India is a country of much diversity, myriad traditions, and a wide range of attires. Even though Hinduism is the largest religion, it accommodates a wide variety of traditions and is comfortable with that variety. This is very unlike other countries. Every region of India has different traditional attires that symbolize their culture, heritage, belief, and divinity. Many times, there are several regions within one state having a unique pattern of clothing.
Indian attire includes a variety of Kurtis, Lehenga-Choli, Salwar Suits, Sarees, and many more. Every outfit gives a different look. Which outfit should be selected to wear in a festival or on some occasion? It is the most difficult question faced by the ladies. Every woman wants to look graceful, elegant, and charming in any dress she chooses. The queen of all women’s clothing is undoubtedly the saree and you can never go wrong by wearing a saree in India. For many airlines and hotels, even the official uniform is a saree
Evolution of Saree
Saree is the traditional attire that Indian women are wearing from ancient times. The name ‘SAREE’ has been evolved from the word ‘SATTIKA’ that means the women attire. It has three parts:
- The Antriya – The lower garment.
- The Uttaraiya- The plates worn over the shoulder.
- The Stanpatta- The chest band.
The SATTIKA was made by weaving cotton, dyed in indigo, red, and turmeric, which was worn by Indian women. With the development of textile industries in India, the design of sarees also changed. Figures, flower patterns, pearls, silk threads are started to be used on the drapes to make it look more attractive. With the foreign influence, the saree became the first Indian International garment and a symbol of Indian feminism.
Types of Sarees
There are wide varieties of sarees are available in the Indian market. Every state in India has a specialty in the saree fabric. These are the amazing sarees from different states of India – here are but a few of them:
- Uttar Pradesh – Banarsi Silk, Chikankari Saree
- Tamil Nadu – Kanjeeeveram silk
- Kerela – Kasavu
- Maharashtra – Paithani
- Gujarat – Bandhani, Patola
- Madhya Pradesh- Chanderi
- Assam – Muga silk
- Rajasthan – Leheriya, Kalamkari
- Bengal – Jamdani
- Orissa – Sambalpuri Ikkat, Bomkai
- Telangana – Pochampally
- West Bengal – Baluchari Silk, Tant Saree
- Punjab – Phulkari
Five benefits of wearing sarees
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- Versatile drapes – Saree is a kind of outfit that can be worn by any woman irrespective of their body structure. Whether she is fat or thin, tall or short, young or old, saree gives every woman a very stunning look. It fits everyone and perfect for every occasion. It brings beauty, attractiveness, and respect to a woman.
- Style Experiment – A single saree can be styled in many ways. A dhoti style saree can be worn with a western touch blouse. Can use the ethnic skirt and drape saree as a lehenga. We can have both a bold and ethnic look with a saree.
- Skin and climate-friendly – Cotton and silk are considered as an antidote to skin diseases. Wearing cotton and silk sarees prevents various skin diseases. They are also climate-friendly. The fabric used is perfect for all the seasons and gives comfort to the wearer.
- Expression of culture – Every religion in India has its way of saree draping. The way it is worn expresses the different Hindu culture. Like Sidha Pallu, Nauvari, Pinkosu, Kappulu are some famous drapes. It is the identity of Hinduism.
- Roomy and airy – The tight plates around the waist flairs into a large circle around the feet that makes the air move inside out. The exposed midriff keeps the body cool. Pleating the pallu makes the saree very airy.
Saree is the only outfit that is used by women of all the religions of India. Due to this, India is known for its beautiful and graceful looks of sarees. Nine-yard beauty is something that every woman loves. Saree is not just a cloth; it is the thread that connects different cultures of India.