Saree- Pride of the Bengali Women

saree

The saree is not just the attire of women; it’s their body identity. A traditional garment for women, a favorite in South Asia region, especially in India, it is a cultural piece. This flowing garment is praised for its style and how a traditional dress can be incorporated into modern fashion. This blog will also present information on the origins of it, what it symbolizes, the different types and fabrics, and its presence in the contemporary world.

Evolution and Brief History of the Saree

It is a traditional garment from South Asia. As it is well known, it is worn with a blouse. It symbolizes pride and honor and is worn at weddings, functions, and ceremonies. There are various styles of wearing sarees in India, depending on the region. Different fabrics and prints are also used.

For instance, it made in Varanasi, known as Banarasi saree, is for silk and gold or silver threadwork. Kanjeevaram is a city in Tamil Nadu famous for its homemade silk for wedding occasions. Its color combinations and borders look very rich. These regional variations collectively offer a broad outlook into India’s textiles and the role that it plays in the lives of millions of women.

These are thus valued family items, and they are often handed down from one generation to another. Wearing a saree that once belonged to a mother or a grandmother is as good as preserving tradition.

Different Types of Sarees

Today, sarees are available in many styles, various fabrics, and beautiful designs. Here are some popular types:

Banarasi : This traditional outfit of Varanasi is made of silk and has rich brocaded designs all over it. It is especially suitable for marriages, receptions, and other ceremonies.
Kanjeevaram : From Tamil Nadu, always associated with rich silks, bright colors, and intricate borders, especially for brides.
Chanderi : A thin one made of silk or cotton from Chanderi, preferably with peacocks or lotus as samples.
Bandhani : Dot and circular tie-and-dye sarees are made in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Patola : This is the original double ikat craft product from Patan, Gujarat, with skilled designs on joss stick covers.
Paithani : Peacock motifs were added to the pallu of the sarees of Maharashtra’s silk.
Tant : This is from West Bengal. It is made from cotton and has a new classical design in a light color appropriate for a hot climate.
Pochampally : In Andhra Pradesh, ikats are mainly bright colors, and cotton and silk fabrics are prominent.
Sambalpuri : It is locally woven in Orissa and belongs to the tribal pattern with motifs of shanks and flowers; it may be made of silk or checked cotton.
Kasavu : Most of these are white with gold border and are invariably worn during festivals, particularly Onam.

Different Types of Sarees in Bangladesh

Jamdani : The term ‘Jamdani’ is from Mikaljamdani, referring to the handwoven Jamdani saree, which originated from Dhaka and has motifs on fine cotton or silk. It is particularly appropriate for weddings or other ceremonies.
Tangail : Another very common one is produced in Tangail. It is extremely lightweight and has simple motifs like lotus and geometrical shapes. Made from cotton or silk, it can be worn during the working week and for formal or special occasions.
Muslin : Again, the muslin saree, again from Dhaka, is well-known for its weaves made from superfine sheer cotton fabrics. Real Muslin is relatively scarce, so people like to keep items made out of it as family treasures; at the same time, it is exceptionally light and delicate.
Rajshahi Silk : Next came Rajshahi, which is unique in that it has a soft touch, deep color, and simplistic print work. He used it during special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, and other special occasions that require formal dress codes.
Katan : A Katan saree is a silk saree worn by women in Bangladesh. It has a nice touch and a beautiful embellishment of a rich brocade pattern. It is perfect for weddings, parties, and especially festive seasons.
Mirpur Benarasi : It is from Mirpur in Dhaka and is based on Benarasi sarees, with designs made of gold or silver zari work. It is used mainly for large occasions such as wedding ceremonies.
Dhakai : The cloth of such a design is known as a Dhakai saree, also produced in Dhaka. Though it is not as complex as Jamdani, it depicts simple floral or geometric motifs. The dress can be worn with business and casual outfits and also for events such as weddings and parties, though usually on formal occasions.
Nokshi Katha : The saree belongs to the category of Nokshi Katha, which originated from rural Bangladesh. It is famous for its embroidery done in a quilting technique known as Nokshi Katha, which has motifs of folk patterns and stories. It is usually put on during festivals or other related occasions or as day-to-day attire.

Styled in a saree

Wearing a saree with style is a fundamental skill. The simplest method is the Nivi style from Andhra, where both ends of the sari are folded at the navel area, and the pallu drapes over the shoulder. Other styles include:

Nivi Style: Bloused from the waist up; at the other, the pallu is thrown over the left shoulder and drawn back at the back. It can be used in both business and casual settings.
Bengali Style: It is worn without folds, with one pallu on each shoulder, and is accessorized with a key ring.
Gujarati Style: Alsworthy, like the Nivi style, but with a difference: the pallu falls on the right side.
Maharashtrian Style: It is worn like a dhoti with the pallu draped over the shoulder.
Coorgi Style: It is draped with a knot at the shoulder from Coorg, Karnataka.

Styled in a saree in Bangladesh

Traditional Bengali Style: There is an excellent preference for the Traditional Bengali Style at the moment. In this style, the pallu is draped over both shoulders, and it is draped without pleats at the front portion. It is worn mainly during festivals and other such occasions.
Dhakai Style: Dhakai Style is prevalent in Dhaka. This garment is worn with front horizontal folds and the end or pallu is draped over the left shoulder. This style displays the rich fabric and designs of the saree and is worn occasion at functions and occasion wear.
Sylheti Style: The style that is evident in Sylheti Bangla is Elementary and essential. This is worn by passing the saree around the navel and left side of the lower abdomen and fixing the pallu on the left shoulder. It is easy to wear, and it suits casual occasions.
Nivi Style: The Nivi Style is standard in all South Asian countries such as Bangladesh. It is gathered at the front portion, and the pallu is thrown over the left side of the shoulder and tucked from the front at the waist. This style looks appropriate at work and other places and thus is highly recommended.
Rajshahi Style: The Rajshahi Style is more about the delicate fabric of the saree that is used. It is worn with minimum pleats in the front, and the pallu is adequately spread over the shoulder. This style is standard at weddings and other functions in the area of Rajshahi.
Katan Style: Katan Style is used for Katan sarees; it is worn so that the elaborate embroidery done on the saree will be the focal point. It is typical to wear pallu-free and flying or pinned to the shoulder, so it is great for wear for festive events.
Noorjahan Style: The furniture pieces belonging to the Noorjahan Style are all inspired by the grandeur of the Mughal Empire, and the ‘empress’ in this case is no less than Noorjahan herself. Here, it is folded along the length, and the pallu is used to cover the head. This goes down to the modesty of the Bengali woman. This kind of dress is usually used in religious and cultural events.

Fabric Choices for Sarees

Sarees may be made from diverse fabrics. Here are a few not-unusual ones:

Silk: Popular for its appearance and sense, used for weddings and festivals. Includes Kanjeevaram, Banarasi, and Mysore silk sarees.
Cotton: Cotton is lightweight and ideal for daily wear in warm climates. It includes Kanjeevaram, Tant, Sambalpuri, and Chanderi cotton sarees.
Georgette: Soft and flowing, it is appropriate for informal birthday party wear and is often decorated with embroidery or prints.

Chiffon: Light and translucent, with good draping houses, used for casual and formal wear.
Crepe: Crinkled texture, used for unique activities, regularly made from silk or synthetic fibers.
Linen: Light and crisp, increasingly more used for its consolation and easy layout.
Net: Very light, sheer fabric regularly decorated with heavy embroidery or zari work for events and weddings.
Tussar Silk: Wild silk with a natural gold sheen for cultural events.
Organza: Thin and crisp, used for formal or bridal wear.

Velvet: Soft and rich for winter weddings or formal occasions.

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Perfect Saree

Occasion: Silk or heavily embroidered sarees should be considered for weddings or festivals. When going for business meetings or even running errands at home, simple cotton or georgette sarees would suffice.
Fabric Selection: Choose an appropriate fabric for the climate and occasion. For example, in hot regions, choose cotton, chiffon, or linen, while for cold areas, silk and velvet are the best options.
Color selection: Skin tone and purpose guide color selection; bold colors such as red and pink would do well if it’s a celebration, while peach or lavender would be appropriate for formal gatherings.
Keep an eye on the border and Pallu: It can be characterized by its border and pallu. For marriages, it is best to opt for sarees with heavier patterns; conversely, simpler designs are well-suited when worn daily.
Think about the way you plan to drape: Certain sarees only go with a given draping style. For example, traditional Kanjeevaram sarees are perfect for Nivi draping, while chiffon or georgette ones go perfectly with modern styles.
Never forget about blouses: Blouses play an important role in accessorizing. For instance, try sleeveless, halter-neck, or backless blouses.

Conclusion

It is one of the oldest garments in South Asia, representing cultural and regional diversity. It has evolved over centuries but remains one of the favorites among women. Even if there are modern changes, it continues to signify gracefulness, classiness, and tradition.

Today, sarees represents cultural elegance and identity. It is a mixture of the past and fashion for women attending weddings or even dressing casually in their day-to-day lives.

FAQs

Q4: What are some tips for choosing the right sarees for my body type?

A4: Chiffons are the best for petite women. Silk with bold cuts would be ideal for women with large busts, while tall women may opt to wear sarees with big prints and wide borders.

Q5: How can I make sarees look trendy?

A5: You can wear fashionable blouses such as crop tops, put on belts, or experiment with various draping styles. Modern accessories can also be styled to make traditional sarees appear more fashionable.

Q6: What precautions should I take if I wear sarees regularly?

A6: If you use silk sarees, one of the best practices is gentle hand washing or dry cleaning, followed by storage at cool temperatures. Cotton hand-washable sarees are recommended as well; however, georgette or embroidered ones will require mild detergents, while high-end brands demand dry cleaning.

Q7: Can sarees be worn for occasions other than formal ones?

A7: Yes! For instance, Kanjeevarams, made out of cotton and chiffon, which would not cost too much, are ideal for everyday wear but should always be worn with simple jewelry pieces.

Q10: Where can I buy authentic sarees?

A10: Genuine sarees may be purchased from nearby stores, online platforms such as Amazon or Fab India, and boutique shops designed by individual designers. Certain styles and fabrics are specific to every nation on earth.