Sarees are my passion | Videos

Silk is one of the oldest fabrics in India, it was only used in royal garments these days everyone are able to afford it, because of its cost-effectiveness and contemporary look. Printed silk refers to a length of silk yarn or a silk fabric, which consists of patterns and designs in the form of prints on them. Printed silk initially showcased a number of unusual motifs such as geometric prints, splash of color and lately introduced in fine art in India. The motifs and prints of printed silk is being influenced from Bollywood, pop-culture and creative modern art. You can see prints on silks that have diversified over the years and modern sarees and other ethnic Indian garments that are created specifically to cater to younger. What I noticed in printed silk is it is flawless, more versatile, lightweight, contemporary and a statement attire.

Two main reasons why people go to Kanchipuram is firstly to Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple to take blessings from her, which is the most important shakti peetha temples in India and secondly to SHOP SHOP and SHOP again for all the stunning bride, for a BIG fat Indian wedding. Kanchivaram is a traditional silk saree from south India and each and every house would have endless collections of these pattu sarees. Basically, pattu means in regional Tamil language silk. Korvai is one of the complex technique used to weave Kanchipuram silk sarees, not all sarees which are woven in Kanchipuram are Korvai.

Over the years my passion, enthusiasm and dedication towards research became more prominent, addiction and thirst to learn new, which became everyday routine. I recall the cherished memories when I was seven, passion towards art and fabrics caught my attention, my mind was frittering what to do next once I pursue my University education. Later quitting a conventional job and taking plunge to dive towards soul's eternal journey and being laid back and do what you love isn't it interesting? That is how Sarees are my passion is born.

Land of shrines, beaches, rivers, hills and forts
Kasaragod district is a small town situated in Malabar Region of Kerala–God's Own Country, India. The traditional Hand-loom Kasargode sarees are manufactured in this region, these Handwoven sarees is inexpensive and can be wearable daily. These traditional ethnic sarees are specially treasured and worn by every keralite during any traditional occasions and are known for 'quality', 'colour pattern on borders', 'durability' and 'traditional designs'. Kasaragod sarees are best known for cotton sarees of fine count like 60s, 80s, and 100s , recent versions have made available for a blend of artificial silk saree. Kasaragod sarees is registered and recognized under Geographical indication tag (GI tag), under the geographical indication Act- 1999. The weaving community who are involved in weaving these traditional sarees are 'Shaliya community' is also known by various names such as 'Saliya' or 'Chaliyan'.

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.

Decoding the traditional handloom of Ilkal
Remote corner in the state of south India is famous for its traditional handloom attire called Ilkal silk sarees and Ilkal cotton sarees, named after after the town Ilkal, in Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, these traditional handwoven sarees are GI protected craft of India. Ilkal is famous for red granite stone and traditional Ilkal sarees. Localites out here are very friendly and they speak Kannada(regional language of the state), one of the main source income of this place is weaving these handwoven evergreen classic sarees. If one happens to peep around in this place, almost all house are engaged in weaving these sarees, their is no discrimination done, both men and woven are engaged in weaving to make their livelihood. Major centres of weaving is from villages of Ilkal, Kolhar, Kamatgi and Nidagundi at the Bijapur district and many of them have their own loom at home.

Mangalagiri Sarees and Fabrics are produced by performing handicraft weaving in Mangalagiri, a town in Guntur district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.Mangalgiri was always known for its pilgrimage importance because of the famous temple of Lord Panakala Narasimha Swamy that is located in the heart of the town. Mangalgiri located 12 kms away from Vijayawada. It was registered as one of the handicraft in the geographical indication from Andhra Pradesh by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, in the year 1999.

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.

One of the challenging factor when it comes to luxury market is getting the right people on board and targeting specifically for them is a niche. So much of ultra-refined, handcrafted series is required. But the fact is not always all are suited for this. Understanding them takes time and they hate wholesale market stuff. They value their time and they don't waste others time as well. Behind their thought process vintage, classic, collectible is just investments and which might in some times if they need to sell which fetch them back what they have invested!

Two main reasons why people go to Kanchipuram is firstly to Kanchi Kamakshi Amman temple to take blessings from her, which is the most important shakti peetha temples in India and secondly to SHOP SHOP and SHOP again for all the stunning bride, for a BIG fat Indian wedding. Kanchivaram is a traditional silk saree from south India and each and every house would have endless collections of these pattu sarees. Basically, pattu means in regional Tamil language silk. Korvai is one of the complex technique used to weave Kanchipuram silk sarees, not all sarees which are woven in Kanchipuram are Korvai.

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.

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.

I've never heard before Madurai Cotton Saree?
A couple of years back when I traveled to the ancient city Madurai, I visited this historic Hindu temple called Meenakshi Amman temple in Tamil Nadu, the architecture and the art impressed me! In the temple streets, I had a glance of wonderful cotton sarees which was showcased, I knew before visiting Madurai about Sungadi cotton sarees, but you get to see other versions of saree which not much many of them are aware in that place, basically it is a simple cotton saree in contrast shade.

Lavish Saree of Bride, mulberry silk Dharmavaram
A beautiful city in Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh state, India known for its renowned cotton, splendorous silk weaving industries and leather puppets, Dharmavaram. According to the history notes, name of the city Dharmavaram ,has been named after 'Dharmamba', who was the mother of Sri Kriyasakthi Odeyar (person, who built the first tank in the region). The economy of the town is dependent on the weaving industry. Natives of this place speak Telugu(regional language). Dharmavaram sarees is been registered as one of the geographical indication from Andhra Pradesh.

The Royal grace, Maheshwari
Floating boats, taking a holy dip in 'Narmada river' and cleansing mind, body and soul, I feel rejuvenated, moving ahead to Omkareshwar(deity Shiva) temple, how blessed I'm. This is a religious town and beautiful city lies on the north bank of Narmada river, Maheshwar is a city in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh state, in central India. The word Maheshwar in Hindi means 'Great God'. People here speak Hindi and it's official language. The climatic conditions here, is hot dry summer and cool or relatively dry during winter. This beautiful city is known for it's finest handloom fabric. Maheshwar has been a centre of handloom weaving since the 5th century.

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.

Mind blowing nature, abundant coconut trees, endless backyard greenery, peppercorns, famous backwaters, lush tea and rubber plantation, elegant houseboats, simple and hospitable smile, coffee, cardamom, Kalaripayattu the martial arts, Kutiyattam (theater art), elephants, thundering Kathakali classical Indian dance, Pookalam, coastal foods, Ayurveda, thick forest, richest temples in the world, highest literacy rate in India, traditional taste-bud-tingling cuisine, Naalukettu houses, temple festivals, gigantic western ghats yes it's known as God's Own Country, Kerala!

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.