Ethnic Indian Saree Motifs

Handloom sarees are one of the most classic ones and will never go out of fashion no matter what new sarees comes in trend. In Karnataka there are so many such sarees which are yet to come to the light, I'm trying to reach via my blog post and my youtube channel Sarees are my passion to educate, discover and learn about sarees. Here is one such Vintage Ilkal Saree from Bagalkot district of Karnataka state.

Six yards of connoisseur folk art, Madhubani
Touch of ancient beauty, a small town were colorful artists are born, in Madhubani district in the Indian state of Bihar, Madhubani. The word 'Madhuban' means 'forest of honey' from which Madhubani is derived. Madhubani art is also known by the name 'Mithila art', Madhubani painting/Mithila painting was traditionally created by the women of the Brahman, Dusadh and Kayastha communities in Mithila region in India and it is named after Madhubani district of Bihar which is where it originated, this painting as a form of wall art was practiced widely throughout the region. Madhubani painting being accorded the coveted GI(Geographical Indication) status.

The ferocious Yali!
Appearance during Weddingbells, Ceremonies as guest how special it would be? It is believed to be more powerful than Lion, Tiger or elephant, often sculpted in the walls and pillars, seen in south Indian temples and many a times seen in entrance of temples and homes to keep away evil.
It is called by varies names such as Yali, Vyala, Vidala in Sanskrit and Leogryph (part lion and part griffin)in English. In iconography mythical beast Yali is portrayed as head of a Lion, tusks of an elephant(gaja), catlike elegant body, tail of a serpent(snake) and they became much prominent in south Indian sculptures during 16th century. Even the masterweavers of Kanchipuram are inspired by traditional motifs inspired by temple art, the luxury mulberry silks are handcrafted in Yali motifs.

Roots of Karnataka 'Molakalmuru', Connecting Old is Gold
Living in the world of fast-moving fashion, where designer Ruffle Sarees takes a runway show stopper pace, I see the 'contrast' the traditional and the modern world. In India, especially when you focus on South India, Karnataka when we take a slice of the pie, the elder generation(mothers or grandmothers) still wear evergreen beauties like Ilkal, Udupi, Banhatti cotton sarees on a day to day bases, depending on the cultural belief system and comfort zone.

Its been a very long time and I'm back with my notes on traditional classic weave from Odissa which is Sambalpuri Ikkat silk saree, this saree is a bit heavy and all the traditional elements like Rudraksha, fish motifs and many more you can see, check out my latest update and experience the glory of this beauty!

The heart and soul of very weaver lies the intricacies
On the banks of holy river Ganga in Varanasi District, Uttar Pradesh state of North India, a spiritual city called Varanasi, this city is also called by the name Kashi, Benares and Banaras. Its a major religious hub, Hindus believe that death in the city will bring salvation, making it a major centre for pilgrimage. Kashi Vishwanath Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva is Among the twelve Jyotirlingas. A Banarasi saree is a saree made in Varanasi, these Banarasi sarees became more popular during the Mughal era. Its not a simple and easy tasks to weave these sarees, much of unity, team work is involved, atleast three craftsmen work together to make up one saree, ha that's passion.

Delicate devotion and passion, lies sophisticated threads
Jamdani is one of the finest muslin textiles of Bengal, produced in Dhaka District, Bangladesh for centuries. Jamdani originally known as 'Dhakai' named after the city of Dhaka, is called by varies names such as popularly known as Dhakai Jamdani or simply Dhakai. The word ‘jamdani’ is believed to be of Persian origin, 'Jam', meaning flower and 'Dani' meaning vase or a container, named after decorative floral patterns which discovered from Dhakai textile. This unique hand technique of weaving was called jamdani in the old days, while the weave was called Dhakai, these sarees are traditionally woven around on the brocade loom. These beautiful intricate weaves are available in mediums such as cotton and silk. One of the most expensive product of Dhaka looms, Jamdani requires the most dedicated and passionate weaver and during olden days only royal families were able to afford such luxuries.

How to identify a genuine Mysore Silk Saree
Flooded with an unlimited supply of so-called duplicate, replicated and imitation Mysore silk sarees in the local wholesale market saying it is a pure Mysore silk saree, how far it is true? let us just imagine a current per gram gold price is said three thousand and above, so in original Mysore silk saree, they use extensively use gold and silver zari, how can you get a Mysore silk saree worth less than a ten thousand(INR)? This is a logically based question that many fail to think before you invest and spend your hard earned money on fake silk sarees.

Every South Indian most desired silk saree is Kanchipuram, of course, I do love it too the core because of its elegance, traditional values, colors which makes this silk saree outstanding. Apart from Kanchipuram silk saree Tamil Nadu textiles have one more interesting cotton version of saree called as Kanchi Cotton Saree do experience this exquisite masterpiece in my video.

Invoking the magic of spectacular, Baluchari sarees
This beautiful garment is worn by women across India and Bangladesh. The origin of these sarees and roots dates back in Bengal, later produced in Murshidabad, but currently 'Bishnupur' town of 'Bankura district' and its surrounding places of West Bengal. Baluchar town from where it derives its name as Baluchari sarees. This marvelous place is famous for its exquisite terracotta temples and Malla Shree Krishna Raslilla. Beautifully made 'terracotta craft' is well known in this place. People here predominantly speak Bengali.

The rich heritage, Prestigious and ageless silk, the Muga
Located on the banks of mighty river Brahmaputra, from few years back Sualkuchi Handloom industry is center for weaving and labor intensive industry for weaving and encompasses cotton textile, silk textile and Khadi fabrics as well and known as the Manchester of the East, Kamrup district of Assam. Sualkuchi is heavenly kingdom for weaving and the looms are found in almost very home in the villages of Assam and depending on the design, patterns and complexity it would take around six or more days to weave one beautiful masterpiece saree. The economy of this place is mainly dependent of handlooms, not only Tanti community of Tantipara are weaving this craft but also other communities like Garo community of Assam, fishermen and Brahmin communities also are engaged in weaving, the official languages are Assamese, Bodo and Bengali and renowned for Assam tea and Assam silk.

Six yards of connoisseur folk art, Madhubani
Touch of ancient beauty, a small town were colorful artists are born, in Madhubani district in the Indian state of Bihar, Madhubani. The word 'Madhuban' means 'forest of honey' from which Madhubani is derived. Madhubani art is also known by the name 'Mithila art', Madhubani painting/Mithila painting was traditionally created by the women of the Brahman, Dusadh and Kayastha communities in Mithila region in India and it is named after Madhubani district of Bihar which is where it originated, this painting as a form of wall art was practiced widely throughout the region. Madhubani painting being accorded the coveted GI(Geographical Indication) status.

Plain weaves for lazy Summer afternoons
One of the most traditional sarees which I had seen apart from Ilkal saree is Hubli cotton sarees, due extreme humidity generally localities adore this saree for daily bases. This is one of the simple weaves but I totally in love with this saree, the texture of the saree is so soft due to the high count of cotton yarn used.

Melting Mysore pak to butter-soft Mysore silks by Sarees are my passion
It is called as City of Palaces, the cultural capital of Karnataka, heritage palaces, magnificent buildings, art galleries, and monuments. Mysore has lent its name from renowned dishes like Mysore Masala Dosa which leaves me craving for melting dessert called Mysore Pak(sweet-dessert). Mysore, the original name of this city was 'Mahishapura' which is derived from the demon named Mahishasura. Mysore officially renamed as Mysuru is one of the districts in Karnataka state.

Every South Indian most desired silk saree is Kanchipuram, of course, I do love it too the core because of its elegance, traditional values, colors which makes this silk saree outstanding. Apart from Kanchipuram silk saree Tamil Nadu textiles have one more interesting cotton version of saree called as Kanchi Cotton Saree do experience this exquisite masterpiece in my video.

The Empire of south, traditional handloom Gadwal sarees
I was listening to Keith Urban-Little Bit Of Everything. How pleasant it is ha? I want little bit gold, earthy cotton and lavish silk of everything, flashed me glorious Gadwal saree, which has little bit of everything! Gadwal a place known for harmonious coexistence of the cultures, situated between the rivers 'Tungabhadra' and 'Krishna' of Mahbubnagar district, Telangana state, India.

Blessed Sungadi cotton sarees by Madurai Meenakshi
On the banks of charming 'Vaigai river' the beautiful Madurai city is localled, the district, in Tamil Nadu state, India, this place is referred and called by various names 'Madurai', 'Koodal', 'Malligai Maanagar', 'Naanmadakoodal' and 'Thirualavai'. During 16th century due to economic crisis weavers from 'Saurashtra' and 'Gujarat' migrated to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states and some of them settled down in inviting 'Madurai'. These 'Saurashtrians' are highly skilled manufacturers of beautifully crafted fine silk garments and were patronized by Kings and their families, they were called by 'Patnulkarans' the Tamil name by which these people is well known in southern India.

Why Handpicked sarees are sold like hotcakes?
It was one of the most humid days of summer in March, Bangalore and all of a sudden earthy mud smell ha being 'Taurus' sun sign I really love to play in the mud, and with natures basket, it might also include rain as well and slightly it drizzled it was first rainfall of a season and I had this topic in mind for a long time, having a cup of green tea to refresh me, so now so let's get started.

Magic of Srikalahasti artist, Srikalahasti style
Here is yet another Srikalahasti style kalamkari saree from my closet depicting various avataras(descent) of Lord Vishnu such as Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Narasimha, etc. If you love art or a connoisseur or statement piece collector than you should grab one of these in your Timeless collections and one can wear these colorful handcrafted Srikalahasti style kalamkari sarees for board meetings, art festivals, raas(dandiya Raas), temples, etc.