household name among connoisseurs of textiles. Daccai Jamdani an elaborate and ornate muslin Bengali style saree, came along with the immigrants after partition. This kind of … Continue reading
It is said that an Indian bride’s wedding ensemble is incomplete until and unless she buys herself a benarasi saree. Because of the vibrant colour combinations, rich and intricate thread and zari designs, many brides prefer wearing a banarasi saree for her wedding ceremony. As heavy gold jewellery compliments a banarasi saree and it becomes a perfect attire for the bride on her big day. The Kith and kin of the bride and the groom adorn themselves in the best of … Continue reading
A lot has been written about patola sarees from Gujarat and still there are a lot many things to write about this original handicraft of the world.Every feature of patola weave is unique and every small detail isextremely important for completion of a beautiful Patola Saree. A unique feature of the Patola Saree is in its non-use of foot rule. The measurement is made through a tape with smallest measurement of1/100th of an inch. This is the kind of minuteness … Continue reading
The main clothing of the women folk in rural West Bengal are sarees. After farming the second biggest occupation in West Bengal is weaving. Almost every district has its particular weaves…Dhaniakhali in Hooghly district, once famous for superfine dhotis has switched over to making sarees in pastel shades. This change is due to failing demand of dhotis. Begampur also in Hooghly district specialises in loosely woven, light-weight and translucent bright coloured Bengali style sarees.There is a rich tradition of weaving … Continue reading
World’s original handy craft, the Patola saree, was developed much before invention of machines…and to develop this craft the wisdom and strength the craftsmen were involved. This is why Patan’s Patola is a precious heritage worth preserving.
Banaras or now know as Varanasi is one of the ancient settlements according to the History of the India. Banaras finds mention even in as ancient as Rig Vedas, dated back to about 2000 year BC. The Indian Mythology too has a reference of Banarasi saree from Banaras in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The two banarasi silk fabrics then used was known Hiranya Vastra and Putamber Vastra. In the ancient time Banaras was famous for the weaving of cotton … Continue reading
Patan, a small place in Gujarat is well known for its Patola saree. These are handwoven sarees which are produced in the large quantity in Patan. Patola sarees are famous for its delicate, beautiful and clear pattern which is done with great accuracy and skill. As these sarees are made with handlooms, the time taken to complete a saree depends on the intricacy of the pattern. If the design of the saree is very heavy and the length, too long, then the skill and time taken … Continue reading
Bengal has been famous for its weaves since ancient times. Bengali style sarees and its silk weaving have been mentioned in the Arthashastra. The cultivation of mulberry silk and its weaving is done in the plains of West Bengal. The districts where silk yarn is made are Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bankura, Maldha and Purulia. The district of Maldah on the north bank of the Ganga is the most important centre for silk rearing in West Bengal. Baluchar silks has a long history, it was … Continue reading
Suparna and I have been together since childhood. We are the thickest of pals and when I received her wedding invite last week, my joy knew no bound.Finally I was going to attend a traditional yet very colourful wedding. A Bengali Wedding. I took a week’s leave, packed my bag and hopped into the first flight out of Delhi for Kolkata. The wedding venue looked liked the set from the film Devdas and Suparna looked as gorgeous as Aishwarya Rai in her beautiful Bengali … Continue reading
Following the glory of “Tangaliya”, the great state of Gujarat has been granted the GI (Geographical Induction) status. Needless to mention this is a fresh breeze for Gujarat’s saree making industry surviving the pangs of infringement. When asked about it a distinguished member of the FICCI (Western Region) told the media; “The Geographical Indication office in Chennai has accorded GI status to Surat’s Zari craft recently. It has brought cheers to over 1.50 lakh stakeholders directly or indirectly earning their … Continue reading
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