Emphatic Bridal Sarees
Monday, August 31st, 2009
Sarees are very much in fashion in a traditional Indian wedding. In today`s wedding ceremonies woman prefers to wear saris in various styles. Fashion designers advanced with new ways to drape wedding sarees, which have become quite popular among today`s women. Saris always had a luxurious and graceful look at the same time. The wedding sari or Bridal sari is given a lot of significance in India. Indian Saris come in different fabrics ranging from cotton to silk, from georgettes to crapes, from traditional like Banarasi to Kanjeevaram or a silk.
Bridal Sarees are given a lot of emphasis in Indian families. It ranges from few thousands to few lakhs of rupees. Sarees today have a lot of embroidery and embellishments done on them. They come in various varieties and styles. Zari, sequence, embroidery, zardosi, organza, cut work, mirror work, patchwork, pearl work, kasab, kundan, are all diverse kinds of work, which are available in sari. Earlier it was compulsory for Indian brides to wear heavy Benarasi sari on the wedding day but now it is not so but still the brides to prefer wear saris for their wedding. Although the styles and embroidery of sarees have changed, they have become much trendier and light. Earlier much more heavy work was used, while now the style is rich as well as sleek and light in fabric.The wedding sari or Bridal sari is given a lot of importance in India. Indian Saris are available in different fabrics from cotton to silk and from georgettes to crapes.
Jewellery noticeably highlights the look of the bride but the wedding saree is given a lot of emphasis. In India there is no greater event in a family than a wedding. Wedding sarees can range from a few thousand to a few lac rupees. There is no limit as far as variety in Indian bridal sarees are concerned. This is because every part of India manufactures its own peculiar style in terms of the weaves, embroidery and fabric.
The most expensive are considered the south silk ones that are woven with pure gold. In fact it is said that if one had to remove the gold threads and melt them then anything from a few grams to almost a kilo of gold can be produced. Apart from the traditional prints and weaves, nowadays designers are creating new and innovative designs. They also are changing the approach the Indian saree is draped over the shoulder. It all depends on the kind of work done on what is known as the `pallu` - this is that part of the saree, which is placed over the shoulder.
Today saris have a lot of work done on them. Zari, organza, embroidery, zardosy, sequence, mirror work, cut work, patchwork, kasab, pearl work, kundan, are all different kinds of work, which redecorate the sari. In India some professionals offer Bridal Trousseau Packing services for Indian bridal sarees. In these services wedding sarees and other items of the wedding trousseau are neatly packed into suitcases and decorated.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Silk Sarees Traditions
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
The silk sarees are a part of the India silk industry which is an integral part of the Indian Textile Industry. This industry is among the oldest industries in India. The Indian silk industry produces basically three types of silks namely Mulburry, Muga, Tussore, and Eri silk. The major hubs of Indian silk industry are located in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Jammu & Kashmir and West Bengal.
The silk industry in India has a huge number of employees and involves rearing of silkworm or “sericulture”. The strength of Indian silk industry lies in huge production capacity, efficient raw material manufacturing capacity, large pool of skilled and cheap labor, entrepreneurial skills, huge export potential, large domestic market and flexible silk manufacturing systems. The silk sarees in India are the creations of these industries. Indian sarees are basically made of pure silks that are produced in abundance in the Indian silk industry. The weavers, who are employed in creating silks by rearing the cocoons and finally creating the pure silks, are the major part of the silk industry.
The traditional sarees like the Banarasi sarees, Kanjeevaram sarees, Konrad sarees, Mysore silk sarees, Pochampally Ikat sarees, Chanderi sarees, Paithani sarees, Patola sarees, Baluchari sarees, Bomkai sarees, Tussar sarees etc are the exclusive creations of the artisans who use silk as the base material for these sarees. Among non-mulberry silks, Tussar is mostly produced by tribal people who are settled in different parts and regions of India. Tussar silk is produced in abundance in India and is the only producer of golden muga silk. Even, India is a major producer of eri silk.
The Indian artisans create a huge range of sarees that are based on pure silk fabrics. The traditional Banarasi saree uses pure silk fabrics that are created by the supplementary thread designs, including dense border patterns, are almost always woven as discontinuous supplementary-weft with the highly decorated endpiece. Traditional Banaras brocade sarees usually have subtle colours which may be quite pale compared to western and southern Indian silks. Patola sarees that are another traditional saree of India are basically pure silk sarees. A silk Ikat saree industry has recently developed in Rajkot (Gujarat) that creates patola and modern geometric designs in the weft threads only. Block-printed silk sarees are also created throughout the region as well as in Srinagar, which has a small sericulture industry. Its silk fabrics are often of low quality but they make popular, relatively inexpensive silk sarees. The embroidered tinsel sarees are block-printed or silk-screened and are often designed with flakes of mica or gold dust. Sometimes, silk sarees are designed with both resist- and direct-printed designs in the Mughal style. Silk sarees are also woven in regions of West Bengal away from the delta, in the northern (Murshidabad) and south-western districts like Burdwan, Bogra, Bankura and Midnapur. Moreover, west Bengal is the abode of gorad sarees that are hugely used by the women during pujas. Baluchari sarees are created using the silk material and the artisans use their efficiency in creating embroidery work with zari threads on the endpiece and the borders. The sarees are the representation of exclusive thematic work by the artisans.
Apart from creating silk sarees the local artisans create mixed Tussar-cotton fabric. Many of these modern sarees also use Ikat-dyed cotton-warp borders imported from Orissa. The artisans of Bengal include weaving Bomkai, Jamdani sarees, Muga sarees, Pat sarees, Sambalpuri sarees etc. Apart from these sarees, India is known for creating Ikat silks, Pochampally sarees that are finely created of pure silk fabrics. Further south in the Kumbakonam, Thanjavur area, silk fabrics have been woven since at least the fourteenth century. In recent times, the artisans and weavers create heavy- to medium-weight Kornad silks similar in style and technique to Kanchipuram sarees. Thus for its elan, style and feel silk sarees have occupied a major part in the Indian saree scenario.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Sarees on & by Occasion
Monday, August 24th, 2009
Indian sarees are categorized according to occasion, festival depending on the intensity of the event. Indian beauty is best displayed in a saree and the Indian traditions allow embellishing the women with a saree along with suitable ornaments.
According to several occasion, the choice of saree changes with a variation of fabric and designs. The designs and the fabrics depend on the occasion. For instance the wedding sarees are intricately designed with zari and flakes of gold and silver. The ideal saree for an Indian bride is Banrasi saree that is admired for the intricate motifs and the fine fabrics. Indian brides wear basically red Banarasi sarees though according to the modern choice Banarasi sarees of different colours are worn by the brides.
Wedding in India is not only about the bride and the groom. It involves a latge number of people. Hence, apart from the bride, the people who are invited in the occasion prefer to wear silk based sarees. Among the traditional sarees that are worn during such occasions, Chettinad sarees, Gadwal sarees, Kanjeevaram sarees, Konrad sarees, Mysore silk sarees, Pochampally sarees, Chanderi sarees, Paithani sarees, Patola sarees have secured place in the list of preference of the Indian women. On occasions like `shradh` or funeral ceremony, sarees of light colour and simple design or no decoration are worn. During `annaprashan`, birthdays, `grihapravesh` and other social gatherings or occasions the women deck themselves up in sarees of vibrant colours, though the gaudiness of the sarees varies with the occasion. Tussar sarees are worn by the widow women of India in several occasions as well.
The Indian sarees are designed differently in different region and the artisans amalgamate the designs with traditional motifs to add a tint of creativity. The artisans of different region create different sarees and each region display an individuality of their own in the use of fabrics and designs. In the eastern region `tant`, Jamdani sarees, Khadi sarees, embroidered sarees, Gorad sarees, Tangail sarees along with dexterously designed chiffon georgette sarees and zardousi sarees etc are created. South India is known for creating Chettinad Sarees, Gadwal sarees, Kanjeevaram sarees, Konrad sarees, Mysore silk sarees and Pochampally sarees etc. The women of this region wear these types of sarees extensively in several occasions including marriages. The sarees of West India manifests the designs of Chanderi temples in the famous sarees of this region, Chanderi sarees. This particular saree is identified for the usage of quality gold thread. Sometimes to give the sarees an additional charm and quality, gold checks with lotus roundels all over which are known as `butis“. The `kosa` saree of the western region, are known for the natural shine and exclusivity of the fibre. Including these sarees, West India is the abode of Paithani sarees which derive the patterns and motifs from Ajanta Caves including peacock, lotus, and mango motifs with intricate designs in the endpiece and the border of the saree. These sarees are famous among the women and are worn in several regional occasions.
The Indians wear sarees in different occasions that varies from the regional to the family gatherings. The Indian sarees have attained the popularity in all over India and the expansion of these sarees has extended to the international market for the intricacy of designs and fabrics. In recent times, the artisans have developed their skills in designing and have started creating a new style by creating fusion of traditional and contemporary designs.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Indian Saree Color Mark
Sunday, August 23rd, 2009
Colour symbolism in Indian sarees has been playing a major part in Indian life since Vedic times. The Sanskrit word for caste, `varna`, literally means colour, and certain colours are traditionally associated with different castes. This caste-colour association has also been reflected in traditional clothes, something which is still adhered to today.
The four varnas described in the ancient era, consist of the Brahmins or the priestly caste, Kshatriyas or the warrior caste including most kings, Vaisyas or traders, merchants, scribes and Sudras or farmers, serfs, artisans, including weavers, manual labourers, as well as the ritually impure groups like manual labourers, tanners, indigo dyers who were completely outside and below the Hindu caste system. The tribals or the `adivasis`, Muslims and foreigners were also outside the caste system but generally had better status than the untouchables. The colours of sarees play a vital role in Indian sarees as the colour defines the supremacy of castes in Indian caste distinction.
As per the colour symbolism, white was considered to be the predominant colour for the clothing of upper classes like Brahmins since the ancient ages. According to their perception, any form of dyeing was regarded as impure, although in the `colour belt` of the west and south, traditional Brahmin sarees were often dyed bright colours. The Jain sect, the Svetambaras (literally, `white cloth`) also always wore white clothing. Today, colour has become a more dominant factor in women`s clothing, and white is often only worn on ritual occasions, such as in special pujas. In India, basically among Hindu religion, white is considered as the colour of mourning and the widows in north India traditionally wear white sarees without any coloured embellishments.
The colour symbolism asserts that the colour red is associated with the Kshatriyas. In recent times, red is used in marriages as this colour is the important colour that is a must in the closet of the bride. The brides of almost all castes wear sarees of red colour during weddings in the north and by Brahmin brides in the south. Red is also regarded as auspicious because it has several emotional and fertility-related qualities, making it a suitable colour for brides and young married women. Keeping in mind the colour symbolism of Indian sarees, the artisans create sarees and designs. The colour combinations and traditional saree designs are also based on the colour symbolism. As per this concept, the Vaisyas were once traditionally associated with the colour green. Though the Hindu tradition considers green as the colour of Vaisyas but today it usually has Islamic connotations, being popular among Muslim groups. In some areas of the central Deccan and the south, a green wedding saree is sometimes worn, often in place of the yellow saree worn during certain marriage rituals. The name for green is often the same for the colour yellow, such as `pitambara`.
Blue colour was banished for the Sudras, and high-caste Hindus avoided this colour due to the fact that the fermentation process used to create indigo was regarded by the Hindus as ritually impure. Among caste Hindus, blue and black were both considered inauspicious colours. These colours reflect sorrow and ill omen. Since the mid-nineteenth century, this concept was somehow withered and blue with black embellishments were used in white sarees. These sarees have been worn by older married women, especially in the east. In the west, blue was commonly worn by many tribal and low-caste groups, as it was seen as protection against the evil eye. Today, blue is a widely worn colour, and many older women and widows tend to wear modern sarees with muted tones of blue, black and even green, rather than the more traditional pure white saree.
Another most commonly used colour in Indian sarees is yellow which is traditionally regarded as the colour of religion and asceticism. The colour symbolism defines saffron yellow or orange as the colour of Saddhus and other individuals who have relinquished their caste and family to lead a spiritual life aimed at releasing themselves from the endless round of rebirths. On the first day of the Hindu wedding ceremony in the eastern region, the bride is washed in turmeric to ritually purify her, during and after which she wears a yellow saree according to the tradition. Yellow sarees are also commonly worn during the climax of the Tamil and Telegu wedding ceremony among non-Brahmin communities. Yellow saree is also traditionally worn for seven days after the birth of a child, when the mother conducts various pujas. In general, yellow is seen as an auspicious colour that still has religious connotations among the Hindu. The orange robes of East Asian Buddhist monks are derived from the same tradition where yellow is regarded as an auspicious colour.
As the colour symbolism has a long history in India so it is certainly not an overstatement to say that even the dying technique used for colouring cloth in modern India has been influenced by the dying techniques used in ancient days. Archeological facts revealed that madder had been used in Mohenjodaro as a dying agent. Pomegranate rind and turmeric are indigenous to India, and were once largely used as colouring agent. The indigo dyeing is believed to have been known as early as Vedic times, along with dyeing techniques using safflower (mabaaranjana), madder (manjisthaa), turmeric (baridraa) and perhaps lac. After this period, increasing numbers of dye types and colours continued to be added to the written repertoire in later Sanskrit and other literature.
Colour symbolism in Indian sarees has been developed due to the rich tradition of Hinduism. Though the most ancient concepts of colour are now lessened and somehow faded but the basic concepts are still intact in the usage of colour.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Fabrics of Indian variety
Friday, August 21st, 2009
There is a huge variety in the fabrics used in the Indian sarees and with regions the fabrics differ. The sarees of India are basically made out of silk and cotton. The artisans create elaborate designs on the fabrics and the sarees are recognized as traditional and regular wear sarees for the variations of designs and the usage of fabrics.
The western region uses basically silk and cotton sarees for creating block-printing, tie-dye, and ikat, patola sarees. In addition, the fine translucent muslins called `masuria malmal` which were woven in yarn-dyed threads with different colours for warp and weft to create a difference. In recent times, the artisans of Kota use transparent muslins which are a mix of fine cotton and single-filament silk threads. Though for traditional sarees, fine quality silk are used, but sometimes low quality silks are also used to make relatively inexpensive silk saris. In north India, the artisans create sarees with the use of cotton, mulberry silk, and even wool in the case of some ethnic sarees and clothes. The introduction of traditional bandhani market has shrunk, because of the rise of low-cost silk-screened imitations. The sarees in this region are often created using satin-weave gajji silk like the `panetar` saree which is worn in the Gujarati wedding. In some regions, a touch of ethnicity is given to the chiffon and georgette sarees that are created keeping in mind the Indian tradition. Fine designs are created on Kota Muslins which are traditionally from Kota, Rajasthan, though this fabric is also made in western Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The sarees are woven with alternating cotton and silk or synthetic threads in an open weave ideal for India`s hot summers. Apart from these, Gujarat is the abode of creating raksha bandhan sarees that were made with silk satin fabric in the late nineteenth century in Saurashtra.
The eastern region of India is the hub of three major natural fibres like cotton, mulberry silk and wild silk. Even many of the indigenous fibres are also textured. Most wild silks have irregularly shaped filaments producing a rough fabric. On the other hand, the traditional Bengali variety of cotton has a short fibre that is more crimped than most longer-fibred cottons cultivated for mechanical spinning. This gives a distinct crepe-like appearance to the woven cloth. Many of the expensive jamdani muslins of the nineteenth century were famous creations of the artisans of Bengal. White, unbleached cotton muslins and silks have a long history in this region. Including these, Bengali Muslins have been famous for their fine, transparent cotton muslins for millennia. Bengali cotton was mentioned in the ancient legal document, the Arthashastra and in the anonymous first-century AD Roman text, The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea. The text also noted that the finest muslins from India were `Gangetic muslins` from the delta area. However, the everyday muslins worn by Bengali women, often called deshi muslins, were usually heavier and more opaque. In present days, many handloom weavers are producing semi-transparent deshi sarees with relatively high thread counts because mill-made sarees have taken over most of the market for cheaper, heavier, daily-wear textiles. The sarees are woven in Shantipur and Dhaniyakhali (West Bengal), and in Pabna, Tangail, Demra, Bajitpur and Dhaka (Bangladesh). Muslims (Julahas) and Hindus (Tantis) are the traditional weavers, with a poorer Hindu caste, the Jaggis, weaving inexpensive sarees made of a mixture of cotton and hemp for local low-income markets.
There are three types of deshi muslins that include plain-woven fabrics with warp and or weft stripes created by yarn-dyed fibres; others with decorative, contrasting borders woven with supplementary-warp threads, usually of silk and a more complex type incorporating both of the fibres, often woven in twill as well as plain weaves. Bengal is also famed for `tant` sarees that are made of good cotton and are widely known for the designs and ethnicity. Even Tangail jamdani has a good demand in all over the country and are also made in silk (including the wild silk called tussar) instead of cotton. The women of Bengal often wear `garod` sarees in pujas. According to the historical evidences, in the past, the local raja of Bengal would be ritually draped in this saree during a pivotal part of the festival. Garod sarees may be created from either mulberry or tussar as the term `garod`, meaning white, refers to undyed rather than just white silk. Apart from these sarees, Bengal artisans are adept in creating traditional Baluchari silk sarees that are hugely popular and sough after among the women of the entire country.
As per the variations of the fabrics, the artisans in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, used to create cotton and silk appliqués in Bihar. Various kinds of cotton-on-muslin, silk-on-muslin and zardozi embroideries were also commercially manufactured throughout the region. Moreover, since the late 1980s, so-called `kantha sarees` embroidered in the kantha-style running stitch have been created by local rural women, usually with stencilled designs supplied by professional designers. The embroideries often mimic nineteenth-century kantha designs and are created on tussar or mulberry silk. The Gota sarees, traditional sarees of Bihar, are made of red silk, although they used to be made of cotton and extensive zari embroidery and appliquéd gota were added by the artisans. Bihar is also known for the Tussar silk. It has been surveyed that five types of tussar silk fabric is woven there and they were all tussar-cotton mixes, usually with a tussar warp and mixed tussar-cotton weft, and four types were exported out of state. Two types of tussar saree are woven today like plain tussar and mixed tussar-cotton. Plain tussar sarees made from reeled (not spun) threads are popular throughout India. Tussar silk has some varieties that are used by the women of India for various purposes. The tussar sarees like `sania` and `mukta` are famous among the Hindu and Jains respectively. Local sarees made from mixed tussar-cotton fabric are still being created. One of the most famous and indigenous fabric of West Bengal is Khadi sarees which is a popular abbreviation of khaddar. This is the handspun, hand woven cloth, basically created in Bengal. The threads of khadi silks, however, are still hand-reeled as well as handwoven, so the fabrics have a more obviously textured appearance. The deshi muslin sarees are also the trademark of West Bengal. Bihar is known for producing fasarsilk and the artisans create a huge variation by adding the aesthetic appeal of their creativity.
Apart from the cotton, khadi and other fabrics, the artisans extensively use pure silk and satin for creating Banarasi saree, which is the valuable item of each Indian woman. Banaras brocade sarees vary tremendously because weavers create different products to suit different regional markets and changing fashions. The several weaving and design characteristics distinguish them from other Indian brocades. The deft artisans of India create a huge variation in Banarasi sarees like Tanchoi brocades, Zari brocades etc by combining the satin with silk and sometimes incorporating zari.
Fabrics of Indian sarees possess a traditional heritage that has been inherited from the weavers of the medieval era. Gradually the amalgamation of fabrics is learnt with the growing demand of less expensive yet durable dress materials and sarees. The imitations of actual fabrics are also introduced as the artisans felt the need of raw material that can endure the heavy and intricate designs.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Distinct Fancy Sarees
Thursday, August 20th, 2009
The fancy sarees have occupied a distinct position in the Indian saree category as the majority of sarees fit this category. In addition, many traditional elements have been incorporated into them. For instance, the styles, techniques and designs of the fine white kosara pudava muslins are now commonly found in the popular Coimbatore sarees.
The fancy sarees are created by mix and match process. Often the designs of the sarees are added in different fabrics like the famous zardousi work is done in chiffon and georgette fabrics instead of silk sarees. Even the cotton yarn is dyed before weaving and the zari replaced by coloured silks but the traditional basic design structure of fancy sarees is still visible in the form of narrow bands of supplementary-warp patterning and satin-weave borders. Today, most of the field patterning is woven in the weft rather than the warp, probably because powerlooms, rather than handlooms, are used. Southern Karnataka also creates sarees for specific regional markets, such as silk bandhanis for western India and silk Jamdanis for Bengal. Although they are technically skilful, their colours are often atypical of the regional sarees they mimic and their designs distinctly modern.
Even the wedding sarees are now designed by following contemporary designs and fabrics. The face and reverse side of the wedding saree are sometimes decked with interlocked-weft `join` of the border and field. This causes a triangular mokku (flower buds) design in the traditional sarees. On the reverse side of the saree, a fresh (red) warp thread is twisted around each field warp, and then the green warp is cut off after the two threads have been woven together. The designer sarees are now in trend, which are made by amalgamating exclusive designs with traditional and ethical motifs and patterns.
The fancy sarees often fuse patch work with embroidery, traditional motifs with the usage of vibrant coloured fabrics. The motifs, patterns and fabrics of different regions are combined to create a stylized version of modern fancy sarees. The brilliant concept of the designers is manifested in their dexterous creations of exclusive sarees. Even the modern brides wear sarees that are designed by the designers, which have a trendy look with the added traditional tint. The designers create exclusive sarees that are extensively filled with zardousi work in chiffon and georgette fabrics and are often embellished with stones, beads, and other decorating materials.
Most of these sarees are woven on powerlooms. Their supplementary-warp and -weft embellishments are often evocative of the older, white-and-gold, narrow-bordered sarees.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Embellished Indian Sarees
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
Indian sarees have earned the epithet of exceptionality because of the outstanding use of fabrics and the intricate designs. These designs are either derived from the scenes of ancient scriptures of the Mahabharata and the Ramayana or some motifs that are related to the mundane and daily rustic life. Indian sarees are categorized region wise as the choice, availability and culture differs from one another.
Though the history of Indian sarees depicts that previously the sarees were handwoven using silk or cotton as raw materials, now the weavers create different materials and the sarees are designed with excellent creativity. In the western part of India, people use sarees that are decorated with mixing many bright hues together with metallic thread (zari or jari) embroidery, and often include sparkling embellishments such as tinsel, sequins and mirrors. Apart from these, block-printing, tie-dye, etc are incorporated into the weaving and decorating styles of the region. The artisans of this region create sarees that are hugely used for traditional occasions and social gatherings as well. The endpieces of some traditional sarees have no kalga or buta at all, just repeated rows of bel and geometric bands, with or without a jhaalar embellishing either side. Some sarees, especially those worn by tribal and poor low-caste groups, traditionally had no obvious endpiece at all. The intricacy and fineness of the blocks and overall quality of the workmanship are considered to be the creative excellence of the artisans. The sarees symbolize the status of the women in each region and the intricacy and designs with quality fabric are worn by the upper class women.
On the other hand, women of lower class wear sarees that are of inferior quality. Sarees like muslins of Alwar (Rajasthan), which were printed or brush-dyed in different colours on each face of the fabric, the fine translucent muslins called masuria malmal, Kota`s transparent muslins (often called Kota saris) etc are sarees worn by the upper class women of West India. Apart from these, West India is the abode of excellent Chanderi Sarees, Embroidered Tinsel Sarees, Gujarati Brocade Sarees, Maheshwari Sarees, Paithani Sarees, Patola Sarees, Tussar Sarees etc.
The Indian sarees have got their authentic look by incorporating the traditional techniques of making saree as well as including different cultural influences. For instance Bandhani sarees are created by the artisans and about nine totally different social groups are involved with the production of traditional Bandhani textiles in Rajasthan and Gujarat. Bandhani sarees and odhnis are worn by women of all religions, castes and tribes, and are made of cotton, mulberry silk, and even wool in the case of some ethnic odhnis. In recent times, different ethnic and tribal groups still wear odhnis with specific colours and designs. The traditional Bandhani sarees are traditionally worn by wealthier, often urban, women for special occasions, including weddings. The traditional and most famous type of Gujarati saree called the Gharchola is admired in the West India for its ethnic look. Sarees of different colours are traditionally associated with different festivals. Dark blue and pink cloths are worn and given for Diwali, while Gharchola and panetar-like sarees with green grounds are still given for Raksha Bandhan.
South India is one of the major sari-weaving regions that produce silk, cotton, rayon and polyester sarees. Its handloom cooperatives, such as Tamil Nadu`s Co-op Tex, India`s oldest handloom weavers` cooperative sell sarees throughout the subcontinent. Because of this, many traditional designs from different south Indian localities have become incorporated into the repertoire of other areas. In addition to this sericulture is widely practised in Bangalore, Kolar, Tumkar, Mysore, Mandya districts and other places.
Most admired sarees like Konrad silk saree, Mysore crepe saree, Coimbatore silks, Muburtham sarees and several others are produced in the southern region of India. Use of white, coloured, dye resistance muslins and zari works are quite commonly used to design such India sarees.
The Indian sarees are sometimes embellished with coloured chikankari embroidery. According to the social norms, the married and widow women use sarees of different colour. White is the traditional colour worn by widows in northern India. Indian people use intricate designed sarees of vibrant colours. The Zardozi is gold-thread embroidery. It has traditionally featured in the wedding sarees of aristocrats and other very wealthy people. This type of saree is still used among some communities in western Indian for occasional purpose. The east region of India has a distinct style and the artisans of this region follow an exclusive manner while creating sarees for the women of East India. The major natural fibres, namely cotton, mulberry silk and wild silk have traditionally been cultivated and woven in this region. Interlocked-weft weaving is found throughout the eastern half of India from the north-eastern state of Manipur to the south-eastern state of Tamil Nadu, and is commonly found in older Bengali and Banarasi sarees. These types of sarees are decorated with straight borders and temple motifs. Many traditional eastern-region sarees display simple palettes based on the natural colours of the fibres used. Many of the expensive and traditional saree of this region include Jamdani muslins and Bengali Deshi Muslins that are archetypal of the eastern region. Its design is usually simple and understated, with colour added through discrete supplementary-warp or -weft patterning. Decca muslins are the amalgamation of the tradition of Bengal and Bangladesh and representative of the creative faculty that the artisans and the weavers of this region possess.
Bengali silks also possess a rich heritage and are worn by the upper class women in ceremonial and religious occasions. Recently red-bordered, white silk sarees are often worn by high-caste Bengali women during marriages. Such sarees are also traditionally worn in Durga puja held during the autumnal Navaratri (nine-night) festival. Apart from these sarees, east India exhibits an array of sarees including Baluchari Sarees, Bomkai Sarees, Muga Sarees, Pat Sarees, Embroidered Sarees that involves the kantha embroidery, applique work, chikankari embroidery, Tussar sarees, Sambalpuri Sarees, Khadi Sarees, etc. When colour was used in eastern Indian saris, it was usually woven in as yarn-dyed thread, creating contrasting monochromatic designs most often in red, black or blue against a white or natural-coloured ground. Bengal is the domicile of `tant` sarees that are said to the pride of Bengal.
The Indian sarees have a great variety as the sarees of North India displays distinct styles that stand apart from the sarees of other regions. The most famous saree of this region is Banarasi saree that is exemplary for the intricate designs created with high quality zari. Sometimes, beads and gold or silver flakes are added to enhance the intricacy and gaudiness of the Banarasis. The supplementary thread designs, including dense border patterns, are almost always woven as discontinuous supplementary-weft with the highly decorated endpiece. Most brocade, usually, have strong Mughal design influences, such as intricate intertwining floral and foliate motifs, kalga and bel. A characteristic motif found along the inner and sometimes outer edges of borders is a narrow fringe-like pattern that often looks like a string of upright leaves, called jhaalar (frill). Though Banarasi sarees have a great traditional value, this region is the hub for making exclusive sarees like Bandhani Sarees, Chikan Sarees, Kota Sarees, Tanchois Sarees, Tissue Sarees etc. South India is the centre for creating heavy sarees that are bedecked with zari. The women of this region prefer to wear sarees that carry the traditional importance. The weavers and the artisans of this region create sarees like Chettinad Sarees, Gadwal Sarees, Kanjeevaram Sarees, Konrad Sarees, Mysore Silk Sarees, Pochampally Sarees etc. Each saree has a distinct feature distinguishing them from one another. The endpiece and the border of the sarees are skilfully embellished for creating a style statement of south India.
With changing times the designs, hues and materials for the Indian sarees have been experimented with. While the western clothes have been ruling the Indian market for sometimes the Indian sarees are back with a bang. Whether it`s a wedding, a `pooja` or any other special occasion sarees are preferred by women. In fact Indian sarees remain indispensable attires during festivities. The artisans create mix and match designs in other fabrics like georgette, tissue, chiffon and crepe sarees. Sometimes, modern with traditional touch is seen to create an illusion and satisfy the need of the modern customer as well. In recent times, many modern sarees created for the middle-class urban market use traditional ethnic odhni and sari patterns.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Gifts for Traditional Women
Monday, August 17th, 2009
Sarees are symbolic of the traditions of India, so much so that, this traditional attire epitomizes the Indian woman. The types of Indian saree are as diverse as the cultural exuberance.
Each region has a particular pattern, specific to that place, giving rise to yet another example of the rich and varied cultural manifestation of the country.sareeThe Indian saree is a vibrant confluence of tradition, simplicity and elegance.
Be it the heavy kanjeevarm sarees from the south, or the kantha work sarees from the east, the Indian saree sure has a way of enthralling the wearer. Advancement in sericulture has paved way for silk fabrics and silk saree is one of the most popular silk clothing in India.
There are several hallmark brands that are considered top notch quality in the silk saree category.Faras Kasida SareeIndian saree is not only popular in India but in the recent past, has attained global acclaim. The online marts have made their procurement easy. Irrespective of the part of the globe the shopper is situated in, traditional Indian saree may be procured in the most hassle free manner.
So if you have been contemplating a traditional gift for someone special, do log in to these marts to check out what they have for you. You are bound to be spoilt for choice.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Indian Women - Costumes
Sunday, August 16th, 2009
women have seen a wide range of changes in forms, patterns, colors and ways of draping. Although the traditional wear of Indian women are saris, today Indian women wear designer dress adorned with urban styles. Out of all the various ranges of costumes for the Indian women, Salwar Kameez is definitely an all time favorite. Another competitor is Chaniya Choli popularly known as Lehanga Choli. New arrivals include Sharara, Garara and Lancha with tight fitting tops rather than usual Choli with deep side cuts, which give a chic look. Such costumes are the latest Indian trends, which give a choice for the Indian women to experiment with a complete variety of looks.
The saree is a costume par excellence among the costumes of the entire world and the innumerable modes of wearing it offers to its wearer are really amazing. On first thought, it may seem that fashions in the sari style of dress have not much scope-it is basically a covering garment or a drape-and that there has been hardly any change in the mode of wear, but a closer observation would reveal that changes in fabrics, woven designs, embroidery, printing and dyeing have provided scope for unlimited fashions in saris. A Sari is not an anatomic costume; all can wear it and fold it according to their preferences, by adjusting its length and breadth to suit the wearers` dimension. The development of the sari-style in India and the factors that have influenced the woman`s wardrobe tell a story of aesthetic and socio-economic progress resulting in the simplification and standardization of woman`s dress to a large extent.
Indian Saree, Costumes for Indian WomenSarees were very much in fashion in a traditional Indian wedding. Even In today`s wedding functions woman prefers to wear saris in different styles. Fashion designers have come up with new ways to drape wedding sarees, which are quite popular among today`s woman. Saris always had a sensuous and elegant look at the same time. The wedding sari or Bridal sari is given a lot of importance in India. Indian Saris come in different fabrics from cotton to silk, from georgettes to crapes, from traditional like Banarasi to Kanjeevaram or a silk. Wedding saris are given a lot of emphasis in Indian family. It ranges from few thousands to few lakhs of rupees.
Saris today have a lot of work done on them. They come in various varieties and styles. Zari, embroidery, organza, zardosi, sequence, cut work, mirror work, patchwork, pearl work, kasab, kundan, are all different kinds of work, which are found in sari. Earlier it was compulsory for Indian brides to wear heavy Benarasi sari for her wedding but now it is not so but still brides are preferring to wear saris for their wedding, however the styles and embroidery has changed. Earlier it was lot more heavy work and rich now it is lot more sleek and light in fabric.
Salwar kameez is the traditional dress worn by various peoples of south-central Asia. It is also popular among women in India. Some versions are sometimes called a Punjabi suit, after the Indus valley area called the Punjab. Salwar are sort of loose pyjama-like trousers. The legs are wide at the top, and narrow at the bottom. The legs are pleated or gathered into a waistband. There is a drawstring at the top of the waistband to hold up the Salwar. The pants can be wide and baggy, or they can be cut quite narrow, on the bias. In the latter case, they are known as churidar. The Kameez is a long shirt or tunic. The side seams (known as the chaak) are left open below the navel, which gives the wearer greater freedom of movement. The Kameez is usually cut straight and flat; older kameez use traditional cuts. Modern Kameez are more likely to have European-inspired set-in sleeves. The tailors taste and skill are usually displayed not in the overall cut, but in the shape of the neckline and the decoration of the Kameez.
classic indian wedding dressWhen women wear the Salwar Kameez, they usually wear a long scarf or shawl called a dupatta around the head or neck. For Muslim women, the dupatta is a less stringent alternative to the chador or burqa. For Hindu women (especially those from northern India, where the salwar kameez is most popular), the dupatta is useful when the head must be covered, as in a temple or the presence of elders. For other women, the dupatta is simply a stylish accessory that can be worn over one shoulder or draped around the chest and over both shoulders.
The modern women also wear jeans and other kinds of westernized dresses like gowns and frocks in varied designs and patterns. Indian costume for women has an unimaginable ground of creativity and innovation, where one can dress according to her taste and preference. Starting from sari to the modern dresses, Indian women portray elegance and smartness in every form and costumes for Indian women today has reached the zenith of artistry. Various fashion shows and exhibitions are best evidences to prove the art of costumes for Indian women.
courtesy indianweddingsaree.com
Artisans of Indian Wedding Saree
Friday, August 14th, 2009
The wedding sarees are the most gorgeous items that Indian women yearn to own. The Indian wedding sarees are made distinct by the style of designing and the excellent use of certain materials that are used to deck up the sarees. The sarees are created on vibrant coloured fabrics like silk, crepe, georgette etc.
The artisans of India showcase their proficiency in embellishing this particular type of sarees. These wedding sarees are created by employing embroideries like kundan, sequins, dabka, zari, gotta patti, zardouzi work. The artisans while creating the sarees keep in mind the culture, religion, tradition and the intensity of the occasion. The fabric and colour of the sarees vary according to the regional culture. As per the difference in culture and tradition, separate regions have their distinct style of wearing sarees like the Gujaratis` wear sarees with the “pallu” at the front while Punjabi and the women of east India mainly West Bengal, wear the sarees that allows the “pallu” to fall backwards.
The wedding sarees of India are basically created on silk with zari motifs at pallus and sometimes in the entire body. Though most of the wedding sarees are traditional Indian sarees, the artisans have also amalgamated the style and modern trends into them.
Apart from the pure silk as the main fabric, the artisans of India use several other fabrics for creating wedding sarees for the masses at large. Today wedding sarees are created in fabrics like silk, georgette, crepe, satin, tissue, net, brocades, lazer etc where the glittering effect is given by different designs, styles, motifs, embroideries and cuts. Even a unique fabric is used in creating wedding sarees, which is termed as faux. This is a mixed fabric.
A major role is played by the colours of the sarees and the Indian weavers create wedding sarees that are found in a wide variety of hues like red, maroon, magenta, pink, orange, fusia, turquoise blue and other traditional colours. Though traditional designs are more coveted, keeping in mind the changing trend, the artisans portray modern designs that are combined with the contemporary motifs and patterns. Sometimes regional variations are created in the wedding sarees that ranges from mirror work to bandhej work of Rajasthan in vibrant colours. The artisans often make bandhej work on pure georgette fabric with special resham and sequins work and heavy jaal pattern on the entire body of the wedding saree. Apart from these the traditional wedding sarees of India includes Paithani silks, Kanjeeveram silks, Baluchari sarees, Banarasi sarees etc.
The wedding sarees of India have a wide variety and are created with zari work, often using Tanchoi brocade. The tradition of Gujarat allows the artisans of the region to create Panetar sarees which are especially designed in combination of white and red colour. This is one of the important religious aspects of Gujarati wedding to create these sarees in combination of red and white hues.
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