India is an epitome of the culture where each state contributes its unique traditional element. The variation in language, food, clothing, and lifestyle truly makes India famous for its diverse culture. The traditional outfits, especially sarees of India, have received most of the attention from different parts of the globe. The richness in colors and designs of sarees has always inspired people to carry on this traditional attire as it represents the traditional ecstasy of our country.
However, some sarees remain unnoticed by women who desire to flaunt the traditional attires. Hence, we have come up with 21 regional sarees of India that you can add in your wardrobe and create a collection that showcases the brilliance of Indian craftsmanship.
Regional Sarees of India from North:
1. Banarasi Sarees from Uttar Pradesh
Banarasi sarees originated in the ancient city of Uttar Pradesh named Varanasi or Banaras, as it was called earlier. Almost every Indian woman adores the ethereal beauty of Banarasi sarees due to their opulence and sheer shine that comes from the pure silk. These sarees are popularly used as bridal sarees because of the combination of bright colors, intricate designs, glossy textures, and topnotch craftsmanship.
More importantly, Banarasi sarees are decked up with silver and golden zari work, making them luxurious and suitable for such grand occasions. These threads enhance the saree’s appearance as they blend into floral motifs, embroideries, and prints. The artisans craft a marvelous combination of ethnic and royal designs that depict the richness of Indian culture through these sarees. Most of the heavy designer sarees take more than a year to complete the weaving process, which shows how subtle artwork they carry on them. You will find these sarees made with pure silk, organza silk (kora silk), brocade, and georgette fabrics.
2. Bhagalpuri Sarees from Bihar:
Bhagalpuri Sarees emerge from the Bhagalpur city of Bihar. This city is situated on the river banks of Ganga and is known primarily for its silk production. Hence, it is also called as the ‘Silk city.’ The silk used in weaving Bhagalpuri sarees is extracted from the silk threads of a special type of cocoon known as tusser cocoon.
The reason why you should add Bhagalpuri sarees in your ethnic collection is that you will get a combination of pure silk crafted with unique dyeing processes. Earlier, these sarees were colored with vegetable dyes, but as the demand increased, the artisans started using acid dyes to meet the market demand. The subtle artwork that blends the Bhagalpuri silk or the tussar silk with rich colors to represent the Indian heritage makes these regional sarees worth embracing.
3. Chikankari Sarees from Lucknow:
Chikankari sarees represent the cultural ecstasy of Lucknow, which is popularly known for its traditional attires. The term ‘chikan’ means embroidery, which was earlier done on muslin cloth, but with the rising trend of traditional sarees, the manufacturers started doing it on all almost all types of fabrics.
Women popularly choose these sarees for their sheer elegance and skillfully crafted embroidery work. If you wish to set a class apart in any upcoming traditional occasions, you can choose to wear the Chikankari sarees as they will add a spark to your ethnic appearance.
4. Phulkari Sarees from Punjab:
Phulkari sarees contains flower work done through embroidery on the sarees. These regional sarees of India have their origin in Punjab and are available in either cotton blends or khadi materials. The floral designs on Phulkari sarees are handcrafted with a floss silk thread in bright colors and geometric patterns. These sarees are lightweight, inexpensive and suitable for traditional occasions.
Regional Sarees of India from East:
5. Tant Sarees from West Bengal:
Tant sarees from West Bengal are must-haves in your wardrobe if you wish to wear traditional sarees that are captivating and affordable. These sarees are usually made out of crisp cotton fabric, which is stiffly starched. They are featured with a thick border and decorative pallu that contains floral and other designer motifs. Tant sarees are preferable for the summer season due to their lightweight fabric and hence, can become a favorite part of your go-to outfits in warm weather conditions.
6. Baluchari Sarees from West Bengal:
Baluchari sarees are known for their royal appearance, which showcases the prints of ancient epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. They are also famous for the heavy designs filled with peacock prints, floral motifs, and various other traditional prints. Moreover, these sarees have been given the status of Geographical Indication of India. So, if you want to add a precious piece in your saree’s collection, then you should have the Baluchari sarees from West Bengal in your wardrobe.
7. Sambalpuri Ikat Sarees from Odisha:
Sambalpuri Ikat sarees originate from the Sambalpur district of Odisha. These traditional handloom sarees reflect an original style of craft created with a typical ikat weave. The Sambalpuri sarees are available in silk and cotton sarees with intricate embroidered patterns. The process of weaving involves dyeing the yarns and then weaving them into impressive patterns like floral motifs, shells, wheels, etc. The complex yet attractive weaves of these sarees do not wrinkle and look fascinating on women of all age bars. So, make sure you add this unique piece of ethnic wear in your wardrobe.
8. Bomkai Sarees from Odisha:
Bomkai Sarees, also known as the Sonepuri sarees, are manufactured by the Bhulia community of Bhomkai from Odisha. Cotton and silk fabrics are majorly used for the production of these sarees. They are woven with ikat, embroidery, and other detailed thread work. The exquisite, handcrafted designs with tribal richness make the Bomkai sarees one of a prime piece of art in the regional sarees of India. The bright and light color hues blended with fine art makes these sarees suitable for all occasion.
9. Muga Silk Sarees from Assam:
The Muga Silk sarees from Assam are known primarily for their silk, made by the larvae feeding on mainly two special leaves. The Muga silk makes the sarees durable and glossy with a yellowish-golden tint. The shimmering glossy texture adds an impressive look to the sarees and makes them look like a unique art piece. The color variants and intricate designs of Muga silk sarees create a stunning impression of feminine beauty.
Regional Sarees of India from West:
10. Leheriya Sarees from Rajasthan:
Leheriya sarees from Rajasthan resemble closely with the Bandhani sarees, but they both differ in some aspects. These sarees are also created with a tie and dye technique, but the difference occurs through its tying process. The Leheriya sarees are tied in such a way that they produce a kaleidoscopic wavy pattern after dyeing.
Hence, they are named Leheriya, where ‘Leher’ represents waves. These sarees are created in a plethora of color shades, making them suitable for women who love to don colorful sarees. So, add a cheerful appearance to your ethnic collection by adding the Leheriya sarees in your wardrobe.
11. Kota Masuria / Kota Doria Sarees from Rajasthan:
The Kota Doria sarees have their origin in the Kota city of Rajasthan. These sarees are famous for their soft, comfortable, and breathable fabric that contains special chequered weaves entangled in colorful shades. The square patterns, also called khats, are systematically woven in traditional pit loom for getting the desired results.
The fabric mostly consists of cotton (Kota Masuria), but you will also see these sarees in silk and silk-blends that fulfill different women’s choices. These sarees are suitable for all occasions and can become a part of your formal wardrobe. So, make sure to add the Kota Doria sarees in your wardrobe and experience the essence of fashion whenever you want.
12. Bandhani Sarees from Gujarat:
Bandhani sarees from Gujarat are famous all over India. The name Bandhani is derived from its making process, where the word ‘Bandhan’ means ties. The process involves a tie-dye technique wherein the knots are tied to create various patterns across the sarees. Earlier, chiffon was used majorly to make these sarees, but the manufacturers started using cotton, georgette, cotton-silk blends, and crepe fabrics to fulfill the rising demand. Bandhani sarees are lightweight, comfortable, and soft in texture, making them suitable for the summer season, but women are seen wearing them across the year.
Rajasthan and some regions of Punjab are also known for the production of Bandhani sarees, but the Khatri community of Gujarat is known as the pioneers. Hence, many people prefer to buy these sarees from Gujarat as they practice this art exclusively and add richness to the feminine glamour.
13. Patola Sarees from Gujarat:
Patola sarees are crafted with silk in the Patan district of Gujarat. Royal families wore these sarees in the earlier times. These authentic pieces take around months or a year to get ready and involve intense manual labor. The Patola sarees are expensive but worth buying as they possess a rich color combination blended with intricate patterns.
The art of weaving Patola saree is known to be a closely guarded family tradition done by skillful weavers in Patan/Rajkot area. This traditional weaving technique is now passed on to their new generations as an heirloom, which will carry the traditionalism for the coming years.
14. Paithani Sarees from Maharashtra:
Paithani sarees are produced in the Paithan town of Aurangabad district in Maharashtra. These silk sarees are popularly known for their sheer and glossy texture filled with eye-catching designs. The borders are decked up with slanting square designs, whereas the pallu contains designs of the peacock, trees, and various other natural elements. They have a light and shade effect, which is created by weaving two different shades of silk. Such artistic creation on these sarees makes them a pride of Maharashtra and also one of the most precious regional sarees of India.
Regional Sarees of India from Central Zone:
15. Chanderi Sarees from Madhya Pradesh:
Chanderi sarees have their origin in Chanderi town of Madhya Pradesh. These sarees are woven with silk, cotton, and zari yarns to produce a lighter, lustrous, and glamorous fabric. These regional sarees of India are available in a myriad of patterns like peacock designs, floral motifs, traditional coin designs, and geometric patterns. They represent a precious handloom art that offers outstanding prints along with a popular and breathable fabric. The attention to detail craftsmanship and finest fabric makes the Chanderi saree a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe.
16. Maheshwari Sarees from Madhya Pradesh:
Maheshwari sarees got their name from the town of Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. These regional sarees of India hold pristine treasures of art that represents the traditional importance. The Maheshwari sarees are known for their blend of silk and cotton fabric, which is weaved with a handloom weaving technique. They are decked up with brocade designs consisting of stripes, checks, and floral patterns.
The popular designs of Maheshwari sarees include patterns of the mat (chaattai), brick (eent), diamond (heera), and jasmine flower (chameli ka phool). The Maheshwari sarees are available in five variants according to their designs. You will find Beli, Chandratara, and Parbi Maheshwari sarees designed with stripes and chequered patterns, whereas the Chandrakala and Baingani Maheshwari sarees with plain shades.
Regional Sarees of India from South:
17. Kanjivaram Sarees from Tamil Nadu:
Kanjivaram sarees come from a place called Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu. These sarees are known for ornate designs decked up on the pure mulberry silk thread. The designs are inspired by the temples, which make these sarees one of the gorgeous regional sarees of India.
The richness in color, texture, and designs make the Kanjivaram saree an alluring piece of ethnic wear that every woman desires to have in her wardrobe. These sarees can be expensive as they are designed to add oomph to the traditional occasions, but the topnotch craftsmanship and elegant drapes make them worth every penny.
18. Kasavu Sarees from Kerala:
Earlier, Kerala’s Kasavu sarees were worn only as a mundu (a dhoti), a blouse, and a stole that went across the blouse. Hence, these sarees were originally known as ‘Mundum Nereyatham.’ Kasavu sarees are an evolved version of this traditional attire, which contains a simple cotton saree with off-white or cream shade and a golden border. These regional sarees of India mark the epitome of traditionalism along with simplicity and elegance. Nowadays, the golden borders are also diversified to add different colors and artificial threads to fulfill these sarees’ rising demand.
19. Pochampally Sarees from Telangana:
Pochampally sarees are manufactured in Bhoodan Pochampally town of Telangana. These sarees showcase the perfect combination of silk and cotton fabrics. Designs with intricate motifs and geometric ikat patterns give a charming and royal appearance to these regional sarees of India. If you desire to wear one of the finest creations in ethnic wear, then Pochampally saree should be a must-have on your list.
20. Konrad Sarees from Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu’s Konrad sarees are known to reflect the traditional beliefs as they were woven originally for the temple deities. These sarees consist of various designs, such as strips or checks enclosed with a wide colorful border. Other designs of natural elements and animals also make these sarees strikingly gorgeous for traditional occasions. These regional sarees of India are the most expensive but worth a purchase as they add a charm to the wearer’s personality.
21. Mysore Silk Sarees from Karnataka:
Mysore silk sarees are known as the most popular sarees of South India. The special type of silk called mulberry silk is used in making these glossy and lustrous sarees. These sarees are expensive as gold and silver threads are used to add richness to the designs and prints. If you wish to have a royal piece in your ethnic wardrobe, then the Mysore silk sarees would be the best pick for you.
Conclusion:
If you wish to embrace Indian craftsmanship’s creativity through traditional attire, make sure you add these regional sarees of India in your wardrobe.
