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7 saris every Indian woman should own

April 07, 2016 12:58 IST

Sari's the drape for all seasons... How many of these do you have?

India is known over-the-world for its beautifully designed saris.

In fact, a sari is one Indian costume that never goes out of fashion.

Be it the light, flowy chiffon saris that you can wear everyday to traditional silk saris that steal the show at every wedding function or the hand-woven cotton beauties that are perfect to wear at work -- a sari can make a huge impression for one and all.

Here are 7 traditional Indian saris every woman must have in her wardrobe:

1. Banarasi sari

Aditi Rao Hydari

Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com

Banarasi saris were a craze in the 70s and 80s when almost all actresses wore them on and off screen.

Known for their intricate embroidery and zari work, Banarasi saris are made of fine woven silk and are quite heavy due to the delicate brocade work that they sport.

2. Bandhani sari

Photograph: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com

Known for their intricate bandhej work, Bandhani saris come from the state of Rajasthan and Kutch. They are more sought after for their colours and interesting designs. The beautiful saris, which are made by the tie and dye technique, derive their name from the word bandhani, which means to tie.

3. Paithani sari

Hasleen Kaur

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Lakme Fashion Week/Facebook

Hailing from Maharashtra, Paithani saris are known for their intricate pallus and embellished designs. The saris also flaunt picturesque scenes from Maharashtra such as from Ajanta and Ellora caves or any other traditional motifs that are hand woven in resplendent colours.

4. Kanjeevaram sari

Rekha

Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar

The gorgeous actress Rekha has made sure that we all know what a Kanjeevaram sari looks like. However, you'd be surprised to know that they are made from pure mulberry silk thread.

They are exclusively made in the village Kancheepuram in Chennai, though the zari that is used to make it comes from Gujarat.

It's also interesting to know that the border, colour and design are quite different from the body as in a genuine Kanchipuram silk sari, body and border are woven separately and then interlocked together.

5. Patola sari

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Lakme Fashion Week/Facebook

Patola saris are known for their cost as well as for their beautiful thread work.

The saris are exclusively made by a few limited families in Patan, Gujarat, which is why they are also very expensive.

Their geometric designs and rich, traditional colours are quite popular and sure to make you the center of attraction at any party of gathering.

6. Kantha sari

Photograph: Kind courtesy Jaypore

A popular style of embroidery that comes from West Bengal, kantha saris are known for their easy-to-wear fabric and rich thread work.

Did you know that the kantha is perhaps India's oldest known embroidery and its history dates back to the first and the second AD?

7. Chanderi sari

Dia Mirza

Photograph: Kind Courtesy Dia Mirza/Instagram

Weaved at a village called Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, Chanderi saris are known for their hand woven fabric which is beautifully mixed with zari work.

They are available in both pure silk and pure cotton and can be worn for any kind of occasion. You'll make heads turn, for sure!

Also Read: 6 ways to drape a sari

Sari's the way to go!

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Avantika Kukreti