Different types of silk sarees

by Manjima Mohan General

Giving silk sarees as a gift is an old tradition in India. They gift sarees during the functions like Marriage, Birthdays, puberty functions, etc. Silk symbolizes their purity and their love. This is a rich tradition in India. Silk sarees are elegant, classy, and fit for every season.

There are seven major varieties of silk produced by a distinct assortment of silkworms feeding on a specific host plant. They are-

Kanchipuram Silk Sarees:

Also known as kanjivaram saree, it is the finest silk saree in the world because of its double warp and double weft. It has gold motifs incorporated by dipping the silk thread in liquid gold and silver which enhances the beauty and value of the saree. This beautiful saree has colored threads throughout its borders woven in a tribal style that is typical of this style.

Paithani:

This type of saree is made of silk and intricate metallic patterns. The colors used in this saree are derived from natural sources like flowers, leaves, and soil. It has motifs of Jain temples, peacock, lotus flowers and other designs taken from the Ajanta caves.

Patola:

This is the finest sort of handloom of Gujarat and completes Gujarati matrimony. It is woven with clarity and precision. It takes four to six months to weave this type of saree depending on the design. It mainly has geometric designs, folk motifs, and flaming colors.

Banarasi:

This saree is made in the holy city of Banaras. Also known as Banaras brocade, it is very popular and expensive. It has elaborated decoration ornament, infused with gleaming zari, woven on a very heavy silk gauge. It has a Persian ornament style, which includes gold thread work. It has delicate floral, architectural ornaments, figures, and animals rendered on multi-colored brocaded silk. The border pattern is thin in width, as compared to its counterparts but dense and delicate. It takes three to six months for highly-skilled weavers to weave a single saree.

Ikat sarees:

This saree from Orissa has a metallic finish and heavy gauge silk with delightful dyed yarn patterns. It has heavy threadwork borders and pallus with geometrical ikat patterning.

Khadi:

Silk sarees are fit for every season but khadi silk, because of its warmth, is appropriate for winter weddings. It is also known as an ahimsa saree.

Tussar silk sarees:

The saree has a distinctive golden haze, and lightweight. The saree is from Madhya Pradesh on these sarees a combination of threadwork and bagh printing is used.