During ancient times, the Silk sarees were primarily worn by the rich and famous royal ladies only as it was very expensive and considered a luxury item. In modern times, during various festivals and important occasions such as wedding celebrations, extravagant amounts of money is spent on purchasing silk sarees. Silk sarees are an important part of the bride’s wardrobe. Today due to technological advancement, there are many varieties of silk Sarees such as Kanjivaram, Banaras, soft silk, pure silk, fancy silk and silk cotton. Benaras sarees as the name suggests are woven in a place called Benaras or Varanasi.

In South India, in a place called Kanchipuram of Tamil Nadu state is famous for Kanchipuram silk sarees. They are also famously known as kanjivaram silk sarees. These types of sarees are heavy as a lot of zari or silk thread is intricately woven in patterns and also due to the amount of silk involved. Because these sarees are hand woven by artisans they are expensive. Many come from different places in India and also abroad to Kanchipuram in order to buy the sarees. The Kanjivaram sarees are created from the pure mulberry silk thread. The sarees are interwoven with threads which are mostly dipped in gold. It is a must have luxury of every bride and also women wear it to grace every festive occasion.

Popularity

There are designer kanjivaram sarees which are highly patronized by Indian celebrities such as film actresses some of whom are known to only wear heavy silk zari sarees. Famous among the actresses is Ms. Rekha who is known to wear exquisite silk sarees for every grand occasion. Each and every saree is master crafted by especially skilled weavers. They come in ethnic designs as well as modern designs to suit the stylish and modern woman. As the silk sarees are easy to drape so they are considered very versatile and the colors and the opulence of the gold and shimmer make the ladies drool over them.

Designs & Patterns

Mostly kanjeevaram sarees have a big border with contrasting colors. These borders have smaller intricate designs of various motifs such as flowers, leaf patters and temple type edges. There are also stripes, checks and floral prints on some of the borders reflecting the features of ancient temples and also some birds such as the peacock etc. Based on the type of motifs used and their intricacy the price also varies. Today because of the presence of highly trained fashion designers, the sarees are weaved into different eye catching hues and shades.

Designs Patterns

The border of the saree or the bottom end usually has a thick zari border. The hanging end of the sari that is commonly known as pallu mostly comes in a different color or has more deep intricate designs than the rest of the sari. A special feature of the genuine kanjeevaram saree is that the main body of the sari and the hanging end of the sari i.e. the pallu are woven separately. After that they are attached using a system of fool proof interlocking so that they are not separated from each other. Also Kanchipuram sarees are considered superior in another sense as well. They are known to have a double warp and a double weft while weaving it. This adds to its value and increase its glamour and beauty. Each and every saree is considered unique and it takes anywhere between 8-15 days to weave a saree.

It is an interesting fact to know that the Government of India has given the Geographical Indication tag for Kanchipuram areas. This can be considered as truly and rightly deserved recognition.