The Cultural Connections of Bandhani Sarees

Bandhani Saree Color

Sarees have been a part of the Indian culture and a staple in the women’s closet since time immemorial. With time innumerable saree trend has seen the ebb and flow. However, there are only a few kinds of saree that have remained close to women’s hearts since its emergence. Among those saree falls, the Bandhani saree has remained close to the hearts of women since its emergence.

bandhani-sarees

Bandhani saree emerged in Gujrat, and soon the technique was adopted by Rajasthani people to make bandhani sarees. However, there is a significant difference between the two. While the Gujrati sarees are known as Bandhani sarees. Rajasthani sarees made from tie and dye techniques are better known as leheriyas.

The roots of bandhani go back about five thousand years in history — a time when human beings were learning new skills to make their lives easier. Bandhani sarees are beautiful that are made using the tie and dye technique. To create a bandhani saree, first, a plain cloth is taken, and then it is tied in spots using a special technique. The artisans keep special importance that all the spots on the saree are tied in an equal way. So, that one pattern does not differ from another pattern or is not bigger than the other.

The Making of bandhani Sarees

After the tying is done, the sare is dipped into a tub of color for dying. The artisans keep the saree immersed for a while so that all parts are colored. After a certain duration, the saree is taken ut of tum and dried in the sun. Once the saree is completely dry, the artisans open the ties to reveal a beautiful dye that reaches the fabric.

If you think that all bandhani saree are dual-chromed, then you are in for a surprise. When women were kind of bored with white bandhani prints, the market saw a demand for colorful prints. Hence, the artisans got into the practice of coloring the fabric first, then trying the knots before they immerse the saree in the dye again.

With these techniques, the artisans achieved a saree that has a colored pattern instead of plain white. They then started to experiment with the dying pattern. Today, a bandhani saree can be as many as three times dyed and tied before being folded and sent into the market again. Bandhani is a handloom saree. It takes special skill and time to make one of these. It takes the artisans weeks to make a bandhani saree. Hence it is priced a bit higher.

Several Designs of Bandhani Sarees

When bandhani sarees originated, it was a plain ensemble with a beautiful pattern. However, women in India, especially in Gujrat, wanted to give a more traditional look and feel. Hence today, you will get bandhani saree with mirror works on them. It essentially reflects the Gujrati and Rajasthani culture. Also, in many states, women love weavings of zari on the bandhani saree. So, the zari border and pallu are not an uncommon variant.

bandhani-saree-color

Colors of Bandhani Sarees

India is the land of colors. We believe in unity in diversity. Hence there is no lack of colors in the gamut of the bandhani sarees. However, if we have to count the most favorite colors that women love wearing daily? Best reflects the Indian culture, then it will have to be fuchsia, red, yellow, and green — however, other colors like blue, purple and maroon are there too. However, Indian women consider the black color inauspicious. Even though a black bandhani saree looks terrific, but women do not prefer to wear it to auspicious occasions like marriages.

 

Must Have in Wardrobe are Ultra Classy Traditional Sarees!

A woman’s wardrobe is her prized possession and her saree collection needs to always be on point. We understand how the various cultures and styles present in one single country can make you confused with endless choices which are why we have made a list of must-have sarees from across the country belonging to different cultures:

mirraw-silk-sarees

  1. Taant Saree- West Bengal

In many parts of India these sarees are worn as a daily outfit. The saree is typically found in red border and white base and is also worn on special occasions in the community. The simple yet elegant saree is a must have in your saree collection.

bengali-sarees

  1. Settu Saree- Kerala

Settu Saree is also commonly known as Kadavu saree and is highly popular across the country for its evergreen style. Trends may come and go but the white saree with golden border remains to be a classic favourite for every event. In a traditional Kerala saree the threads are woven of real gold. To keep up with the times, the saree can be found in various colours as well.

kerala-kasavu-saree

  1. Bomkai Saree- Odisha

Risch is traditional art work, the bomkai or Sonepuri saree is designed with ikat embroidery and intricate thread work. The sarees are comfortable to carry and can be found in silk and cotton fabric.

odisha-sarees

  1. Paithani Saree- Maharashtra

Pride of all the women of Maharashtra is the Paithani saree. The saree is found in silk fabric and is full of fine motifs. The specialty is its recurrent peacock design on the pallu. The saree is complete with its golden border and is available is vibrant colour combinations.paithani-saree

  1. Kanjirvaram Saree- Tamil Nadu

Every woman dreams of owning a beautiful Kanjeevaram saree and we aren’t surprised why! The saree is traditionally woven in silk in Kanjeevaram itself. These are known for its elegance and grace. The fine border work is sure to make you fall in love with this piece of nine-yards.

kanchipuram-silk-sarees

  1. Bandani Saree- Gujarat

A bandani saree has a beautiful meaning for its name which a very few people know. Bandani, the word is derived from ‘bandhan’ which means ties. This refers to the process of making the saree through the tie and dye method. The saree is commonly found as a regular wear item in Gujarat as well as Rajasthan.

bandhani-saree

  1. Banarasi saree- Varanasi

A banarasi saree can be spotted every now and then on a red carpet worn by a celebrity. The saree’s beauty lies in its gold and silver zari designs and motifs. Originally a symbol for royalty, the banarasi saree was made only in real gold and silver threads. It would take almost a year or more to finish these finely weaved sarees. Now of course we can find varieties depending on one’s budget.

banarasi-sarees

 

  1. Chanderi Saree- Madhya Pradesh

With the combination of silk, zari and cotton, Madhya Pradesh has mastered the art of creating a fabric lighter than even a feather. The saree is perfect for youngsters or fussy saree-wearers as the saree is easy to pull off and the royal sheen looks gorgeous just the way it is.

chanderi-sarees