All You Need To Know About The Kanchipuram Silk Sarees

by Charles Patrick Content Writer

Regarding traditional Indian clothing, the Kanchipuram silk sarees are indeed something you should know. With their rich heritage and glorious past, these sarees remain one of the most famous traditional Indian outfits today. Though the origin of these saris is traced back to Kerala (as per some historians), today, they are primarily associated with Tamil Nadu and Kancheepuram in particular due to their presence there. There are various types of Kanchipuram sarees out there; find out all you need to know about them here -

What is a Kanchipuram Saree?

A Kanchipuram silk saree is a type of Indian wear made of pure silk and is often a staple in the wardrobe of many Indian women. Kanchipuram saris are made in many different styles and designs, woven with varying combinations of colour, motifs, and patterns, but the primary thread used is always that of pure silk. Traditionally, Kanchipuram sarees were dhoti-types (wraps around the upper body) with a pallu (the loose end portion of the saree) that could be used to cover the breasts of the women. The designs have evolved with wide new varieties coming up with innovative styles and designs. Some Kanchipuram sarees are very wide in their nature and are often called Banarasi or Odisha styles. Some Kanchipuram silk sarees come without a pallu but with a border. The Kanchipuram sarees are best known for their beautiful traditional designs and exquisite hand-woven silk fabrics. This makes them timeless pieces that Indian women wear across generations and regions.

History of the Kanchipuram Saree

The Kanchipuram saree is one of the most famous types of Indian sarees. While its origin is traced back to Kerala, today, it is associated with Tamil Nadu and, in particular, Kanchipuram due to its presence there. The weaving of silk sarees dates back to 1500-2000 years, and Kanchipuram has been a famous centre for producing high-quality silk sarees for centuries. The sarees from Kanchipuram were exported to many countries, and even today, the Kanchipuram silk saris are renowned worldwide for their high quality and rich designs. The sarees symbolized royalty as they were made with pure silk and were costly commodities. The sarees were woven with the purest form of silk and were mostly in white or off-white colours. But as time passed, the variety in the design and colour of the sarees has increased, and today, the Kanchipuram silk sarees are available in many colours, designs, and patterns. The plans were primarily based on Hindu mythology, and the Kanchipuram silk sarees were woven with silk thread in red, green, and yellow.

Types of Kanchipuram Sarees

Different Kanchipuram silk sarees are woven with other techniques, designs, and colours. The most famous kinds of Kanchipuram silk sarees are listed below: Banarasi Kanchipuram Silk Sarees - These are very wide and often called Banarasi or Odisha styles. These are very famous in South Asian and Southeast Asian countries. Pure Kanchipuram Silk Sarees - These are the most prominent types of Kanchipuram silk saris woven with the purest form of silk. These are mostly in white or off-white colours and are very famous in South Asian countries. Box Kanchipuram Silk Sarees - These are woven with the purest form of silk and are mostly in white or off-white colours. Devi Kanchipuram Silk Sarees - These are incorporated with the purest form of silk and are mostly in white or off-white colours. Mysore Kanchipuram Silk Sarees - These are intertwined with the purest form of silk and are primarily in red, black, yellow, and green colours. Navaratna Kanchipuram Silk Saris - These are incorporated with the purest form of silk and are mainly in red, black, yellow, and green colours.

The Significance of the Colours in a Kanchipuram Sari

The colors woven into the designs of Kanchipuram silk sarees have been significant for centuries. Traditionally, red, green, black, and yellow represent the four major elements of nature - air, water, fire, and earth. In this sense, the red color symbolizes fire - the energy of life, the green color symbolizes water - the source of life, the black color symbolizes air - the source of power, and the yellow color represents earth - the source of everything. These colors are also woven into the Kanchipuram silk sarees as a mark of auspiciousness.

Varieties of Kanchipuram Saris

The Kanchipuram silk sarees are famous for their exquisite hand-woven fabrics and traditional designs. While there are wide varieties of Kanchipuram silk sarees, the following are the most popular ones - Kanchipuram Banarasi Silk Sarees - These are very wide and are often called Banarasi or Odisha styles. They are very famous in South Asian countries. Kanchipuram Pure Silk Sarees - These are the most prominent types of Kanchipuram silk sarees woven with the purest form of silk. They are mostly in white or off-white colors and are very famous in South Asian countries. Kanchipuram Box Silk Sarees - These are woven with the purest form of silk and are mostly in white or off-white colors. Kanchipuram Devi Silk Sarees - These are incorporated with the purest form of silk and are mostly in white or off-white colors. Kanchipuram Mysore Silk Saris - These are interspersed with the purest form of silk and are primarily in red, black, yellow, and green colors. Kanchipuram Navaratna Silk Sarees - These are incorporated with the purest form of silk and are mainly in red, black, yellow, and green colors.

Where to Buy Kanchipuram Silk Saris?

The Kanchipuram silk sarees are available in wide varieties and designs across stores and websites. You can buy the Kanchipuram silk sarees online or from the local Indian stores. Some of the most famous brands that sell the Kanchipuram silk sarees are Valli Sari, V. V. Silk Sarees, Ammaji Sarees, Kanchipuram Silk House, Kanchipuram Silk Sarees, etc. These silk saris are available in many designs, colors, and patterns, and you can choose the one that best suits your personality and body type.

Conclusion

The Kanchipuram silk sarees are one of the most famous types of Indian sarees and are rich in heritage and cultural significance. The silk sarees are available in wide varieties and designs and come in various colors. You can buy the Kanchipuram silk saris online or from the local Indian stores and choose the one that best suits your personality and body type. These traditional Indian sarees are timeless pieces of clothing worn by women across generations and regions, making them an essential part of Indian wear.