01/11Significance of National Handloom Day
India will celebrate the 10th National Handloom Day on August 7. On this day in 1905, India formally launched the Swadeshi movement in Kolkata. This movement emphasized India’s commitment to accepting products made in India by our local artisans rather than buying products manufactured and exported from Britain. This movement was devised to punch a hole in the pockets of Great Britain, who were killing the local manufacturing business to promote their own cheap products. Handlooms have been a symbol of resistance and perseverance of Indian culture that refused to die in the face of modern and cheaper products. This year, the theme of National Handloom Day 2024 focuses on the integration of technology and innovation to promote the Indian handloom industry. On this occasion, we have curated a list of handloom sarees that are a must-have in your wardrobe. These sarees are not only a cultural symbol but also ooze luxury and elegance.
02/11Baluchari
Baluchari sarees, originating in West Bengal, are characterized by elaborate work on pallus that depict mythological scenes and motifs. These sarees are spun with pure tussar silk. They are woven in three patterns: Resham Baluchari, Meenakari Baluchari, and Swarnachari.
Image Courtesy: @utpaladesigns
03/11Muga Silk
Called the ‘Golden Silk of Assam,’ Muga silk is well known for its natural golden sheen and durability. The fiber of the silk is very strong and is derived from semi-cultivated silkworms called Antheraea assamensis. The origin of this silk has been largely credited to the Ahom dynasty.
Image Courtesy: @bellablissboutique_
04/11Poochampally
This saree gets its name from the place of its origin: Bhoodan Pochampally in Telangana. The tie-dye style known as ikkat is exclusive to India, and the ikkat patterns have great color retention properties. These sarees have distinguishable geometric patterns.
Image Courtesy: @vima_vastra
05/11Tant
According to certain reports, the oldest documentation of Tant sarees can be traced back to the 15th century in Shantipur in the district of Nadia in West Bengal. These sarees are made with cotton and are designed for daily use. They have a distinct border with mainly paisley and floral motifs.
Image Courtesy: @naikasya
06/11Organza
Organza has been derived from ‘Organzine,’ which translates to a fabric composed of strands of stiff silk fibers. These sarees are thin and have simple weaves. These lightweight sarees have recently been in trend.
Image Courtesy: @muksweta
07/11Sambalpuri Silk
Sambalpuri Silk sarees are handwoven sarees from the state of Odisha, India. They are renowned for their intricate and colorful designs, which are created using a tie-dyeing technique called ikat, whose yarns are dyed before they are woven.
Image Courtesy: @ethnic_odhisha_weaves
08/11Bandhani
The term bandhani is derived from the Sanskrit verbal root bandh, which means “to bind or to tie.” The earliest mention of Bandhani sarees dates back to 4000 BC during the Indus Valley Civilization. It is a type of tie-dye textile that is decorated by uniquely binding the fabric to create patterns while dyeing.
Image Courtesy: @khiamals.lucknow
09/11Chanderi
Chanderi sarees originated from the Chanderi district of Madhya Pradesh. The sarees are well known for their transparent fabric, distinctive motifs, and lightweight. They are available in three different kinds of fabrics: pure silk, Chanderi cotton, and silk cotton.
Image Courtesy: @bagru_trand_nd_traditional
10/11Tussar Silk
Famous for its natural golden color, Tussar silk is a type of wild silk that is made from silkworms that feed on plants like Asan and Arjun. This silk is mainly produced in Jharkhand and Bihar. The fabric is extremely lightweight and feels like luxury.
Image Courtesy: @art_of_silk
11/11Patola
Patola sarees are a type of double ikat saree that is traditionally woven by hand in the Patan region of Gujarat. The design of each saree is unique and cannot be replicated, which adds to the value of these sarees. The sarees are made with pure silk sourced from the best silkworms.
Image Courtesy: @patola_by_k.k_brothers
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