By Shreya Shrivastava December 12, 2020

These aren't simply draped; they're a sensation!

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India is well-known for its culture, customs, and history. A country where not just the states but also the language, clothing, cuisine, and soil vary. Every state, whether north or south, has something unique to offer, but one thing that binds us all together is our love of sarees.

We have varied options for various parties and occasions, but one garment that is always on the list for each occasion or celebration is the saree. Every state, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, has its own distinct method, texture, and drape. Sarees are more than simply a 9-yard piece of fabric; they are an expression of emotion. Every girl grows up, from wearing her moms' dupattas as sarees to wearing a genuine saree in school festivities and farewells.

Let’s leave a bit of spark everywhere you go by these forever beauties in your wardrobe. 

Banarasi Saree

Banarasi saree is a traditional handwoven saree weaved in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Banaras is a city of culture and tradition. When it comes to beauty, Kashi has always pleased our soul whether it is food, view or fabric. Banarasi sarees are very popular and well known for their gold & silver zari work, natural silk and exquisite embroidery. Royalty, classic and elegant zari work that is done by hands with real gold and silver thread. The perfection, and detail of the Banaras saree are so well known by everyone.  

The magic is in the weaving, with diverse colours, beautiful motifs all over the body, dreadful pallu, lustrous appearance, and meticulous weaving. Handwoven Banarasi sarees take 15 to 30 days and three weavers to finish. Everyone, from Bollywood superstars to influencers, is crazy about these beauties. A Banarasi saree is a wardrobe must-have.

Chanderi Saree

Chanderi saree is a traditional saree made in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh. Chanderi is known for hills, lakes, forests, food and fabric. Chanderi sarees are very popular and well known for their lightweight, sheer texture and luxurious drape. Unique motifs of Chanderi sarees are handwoven with the use of needles that make Chanderi stand out. 

The well-known feature of the Chanderi sarees is its transparency which is because of the ‘Single Falture’ yarn.  Chanderi is known to originate in the Vedic period and is believed to be found by lord Krishna’s brother Shishupal. Best choice for summers, day functions, night weddings and what not? 

Jamdani saree

Jamdani saree is a traditional saree made in Narayanganj, Bangladesh. Jamdani is known as the most advanced method of hand method in the world. One of the most time taking, labour-intensive forms of the handloom weaving technique. More than a year can be spent on the weaving of the one jamdani saree when two weavers work for 10 hours a day. 

Jamdani sarees are well known for their motifs and colours. The motifs or designs are nature-inspired and are created by the counting threads(warp and weft count) with a handloom. Jamdani is long-lasting art and should definitionally have a place in your wardrobe.

Kalamkari Saree

Kalamkari saree is a traditional saree made in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Kalamkari simply refers to ‘Kalam’ means ‘pen’, ‘Kari’ means ‘Drawing’. Kalamkari is more about tradition, it’s just not a print or art it's an emotion. Kalamkari is part of Hindu mythology and Buddhist Thangka painting hence people admire this not just as an art but also as a part of culture and tradition.

Kalamkari involves 23 steps, from bleaching the kalamkari fabric to softening, preparing the dye, dyeing it in sunlight to washing. The way it is done makes it very special. Kalamkari is done with the hand which brings out the true creativity of the artisan. All process needs a lot of effort and an eye for detail. A kalamkari saree is a wardrobe must-have because who wouldn't want to drape such patterns and colours with ease?

Kanchipuram Saree

Kanchipuram saree is a traditional saree made in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. If north India has Banarasi saree then south India has Kanchipuram saree.  Kanchipuram sarees are woven by hands from mulberry silk threads. Three shuttles are used to weave Kanchipuram sarees. This saree is the symbol of teamwork and coordination.

What makes the Kanchipuram sarees special is pallu, colour and design which is different from the body of the saree. Pallu and body are woven separately and then interlocked delicately to complete the saree. This interlock join is so strong that the saree can tear but pallu will not be separated. This is what makes Kanchipuram saree different and unique from other silk sarees. This one for sure will become your favourite!

Bandhani or Bandhej Sarees

How can we miss this beauty from the list? A saree with attractive colours and bright patterns. Bandhej saree is a traditional saree made in Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Bandhej which means tie and defines the tie and dye method. This method of dying the fabrics brings the pattern and designs to life. 

Bandhej is a century-old skill and is still practised in the same traditional way. According to the historic texts, the Bandhani sarees were worn by the royals and bride. It was believed that if a bride wears a Bandhani saree for her wedding, she will live happily ever after. This is why most of the brides in North India wear Bandhej saree while saat phere. Bandhej sarees are one of the must-have bridal collection saree.

Pochampalli Saree

Pochampalli saree is a traditional saree made in Pochampalli, Telangana. The saree is popular for the Ikat dye pattern. Pochampalli saree is made of mixed cotton and silk which is called sico. Pochampally sarees take around ten days for four people to weave and the perfect product. 

The elaborate geometric designs, smoothness of the fabric, and neatness of the Pochampalli saree make it unique. Sarees from Pochampally are recognised for their geometric patterns and vibrant colours. The Pochampally saree has a soul because of its wonderful designs and vibrant colours.

Each sari in India has its own unique charm and narrative to tell. Every state has its own distinct and time-honoured method of producing this 9 yard. This is a list of wardrobe essentials that every lady should have! Because there's nothing quite like a 9-yard magical sari to make a woman seem stunning.