Sarees are one of the most important cultural and ethnic attire of India. There are many different kinds of attires that Indians adore but a saree holds a special place in everyone’s heart. Sarees are made from various kinds of fabrics and use many different kinds of designs and embellishments to make them stand out such as handwoven sarees, hand dyed sarees, printed sarees, embroidered sarees, zari work sarees etc.
Even in these variations, there are sarees that have cultural significance based on what place the saree originates from such as Banarasi saree, Kanchipuram Saree, Tussar Sarees, Pochumpally sarees etc. These sarees carry the name of the place that the saree and the material originates from, indicating the rich heritage and cultural relevance that they carry.
Sarees from Various Cultural Heritage
Sarees, especially those that are used in weddings and religious proceedings such as Silk sarees are made in a special auspicious manner and they are usually offered as part of prayers and as donations for temples, where the deities are draped in these silk sarees.
This is why silk sarees are considered especially pious and sacred and are most important for religious ceremonies and functions. Wedding and bridal wear is mostly made from silk as they are one of the most auspicious fabrics to wear in an auspicious way such as a wedding.
Each kind of silk saree originates from a different area in India and carries its own legacy. They have a cultural story and background that is attached to it. Some of the most famous sarees that originate from specific locations are mentioned below:
- Banarasi Silk Sarees
The Banarasi saree is one of the iconic silk sarees of all times. They can be seen in some of the most exquisite movies and are worn by celebrities and movie stars. The cultural heritage of Varanasi based hand woven and zari work is translated through these unique and rare sarees. It is mostly used for bridal wear and is quite expensive to own as well.
The sarees often contain intricate motifs and designs making the saree heavy and unique. The floral and foliate motifs that adorned these sarees were one of the finest preferences of kings and queens in the Mughal Period. The zari design can be extremely exquisite and is made from golden and silver threads to extend the royal heritage of these sarees.
- Kanchipuram Silk Sarees
Kanchipuram is a small town in Southern India with a rich cultural heritage. The hand woven silk sarees are made from pure mulberry silk and use golden and silver thread work for the zari design. The sarees translate the stories of kings and kingdoms in the southern empire and are used for auspicious functions such as weddings.
- Mysore Silk Sarees
Mysore silk sarees are made from silk that is pure and light and can be spun into beautiful silk sarees that have elegance and grace and can be worn methodically for extreme regalness and for casual outings.
- Pochampally Silk Sarees
A small town in south India with one of the exceptional hand-woven designs that use nature-based designs and shapes on their saree, the Pochampally silk saree is rare in its design factor and cannot be replicated easily.
- Assam Silk Sarees
The use of Muga silk, a golden sheen, shiny silk that is soft and creates a powerful impact with its golden glory is easily one of the best kinds of silk sarees in India.
