Kanchipuram Saree
Kanchipuram Saree! A six yards elegance that elevates the pride of femininity with cultural heritage. Nobody can deny the fact that a Kanchipuram Saree is a woman’s timeless obsession.
You know, it has got a legacy of 400 years. We’re sure this intrigues you the most and takes you through to get enlightened about its supremacy.
Traditionally intertwined to adorn the divinity of womanhood by the weavers of Tamil Nadu, the Kanchipuram Saree is considered to be of the highest quality and is woven naturally. Distinguished by its wide contrast borders, this saree is woven with heavy silk or gold yarns and is worn on occasions and festivities. They are so exquisite that people travel all the way from many regions of the country to purchase the original hand-woven stuff no matter what!
History
Be assured to get mesmerized by its ultimate antiquity! Ok then, let’s date back to Hindu Mythology.
Inheritance of elegance
It is said that the Kanchipuram Silk Weavers are the descendants of Markanda, who was known for weaving clothes for the Gods themselves.
Royalty
The famous king of the Chola dynasty “Krishnadevaraya” has taken good efforts for the silk trade. The then-famous two weaving groups called “Saligars” and “Devangas” settled in the district of Kanchipuram and exhibited their expertise in silk weaving here.
Divinity
This silk gains so much significance because of the probable reason that it is considered to be the favorite fabric of the Gods Shiva and Vishnu.
Intriguing, right?!
Origin
Now, let’s get to know about the roots of elegance!
Considered one of the most gorgeous sarees all over the world, the Kanchipuram gets its name from the village of its origin, Kanchipuram.
Kanchipuram is a popular city in entire South India because of two reasons. First, it is revered as the “City of thousand temples” with magnificent architecture and breathtaking construction. Second, the city is equally famous for its Queen of silk sarees – the “Kanchipuram silk”.
It is in the bylanes of this ancient city that the silk of the best quality is handwoven painstakingly to create the Kanchipuram silk saree.
Process
A perfect blend of art and culture!
The pure mulberry silk used in the making of Kanchipuram saree comes from South India and the zari comes from Gujarat.
To weave a Kanchipuram sari three shuttles are used. While the weaver works on the right side, his aide works on the left side shuttle. The border color and design are usually quite different from the body. If the pallu (the hanging end of the sari) has to be woven in a different shade, it is first separately woven and then delicately joined to the Sari. The part where the body meets the pallu is often denoted by a zig-zag line.
In order to keep the thickness and stiffness of this fabric, the threads are dipped in rice water and sun-dried before using it. This is followed by interlocking the theme silver wire with the Silk threads. After this, the golden thread is used to complete the weave.
Features
A plethora of elegant features makes a Kanchipuram Saree stand out!
Here we go on..
- Kanchipuram silk sarees are exclusively known for their rich gold borders, traditional designs, and dense fabric in contrasting colors.
- Purely hand woven from processed silk yarn and “Zari”- a silver silk thread coated in gold color.
- One of the most special features of Kanchipuram silk sarees is that the Pallu and the borders are weaved separately and eventually joined together. The zigzag pattern that joins both parts is also known as the pitni. The Pallu of the Kanchipuram saree is usually quite different in design and color from the body.
- As the saree is made of three Silk threads twisted together with the silver wire it becomes more durable.
- Temple borders, checks, stripes, and floral (buttas) are traditional designs found on Kanchipuram sarees.
- The patterns and designs in the Kanchipuram sarees were inspired by images and scriptures in South Indian temples or natural features like leaves, birds, and animals.
- These are sarees with rich woven pallu showing paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Varieties
Kanchipuram silk sarees include gorgeous mythological stories in the design along with stunning Temple figurines. They also have motifs from various temples and general paintings on the border of the saree. The body of these gorgeous beauties boats of Temple designs, stripes, and floral buttas.
Although the sarees have stayed the same in their original techniques, even for the newer generation, pattern and color mixes have changed.
There are three types of Kanchipuram silks –
- Pure silk and Pure zari,
- Pure silk and textile/half-fine/tested Zari
- Polyester/silk mix and pure zari
And can be elegantly differed by the mode of designing techniques as follows
Plain, Temple bordered, Modern, Traditional, floral weave Kanchipuram Silk sarees.
Originating as a nine-yard wonder, the Kanchipuram silk sarees have always been in high demand. Due to its popularity soon a six-yard weave was included. You will be mesmerized by the beautiful designs and blend of colors of these sarees. Make this gorgeous beauty a part of your collection and enjoy the rich history of a Kanchipuram silk saree
Weaving Communities
Let’s get to know about the significant hands which craft this elegance!
It is said that the two major weaving communities, the Devangas, and the Saligars came all the way from Andhra Pradesh and settled in the village of Kanchipuram. Utilizing their weaving skills they started weaving mesmerizing Kanchipuram silk sarees including gorgeous designs of figures they saw in the temples around the village. Soon after this beautiful fabric earned its popularity and became one of the must-haves from saree lovers.
Kanchipuram Saree for Wedding
Wedding, an opulent period of woman’s fascination!
So, nothing could be better than silk sarees when it comes to an Indian wedding.
Kanchipuram silk sarees are one of the best souvenirs to buy for special moments! For centuries, they have remained an integral part of bridal trousseau for women.
Perpetual elegance, luxury, and the shimmer of liquid gold come together to make your wedding day a royal affair.
Difference between Kanchipuram and Banarasi saree
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees are believed to be equivalent to North India’s Banarasi sarees!
While Kanchipuram sarees belong to South India, Kanchipuram specifically in Tamil Nadu, Banarasi sarees find their origin in Varanasi or Banaras in North India. While in a Kanchipuram saree golden thread is used for weaving designs, Banarasi sarees have intricate gold and silver work on them using zari.
Why is the Kanchipuram Saree expensive?
Kanchipuram Silk Sarees are India’s richest heritage! They are an integral part of every bridal trousseau and a glamorous inclusion in all our wardrobes. Like you, I love to carry expensive Kanchipuram silk sarees on all occasions. However, at times the price tags stop us from draping them. Do you wonder why Kanchipuram sarees are so expensive?
Here’s the reason-
Kanchipuram sarees vary widely in cost depending upon the intricacy of work, colors, pattern, the material used like zari, etc.
Due to the purest form of ingredients used as well as the time and skill that the weavers put into it. Mulberry silk, gold, and silver threads are expensive and thus, increase the price of the final product.
How to identify the authenticity of Kanchipuram Saree?
With the rise in demand, these days you can find a lot of imitations of the Pure Kanchipuram saree in the market.
In a genuine Kanchipuram Silk Sari, body and border are woven separately and then interlocked together. The joint is woven so strongly that even if the sarees tears, the border will not detach. That differentiates the kanchipuram silk sarees from the others.
Whenever you buy Kanchipuram sarees, you must look for the hallmark sign on the saree. The Silk Mark Organization of India is responsible for giving quality standards and certifying real silk sarees. So, if the sign is on the sarees, then what you are buying is a genuine one.
Seematti’s Tradition
The thick business bond with the weaving community is the backbone of our brand. We believe that every intricate detail in a six-yard of fabric or any attire that we embody is intertwined with the sweat and blood of artisans who weave it arduously and with precision.
The brand attempts to combine elements from around the world and create one-of-its-kind attires to support traditional Indian weaving techniques. Beena Kannan’s every collection is a mirror to the ancient golden eras, with a touch of Indian weaves.
Why Seematti?
Beena Kannan’s magical touch!
Weaving masterpieces
Each attire in the Beena Kannan collection is conceived with precision. From creating the idea to conveying it to the weavers and getting it sewn as desired, it’s a long process personally monitored by the pioneer herself. Every design, pattern, and outfit has a touch of Beena Kannan’s magical creativity, making it extra special. To Beena Kannan, the customer satisfaction is everything.
