Ethnic Indian Sarees - Sarees are my passion

The finest spicy Grandmother's attire, nostalgic saree!
Each thread narrates of a story that weaves into a magical saree, red hot Guntur city lies on the south eastern side of Hyderabad in Guntur district of Indian, state of Andhra Pradesh. This city residents are referred as Gunturians, purest forms of the language can be heard here is Telugu(regional language). One can see largest Asian market for red chillies here, this place is main producer and renowned globally for exporting of most varieties of Chillies and chilli powder from India to countries like USA, UK, Latin America, Middle East, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Korea. Guntur sarees are known for finest cotton sarees, these sarees are worn by particularly in the coastal areas it's so simple and sober, which feels comfortable for everyday wearing. Main body of Guntur saree has single plain colors and patterns scattered here and there, with or without checks patterns and has small woven butis all over.

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.

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.

Ancestral Molakalmuru with a modern twist!

Molakalmuru is a village panchayat town in Chitradurga district,Karnataka state, India. Molakalmuru is best known for its hand-woven silk sarees of exquisite design and craftsmanship It is said Maharaja Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV (Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar) during his visit to the place in 1914, he appreciated the finesse of these sarees. Molakalmuru sarees are available in silk and cotton. It has been granted geographical Indication tag, which add a extra credit to these sarees. The beautiful floral designs and the rich pallu make these sarees attractive and gorgeous. The long border sarees have a contrast border and the traditional touch is their specialty. The weaving is done mainly on pit looms with either fly shuttle or throw shuttle technique.

A touch of tradition, Heritage cottons from the city of thousand temples
Colorfully yarns woven on a handloom by the weavers of Tamil Nadu, this sarees hails from the temple city 'Kanchipuram', well Known and called by many names Kanchi, Kanjivaram, Kanjeevaram and Conjevaram. Kancheepuram district is situated on the north east coast of Tamil Nadu. Kanchi cottons are distinguished by beautiful motifs woven, handwoven sarees are soft, airy and yet comfortable. Silk and cotton sarees of Kanchipuram are inspired by the temple designs.

Exotic fragrance of Jasmine and my luxurious Chanderi
Chanderi town is a highly renowned for its rich heritage, surrounded by hills southwest of the Betwa River in Ashoknagar district, Madhya Pradesh state, India Well known for the handwoven traditional sarees, these are mostly popular for the elite class and favorable choice of Queens in India as they are a bit expensive and one can see major center of Jain culture. Artisan community involved in the production of Chanderi silk, a diverse mix of various communities namely Kohlis and the Muslim Julaha community. Traditional weaving culture was available during 13th century, Initially, the weavers were Muslims, later in 1350 the Koshti weavers from Jhansi migrated to Chanderi and settled here, during the Mughal period, Chanderi fabric business been recognize and started booming. The production of Chanderi has been protected by India as a Geographic Indication (GI).

I see the younger generation of today although they study masters and get out of college and join some good firm and some point of time, they tend to quit routine 9 to 6 job, basically for two reasons, the first reason might be they are about to get 'Married' or second most important reason is 'Pregnancy' due to being able to deal with pressure in the workplace and rest during pregnancy is most valued reasons. During this time they tend to earn for their living at home while taking rest, what generally people fail to do some research and 'Basic prerequisite' before starting Saree Business, one should explore varies products, detailing, techniques and so many things. It's like failing to study the syllabus one full year and doing a last minute study. What you get the end of the day is mediocre results.

Folk art of Karnataka-Kasuti Embroidery, Sarees are my passion
Graceful Mysore silk, traditional Ilkal sarees and one of the intricate hand embroidery called Kasuti embroidery hails from Karnataka, the word Kasuti is split across two words Kai which means hand and Suti meaning cotton, the activity which is done through cotton and hands. It was used on everyday apparels. Kasuti Embroidery is been given Geographical Indications, Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation(KHDC) holds a Geographical Indications(GI) protection for Kasuti embroidery.

Weaving is a tradition
Kollegala is also called as 'Silk City' and renowned for its handloom silk saree industry, much popular for reeling and twisting of silk. Silk weaving is the tradition in many parts of our country, almost each the state has its own cluster, the majority of the weaving skills are been heirlooms.

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.

Romance in Moonlight is one of my handpicked saree for my 'Reception' during my wedding, what I really love about this saree is the hues are just apt since it was an evening event. I had a personal perception I would look short, but I'm 'neither tall' nor 'short', I picked this saree for the combination of colors, the peacocks, they generally call this variety of saree as 'No border' or 'Without border' designer saree, all I had in my mind was I would look a bit taller and this saree really did justice for what I wanted.

When I was eleven years I used to go to a local market shopping for my friends and sometimes relatives as well, I felt unique experience of joy and soul's content while I handpicked sarees for my closed ones. It happened that dreams are unlimited and of course, it's a fantasy world for many, being very young and doing some crazy things. I never knew I would get into textiles for a full time, it was just hobby, so that's how life path takes...

64 squares in a saree game?
Inspired by Game of Thrones this season, what a way to start, chuckles! Their black and white squares that resembles a chess board, oh yeah I am talking about Pasapali handloom sarees, from Bargarh district of Odisha, the name Pasapali is derived from pasa or gambling games using chess board, these gorgeous sarees have intricate checks patterns of contrast colors resembling the chess boards which gives it such name and traditional square design. Its a feast for any saree connoisseur to have one. Masterpieces sarees are woven in the regions of Barpali, Sonepur and Baunshri.

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.

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.

Venkatagiri sarees or Rajamatha sarees.
Venkatagiri is a small town situated in Nellore district, Andhra pradesh state, India. History of venkatagiri sarees dates back to 1700s, during the rule of Venkatagiri, the masterweaver handcrafted these sarees, specially curated for queens, royal ladies and zamindaris. These sarees were purchased for such handsome amounts that the weavers could survive with that sum of money for almost a year until they got their next order. Exclusive designs were made by the weavers on special order for the upper class only. Much of a boost and encouragement given to these sarees, by the Velugoti dynasty of Nellore and also by the Bobbili and Pithapuram dynasties, back then.

The irresistible Handloom saree, that drapes like a dream
Indian textiles are rich in artifacts, Begampur is a small town in Hooghly district in West Bengal, the sarees woven here carries deep and bright colours. The economy of this place depends on textiles and also famous for dhotis. What reminds everyone when you say Bengal is handwoven cotton sarees and is the center for fine cotton weaving and these Begampuri cotton sarees are known for loosely woven light-weight and translucent and are extremely comfortable to drape. These cotton beauties would take one to two days to weave which are very simple ones and more intricate designs could even take five to six days to complete, although the saree fabric named after the city, the subtle madness look after wearing them is absolutely sophisticated.

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.

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.