There is hardly any ethnic garment that compares to the majesty of the saree. This six to nine-yard fabric can be styled in endless ways. An Indian saree is not something that you wear only to festivals or weddings. It has become a daily wear wardrobe staple of modern women. There is rarely any event that doesn't align with the enchanting vibe of this garment. Each state in India has its own cultural representation of a saree, which makes the variety wider. Not only that, but even the neighboring countries have their own sarees with vivid cultural details. If you are a keen lover of fashion, here’s a journey across states and across countries that'll help you know all about it.
Remarkable Sarees Across India
1. Nauvaari from Maharashtra
Kashta or Nauvari saree is the pride of Maharashtra. It is an epic piece of garment that is worn by women during Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, and other major festive events. This draping of the saree is a bit on the trickier side, but it is really easy to wear once you learn how to do it. It is worn like a dhoti, which makes movement so much easier. This saree gained major recognition during the war in Maratha history, and it has continued to be a loved piece in every Maharashtrian woman's wardrobe.
2. Taant Saree from West Bengal
The Taant saree is one of the many things that pop into our heads when we hear the name of West Bengal. This saree comes in many colors, but the classic one remains the one with a white or off-white base along with red or black borders. The cotton fabric used in making this saree makes it just perfect for Bengal's humid climate. Mostly worn during Durga Puja, this saree is something you can also wear on a daily basis.
3. Banarasi Saree from Uttar Pradesh
Beyond its rich mythological history and monuments, Uttar Pradesh is also known for the Banarasi sarees. The saree is named after the holy Varanasi city and the garment has a huge fandom all across the country. It is one of those cherished pieces that you have in your wardrobe and then pass on to your daughters or granddaughters. The Mughal-inspired designs and zari work on this saree make it royal and worth trying at least once in your life.
4. Kanchipuram Saree from Tamil Nadu
kanjeevaram or Kanchipuram sarees are the gold standard in sarees. It is handwoven and made using pure mulberry silk. But this is not the only thing that makes it look so rich and luxurious. This saree has many traditional handmade designs all over it. The hallmark of a Kanchipuram saree is its contrasting border with temple-inspired patterns. Original kanjeevaram sarees are usually high-priced, but they're definitely an investment that's worth your money. This saree is highly durable, and if you take care of it correctly, you can style it for decades.
5. Bandhani Saree from Gujarat & Rajasthan
The lovely tie-dye print bandhani sarees represent two states and are loved by women across the country. If you are ever looking for something super lightweight and colorful, you should definitely try out these sarees. The bandhani sarees are the first choice of Gujarati and Rajasthani women, especially during festivals like Navratri, Gangaur, or Teej.
Sarees Inspirations Beyond India
1. Nepal's Gunyo Cholo Saree
Gunyo cholo looks like a skirt and blouse at first glance, but it's actually draped like a saree. This gown saree is the traditional dress of Nepal, worn by women and young girls for special cultural events or weddings. The most common colors used in this saree are green and red, which is symbolic of Nepali culture. But in the latest versions, you can find many different styles and patterns that make this saree even more astounding.
2. Bangladesh's Jamdani Saree
If you are at all into the fashion space or a saree enthusiast, you must have heard of the Jamdani saree once in your life. This iconic saree originated in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka. This saree is very delicate due to its muslin fabric, and yet it is resilient and durable. The handwoven motifs you see on this saree tell a story of culture and history. Jamdani saree has won the hearts of many women, and it is recognized as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
3- Sri Lanka's Osariya
The Kandyan saree of Sri Lanka, or the Osariya, is quite different and unique from the regular Indian drape. You can see the pleats of an Osariya falling at its side rather than the front. The saree is paired with a fitted blouse just like a regular Indian saree and it's worn by Sri Lankan women for cultural or formal events.
4. Myanmar's Acheik Saree
Acheik longyi is a traditional wear of Myanmar, which seems quite like a saree but has many different features. This garment is worn in a cylindrical drape, and it appears like a fitted gown. The vibrant and wave-like print on it represents the Burmese aesthetics. Acheik longyi is not exactly a saree, but the similarities in form and function make it a fascinating cousin.
5. Indonesian Batik-Inspired Sarees
Beyond the Indian borders, Indonesia is again a country that has given the saree a look that's relevant to its culture. The Indonesian batik sarees are made using Southeast Asian dyeing techniques while the draping style remains Indian. All of these cross-cultural features of this saree make it so much more appealing and adaptable for women across the world.
Sarees are not just a garment in India or across borders; They are storytellers that speak the history of every individual culture. It is an eternal pride of every woman’s closet, and it's something that every woman must own. If you find yourself falling in love with any of these, you can buy a saree online with ease. You can get a huge collection of Indian sarees, pre-stitched sarees online, and more, all thanks to e-commerce.
