Different Types of Traditional Sarees of Different States in India

History of Sarees

The saree is the traditional dress of women in the Indian subcontinent. The word saree is derived from the Sanskrit word “sareeka” which means “long piece of cloth”.

The saree has a history that dates back more than 3000 years ago. It was originally worn by Hindu women in ancient India and has been worn by many other civilizations since then. There are many different types of traditional sarees in India, but they all have a few things in common - they are long pieces of fabric that are wrapped around the body, they can be draped over one shoulder or both shoulders and can be held together on one side with a belt or pin.

The Different Types of Indian Sarees for Women in India

There are various saree types in India that are popular in fashion discussions among women. Indian saree can be worn in different styles such as drape style, shalwar-kameez style, etc. This blog will introduce you to some of the most popular sarees in India that are a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe. So be hooked till the end!

1. Kanjivaram Silk Saree - Tamil Nadu

The Kanjivaram Silk Saree is a traditional silk saree of India from the state of Tamil Nadu made of pure silk. The saree is popularly worn by brides in South India and is known as Bridal Kanjivaram. It is intricately woven with gold and silver threads, which makes it look very rich and luxurious. The Kanjivaram Silk Saree has a long history and was originally worn by the royals on special occasions. 

Kanjivaram sarees are loved by all saree enthusiasts for the South Indian traditional saree look and the royal essence it adds to the attire. These silk sarees are made out of pure mulberry silk and are woven with the ikkat technique that gives them their unique patterns and designs.

2. Banarasi Saree - Uttar Pradesh

Banarasi Saree is one of the traditional Indian dresses from the different varieties of sarees available that are adored and worn by women of the Indian subcontinent. It is also known as the "Punjabi saree". The term Banarasi is often used to refer to the saree made in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The saree is usually made of silk, georgette, tussar, organza, chiffon, and cotton. The saree can be draped in many ways and can be worn with blouses that are often embroidered with motifs from nature like flowers or birds.

The Banarasi Saree is a symbol of the traditional Indian culture and is one of the most famous sarees in India. The Banarasi sarees are known for their fine weave, intricate patterns, and vibrant colours. 

3. Chikankari Saree - Uttar Pradesh

The Chikankari Saree is one of the many traditional sarees of India worn by women in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. It is one of the most popular and expensive Indian sarees. Most Indian weddings are incomplete without the bride wearing a Chikankari Saree which makes it a must-have saree, especially for brides. 

Chikankari sarees are made with intricate embroidery work, which takes days to complete. The embroidery work on these sarees is done by skilled craftsmen called ‘Chikankaris’. It is believed that the chikankari art was brought to India from Central Asia by the Mughals and evolved in India over time. It became popular among the royal families of Awadh, who then passed it on to their subjects. Maybe that is why Chikankari sarees carry that elegance, classic, and royal look to this date.

4. Bandhani Saree - Gujarat

There are many different types of sarees from different states of India but one that truly shines the most among others is the Bandhani saree made of cotton and tying intricate knots by hand. The Bandhani Saree is one of the finest varieties of sarees in India with women pouring their love for the saree for centuries now.

Bandhani Saree, which means "tie-dye" in Hindi, is woven with intricate patterns and designs. The saree is traditionally worn with an unstitched blouse/choli, which can be made from any fabric such as cotton, silk, or chiffon. The art of bandhani is believed to have originated in the Gujarat region of India.

5. Nauvari Saree - Maharashtra

Nauvari saree is a traditional Maharashtrian saree that was introduced to the world by the weavers of Nauvar, Maharashtra in India. The sarees are woven with pure silk and cotton thread in a fine weave and are often embellished with zari, embroidery, lace, and mirror work. The weavers introduce new fabrics and patterns every year to keep up with the changing times.

Nauvari means "nine-yard" in the Marathi language. The Nauvari Saree is a nine-yard saree with a blouse and petticoat. The Nauvari Saree can be worn on any occasion - be it weddings or festivals.

6. Tant Saree - West Bengal

Of the different saree types in India Tant sarees are the most traditional Bengali sarees that originate from Bengal in the east and are usually worn by Bengali women. They are made from cotton thread, which makes them light and transparent. Tants are handlooms used in West Bengal to weave sarees and textiles. The earliest records of weaving sarees in Bengal date back to the 15th century in Shantipur. From the 16th to 18th centuries, the art flourished during the Mughal rule, when it was extensively patronized alongside muslin and jamdani by the royals. 

Tant saree is known for its own signature weaving styles and is renowned as one of the many adored and cherished traditional sarees of India. Tant sarees can be worn on any day and at any time because they are lightweight and never go out of style.

7. Bomkai Saree - Odisha

Bomkai sarees originate from Bomkai village in the Ganjam district, but they are mostly produced in the Subarnapur district by the Bhulia community and are hands down one of the most popular sarees in India out there. Bomkai sarees are usually worn for habitual wear, while silk sarees are worn for ceremonial purposes.

On the border of the saree, you can usually see a fish design, which is believed to represent success and wealth. Bomkai sarees always make their way into the list of best Indian sarees of all women for their simplicity and tribal tinge. There is a lot of threadwork in the border and pallu of this piece. Bomakai sarees are the most popular saree designs as they offer a wide range of variety in designs and colours pleasing the saree lovers even more.

8. Chanderi Saree - Madhya Pradesh

Chanderi is a small town in Madhya Pradesh's northern region. This region is known for its forts, hills, and lovely Chanderi sarees. There are bound to be different types of sarees in different states of India and of course, each one of them has a story to tell and a culture and traditions that it holds, but what makes Chanderi saree unique and distinct is the shimmery texture of the fabric and the artistic golden zari works on the saree. 

The colour of the Chanderi saree can vary from white to yellowish beige. There are different types of Chanderi like Chanderi silk and Chanderi cotton sarees available on the internet that you can buy online at an affordable price.

9. Kasavu Saree - Kerala

Kasavu saree is a traditional saree from Kerala. It is a beautiful saree with intricate weaving and embroidery. The pattern of the Kasavu saree usually comes in white and light shades of pink and yellow. They come in various colours like black, brown, pink, green, orange, etc. Some of the most popular Kasavu saree designs are Malaika, Ullukkadam, and Nadanthara. It is a floor-length, heavy, pleated garment that takes the form of a skirt. 

The fabric traditionally used for this type of saree is silk, but nowadays cotton and other fabrics are also used. The Kasavu sarees are usually associated with big occasions such as weddings or festivals, but they can also be worn on any occasion like in temples or at parties, and are one of the most famous sarees in India among the fashion admirers.

10. Muga Saree - Assam

Muga silk is one of the prettiest sarees from the many saree types in India of wild silk originating in Assam, India that is woven with gold and silver threads. The most famous type of Muga saree is the one that is worn by the bride on her wedding day. The weaving technique was developed to produce more durable clothing for the local inhabitants who were engaged in farming and other manual labour-related professions.

A natural yellowish-golden tint and a shimmering, glossy texture distinguish this silk for its extreme durability. They were exclusively worn by the royals. Silk from Muga is highly prized for its fine texture and natural golden gloss, which makes it one of the most expensive varieties.

11. Phulkari Saree - Punjab

Phulkari Saree is one of the many Indian traditional sarees of Punjab. It is a handwoven saree with gold and silver thread embroidery. It is woven with a mix of cotton, silk, and gold or silver threads. The phulkari pattern is usually woven on the sarees in the border and usually consists of flowers, leaves, vines, creepers, and other natural motifs.

Despite the flower motif, the designs also incorporate geometric patterns, such as flowers (phul) and shapes (akari). Kurtis, dupattas, stoles, sarees, salwar suits, and juttis are all examples of this style of clothing art. In modern times, phulkari is done on all kinds of fabrics, including lightweight cotton and chiffon.

12. Pochampally Saree - Telangana

Pochampally Saree is a type of traditional saree from Telangana. It is made of cotton and silk fabric, handwoven by the weaver with a mixture of natural dyes. Pochampally Sarees are famous for their unique geometric patterns and vibrant colours. They are worn mostly during weddings and festivals like Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. These sarees go well with gold jewellery, gold dupattas, and heavy jewellery sets with jhumkas or earrings.

Ikkat or Tie & Dye, also known as Pochampally, is a fabric for weaving that transfers the pattern and colour onto the warp, thereby creating a bold pattern and colour. Warp and weft threads of the saree are dyed to reveal the intricate designs that will appear on it after the saree is woven.

13. Gadwal Saree - Telangana

The sarees from different states of India come in various styles and designs and one such saree with many vibrant colours and designs are Gadwal sarees found in the Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana.

In this saree, cotton is used for the body, and silk for the pallu, which is referred to as a Sico sarees. The saree's light weave makes it possible to pack it in a matchbox. The Gadwal saree is made of cotton or silk fabric. It can be worn with a matching blouse a choli or a bodice with a matching petticoat underneath. Gadwal sarees are available in many colours and designs, but white ones are considered to be more auspicious for weddings than other colours like red or green because they represent the purity and freshness of life.

14. Kota Saree - Rajasthan

Kota Doriya sarees are traditional Indian sarees made of pure cotton and silk and feature square-like patterns called khats. Its special hand-weaving technique makes the fabric extremely light, airy, comfortable, and soft and gives a glossy finish. Kota Doria has all these characteristics that make it the top choice for summer wear, and its grace makes it part of the fashion world.

Kota Saree is a type of cotton silk fabric that comes in different designs and patterns. It has been traditionally manufactured in Kota city, Rajasthan for over 250 years now. The weaving centre at Kota was set up during this period to produce high-quality textiles for his courtiers and nobles who were residing in the city. Just like different sarees, there are different saree draping styles too from states across India. Check out some of the best saree draping styles from different states of India.

Conclusion

These were some of the handpicked different types of sarees of different states loved and admired by all. Any one of these Indian traditional sarees in your wardrobe can elevate your overall fashion game. 

If you are scratching your head wondering where could you possibly buy the best of traditional Indian sarees, then here is the answer! Visit our Tulsi Silks website to buy the best Indian sarees with a choice of different options in designs and colours. 

For more such reads, head on to our blog page and learn interesting stories about sarees and quick styling tips.