Ethnic Indian Sarees - Sarees are my passion

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.

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.

Invoking the magic of spectacular, Baluchari sarees
This beautiful garment is worn by women across India and Bangladesh. The origin of these sarees and roots dates back in Bengal, later produced in Murshidabad, but currently 'Bishnupur' town of 'Bankura district' and its surrounding places of West Bengal. Baluchar town from where it derives its name as Baluchari sarees. This marvelous place is famous for its exquisite terracotta temples and Malla Shree Krishna Raslilla. Beautifully made 'terracotta craft' is well known in this place. People here predominantly speak Bengali.

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.

The art of blending of old and new?
Craving for summer fruits is a must for some like me haha Peaches, the juicy Mangoes, cooling Watermelons what not and what about pairing a perfect outfit the saree for this season is also very important how many of you agree with me? So let's get started, guess what today I would be taking to West Bengal? The guesswork starts ... is it Baluchari, Tant, Begampuri sarees or the brilliantly woven Jamdani, nope it's one of the artistic weave called Khesh sarees.

Pochampally sarees are sheer delight for women!
Magnificent Pochampally saree is called by varies names such as Pogudubandhu or Pochampalli Ikat, is a saree crafted in Bhoodan Pochampally, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana State, India. Pochampally, the village was renamed to Bhoodan Pochampally. This small traditional handloom village magnificently showered and surrounded by hills, lush green fields, temples, Pochampally makes up for an exciting destination to spend one’s heart. This village is around 45Km away from Hyderabad.Telangana is one of the ancient Ikat weaving centers in India.Pochampally Ikat sarees was mainly popularized during 80's.Pochampally silk saree boasts of blending comfort and popularly known as tie and dye weave, one can see century old traditional looms here.

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.

Sophistication lies in simplicity of urban
Savannah, I'm coming home Savannah, by Philly K what a way to start this monsoon breeze and being cozy yet inspired! Kotpad weaves from Koraput district of Orissa, its a small village in Orissa, the fabrics of Kotpad are absolutely unique, breathable due to natural fibre, its glad to say Kotpad Handloom fabrics was first to receive GI(Geographical Indication) tag from Odisha and Kotpad adivasi tribes are still preserving the core aesthetics, making Orissa honored.

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.

Parrot motif, the bird of love and fortuneteller, Sarees are my passion
You call them as pet birds, the bird of love, best known for fortune-telling, these small little birds who are extremely friendly, many times repeating people’s words and phrases. As a child, I do recollect when I used to shop, I used to say parrot green not much of shade/tones or hues I knew those days and Parrot are called by varies names such as Tota, Kili, gini, Popata, Chiluka, tatta, shua and so on and it is considered as auspicious symbol having one.
Parrot motifs, many a times often used in couture designed for both brides and grooms and are prominently present in textiles from West Bengal, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan. Parrot motifs are widely used in Chanderi sarees, Paithani saree of Maharashtra, Kanchipuram Organza sarees, Kanchipuram silk sarees, Pochampally silk sarees and the art sarees called Kalamkari, this cute bird symbolising passion and courtship.

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.

Exploring Warli Art, the folk tales!
Warli or Varli are the indigenous tribe or adivasis, Warli tribe hailing from mountains, coastal regions in and around the borders of rural Thane district and Dhule district of Maharashtra and Gujarat states of India. The term Warli is derived from ‘warla’ or ‘varla’ meaning a piece of land. Originally hunters, the Warli tribe later settled down as tenders of agricultural lands. The Varlis are non-aryan tribes, who are firm believers of sun and moon. Practically, the Warlis never worshipped man-made idols. Warli people are a simple folk with simple beliefs that govern their lives. The language of communication with them is mostly in Marathi, Konkani, Sanskrit, Gujarati or Khandeshi Bhil.

Kalamkari Applique work: A story or a theme is being narrated in the form of patch art called Applique. Applique art dates back centuries ago, Applique work is one of the oldest forms of design in the world and still are used across the globe. Applique is a art decorating one fabric to other which includes Layering, patching, applying. What I noticed is that, they use straight stitch or running stitch, these two are very commonly used stitches practiced while attaching Applique patches on a base fabric.

The Khadi, revamping the versatile fabric, Sarees are my passion
If we have the khadi spirit in us, then we would surround ourselves with simplicity in every walk of life - by Mahatma Gandhi
Khadi is also known as khaddar, it is Handwoven natural fiber cloth, this cloth is usually woven from cotton and may also include wool, silk, which are all spun into yarn on a spinning wheel called charkha. This fine spun khadi is known for softness, when one starts to wear this saree definitely will be hooked on this fabric, no matter its summer or spring, Khadi is not only used as fashion statement these days but are often seen as markers of particular communities, groups and towns.

The Gods, Goddesses and Narayanpet sarees
This Beautiful small little town is renowned for exclusive splendid handloom silk and cotton sarees, Narayanpet in Mahbubnagar district, Telangana state, India. Primary source of income for people here is from weaving sarees. This charming place is extremely hot in summer and cold in winter. Since it's a business hub for sarees people known many regional languages such as Telugu, Kannada, Urdu, Marathi and of course English as well. Narayanpet sarees is known for its durability, affordability and lower maintenance. In this modern age of Indo-western twist and fast fashion outfits, Narayapet saree still remains classy.

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.

Beyond fashion edge sober linen saree, Sarees are my passion
It’s all about comfort and drape end of the day all want isn't that right? So here you go, linens and cottons are my most loved fabrics, it drapes magically graceful and yes red carpet statement attire for this season are stunning linens, don't be surprised when celebrities pop-up for special events and promotions with gorgeous linen sarees, its a spotlight attention seeking ones and these fabrics blends well with silk, cotton or even khadi and not a age factor to classify them as which age group it suits, it is one of the versatile fabric that can be appreciated by all.

Exquisite craftsmanship, the treasured intensity of colorful art
During olden days these sarees were much in demand and loved by aristocratic and royal families. The traditional double ikat Patola which originates from Patan, small little town which is north of Ahmedabad in Gujarat state. Creating designs by tyeing knots on warp and weft, it takes around three to four months to prepare tie and dyed on warp and weft threads for one saree. Patola saree art was much of labour-intensive, with the combined effort of four weavers, it would take anywere around a six months to a year to weave a masterpiece saree from the scratch, its perseverance in doing it from the time of process of dying that is the reason it was too expensive, and was worn only by the royal and upperclass, who were able to pay for opulence.