Fashionista 2020

Traditional Indian Dresses

Kanjivaram Silk Sarees

Photo Curtsey: Adi Mohini Mohan Kanjilal 

I have already shown you Kanjivaram Silk Sarees but it is such a precious saree that I can’t resist to show you more varieties.

These sarees are also known as Kanchipuram Silk Sarees. Kanchipuram is located very close to Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Kanjivaram Silk Sarees stand out from others due to its intricate weaving patterns and the quality of the silk itself. Kanjivaram sarees are heavy owing to the zari work. The sarees are known for their vibrant colour and eye catching design. Kanjivaram Silk Sarees are woven from pure mulberry silk. The silk belongs to South India and the pure gold and silver zari comes from Gujarat. The silk thread that is used to weave the saree is dipped in rice water and sun-dried before it is used in order to increase its thickness and stiffness. The silk thread is then interlocked with a thin silver wire and woven through after which a golden thread is used to complete the procedure.

To weave a Kanjivaram saree three shuttles are used. While the weaver works on the right side, his aide works on the left side shuttle. Since the colour and designs of the body, and the border are quite different, weavers weave both of them separately and eventually join them. You can spot a zig-zag pattern where the body meets the border. The joining is done with such precision that even the saree tears, the border will not detach. The border of the saree comprises of motifs from temples, palaces etc. And the body includes pyramidal temple design, checks, strips and floral buttas. Over the years the traditional and preferred stripes or golden dots given way to more symbolic motifs such as fruits, animals, birds and stories from mythology. These sarees are referred to South India’s answer to Banarasi Sarees.

Dry cleaning is the most preferred method to maintain the saree. However, if you do have to wash the saree at home avoid using soap. A rinse in cold water is more than enough. It is advisable to store the saree separately in a plastic or saree bag.