TALES 》 Arni Silk Sarees

My craving hunt for Bold and Bright hues I discovered Arani silk, Sarees are my passion

Apart from magnificent Kanchipuram silk sarees and Kanchi Cotton Sarees, I had no idea what are all the varies types of sarees which are from Tamil Nadu to be frank, although I am a huge enthusiast of Handwoven traditional sarees.

Years ago, when I had been to one of the Indian wedding, I recollected someone from the crowd whispering about Arani silk, I was irresistible to check what type of saree it was? Once back home I was very curious and during my research I discovered many interesting things which I would to share in this article.

Arani is located on the banks of Kamandala River and is a small town in Tiruvanamalai district of Tamil Nadu, India. The name 'Arani' is derived from the word 'Araneeyam' which means a place which is surrounded by a forest.

Arani Pattu sarees, the word Pattu means silk, which is been called in south India, to weave these silk sarees both pitlooms and frame looms are been used. Both men and women are engaged in weaving these silk sarees. These colorful sarees would take around seven days to weave a handloom saree depending on intricate designs, patterns, motifs around a day to complete one saree in powerlooms. Generally these saree measures around 5.5 to 6.5 meters of length approximately and the blouse is attached to the saree as well. Arani silk have received Intellectual Property Rights Protection or Geographical Indication(GI) status.

Uniqueness of Arani silk saree

• Half and half designs are been used sometimes
• These silk sarees are light weight
• Bright and Rich colors are been used and contrast borders are been beautifully crafted
• Technique used in weaving, interlocking border called the ‘korvai’ and the contrast pallu is crafted
• Arni silks are embellished with checks pattern called as Kottadi checks or Kottadis

Fabric care for Arni silk sarees
Do check out for specific care instructions on the garment tag once you purchase and follow the instructions carefully, it addition to it, here are certain guidelines

• It is generally preferred to give silk saree for dry cleaning
• Once in a while make sure, you change the folds of the silk saree
• Make sure these soft sarees to preserve against dampness and moisture
• Avoid storing this precious sarees in polythene bags, warp these sarees in clean muslin cloth and store them
• Never wring the silk saree
• If ironing the silk saree, check out for silk-settings in the iron box, keep the fabric settings as medium or low heat or delicate/silk setting and iron the saree always on backside of the silk fabric