Sarees from Different Regions in India

Saree is an integral part of Indian tradition and culture and its origin dates back to the Indus valley civilization. Although originated as a simple piece of cloth that is to be wrapped around the body, today it has several modified forms. Sarees are found in designer motifs and patterns to suit the needs and preferences of women. There are several types of sarees that are found in India with some being more popular than others. The most popular choices in the modern age include chiffon sarees, patola sarees, banarasi sarees from the east and a range of classic silk sarees from the south.

Sarees from South India: South India is among the leading producers of fine quality silk. South Indian sarees are known to reflect the tradition of the region through its typical patterns.

• Gadwal sarees are woven from cotton fabric and are distinguished by the silk border and pallow. They carry zari work and are produced in Gadwal, the region from which they get their name.
• Kanjivaram sarees are among the choicest varieties found in the south. These are popular for their wide borders and are mainly manufactured in Tamil Nadu. They carry a heavy price tag, depending on the amount of decorative work done on them.
• Pochampally ikat syle sarees are famous for the geometric patterns. These are woven from silk, cotton or an exquisite mixture of two fabrics. Pochampally sarees are popular for their tie and dye style.
• Puttapaka sarees from the state of Andra Pradesh are produced by a unique method of tie and dye known in the village of Puttapaka. These sarees are often sold under the name of Ponchampally sarees as well.

Konrad saree, Chettinad saree, Mysore silk sarees are some of the other popular types of sarees from South India.

Sarees from North India: Some of the famous sarees from North India include Banarasi sarees, Kota Doria Sarees, Sikargarh brocade sarees, tissue sarees, Jamavar sarees etc.

• Banarasi sarees have become an iconic symbol of the holy city of Banaras. These give tough competition to Patola sarees of the west as these are among the finest varieties available in India. Exquisite zari work in gold and silver, the quality of silk and the embroidery make them highly sought after.
• Kota Doria sarees are produced in the Kota district of Rajasthan mostly from cotton. Light, airy and transparent in their form, these sarees are known for checkered patterns.

Sarees from East India: Each region of India has its own uniqueness in the saree patterns and draping style.

• Sambalpuri ikat is produced in Orissa and is hand-woven. It contains symbolic motifs like the shell, the wheel and the flower. Besides, these are especially well known for being tie-dyed. Kantha silk and cotton sarees are produced in west Bengal. These sarees derive their name from the embroidery technique used in the making process.
• Tant sarees produced chiefly in west Bengal are conveniently suited for the hot and humid climate. They are traditionally worn by Bengali women and woven from threads of cotton making them light and transparent. These sarees are popular for regular use.
• Chiffon sarees from Cooch Behar, a district in west Bengal has taken the market with its softness, elegance and lightness of the material, making it a highly fashionable choice well suited to the climate of India.

Sarees from different states carry their specialties and along with traditional favourites like the banarasi or the patola which give a classic outlook, more fashionable variations like the chiffon make this form of clothing highly revered in India.