Bandhani: The Traditional Saree

Gujarat, located on India's western coast, is in the region of the finest fabrics and is known for its incredibly magnificent rich textile legacy. This state has received a lot of praise for its exquisite embroidery, skillful craftsmanship, and innovative saree decorating techniques. These pieces are appropriate for all ages and maybe draped in a variety of ways to get a range of appearances.

Here are some stunning traditional Gujarati sarees.

BANDHEJ SAREE:

For a long time, Bandhani sarees have been the face of Gujarati traditional cloth. The most traditional technique, Tie & Dye, uses small resist-dyed spots' to create intricate patterns on fabric, which are commonly referred to as Bandhani or Bandhej. The name Bandhni comes from the Hindi word Bandhan, which means "to tie." Jamnagar, Ahmedabad, and Bhuj are known for their traditional Bandhani sarees. The traditional colors of bandhani sarees were red, yellow, green, and blue. Dots, squares, waves, and stripes are some of the typical Bandhni saree patterns. Silk, cotton, cotton-silk, chiffon, and georgette are the most popular textiles for bandhani prints. In total, nine communities are involved in the manufacturing of traditional textiles: Khatri, Chhipa (printing), Punjabi Chavda, Rangrez (dyer), or Neelgar (indigo dyer).

PANETAR SAREE:

The bride's maternal uncle presents the bride with a panetar saree to wear at the beginning of the wedding ceremony in Gujarati weddings. A silk saree with a white/off-white body and a red/maroon border is the traditional Panetar. The white body is made of Gajji silk and is embellished with Zari, bandhani designs, and other forms of rich embroidery.

GHARCHOLA SAREE:

A Gharchola, originating in Gujarat's Khambhat(Cambay) area, is another bridal must-have saree. This traditional saree is traditionally given to the bride by her in-laws and worn during the wedding's second half. Gharchola is a combination of the words 'ghar' (house) and 'chola' (cape/clothing), which literally means 'home wear.' These sarees are woven of cotton/Gajji silk/silk-cotton blends and zari threads, then embellished with bandhani work to show off the skill. Because it's a bridal saree, it's commonly created in red, maroon, green, or yellow and has a unique grid/chequered design. A traditional Gharchola saree is made up of 12 squares (bar baghor) or 52 squares (Bhavan Bhag). Each check/box in the Gharchola grid has a Zari border and is knotted and colored in beautiful bandhani patterns that run the length of the saree. Elephants, parrots, flowers, and dancing females are common motifs.

PATOLA SAREE:

The traditional Patola saree, created in Patan, North Gujarat, and patronized by the royal Solanki Rajputs, is the glory of Gujarat Handicrafts. Patola sarees are one of Gujarat's most beautiful silk saree varieties. Patola means "queen of silks." These traditional sarees are handwoven with complex motifs that are the same on both sides of the fabric and include classic patterns like leaves, flowers, birds, elephants and horses, dancing girls, and a geometric pattern known as Ajrakh. Patolas come in a variety of colorful colors including Red, Blue, Pink, Peach, Green, and Yellow. Weaving is done on simple conventional looms with natural dyes created from vegetable extracts and other natural colors. These sarees will tear but colors do not fade easily. Depending on their weave, a patola silk saree can either be manufactured using a single Ikat technique, namely Rajkot Patola, or a double Ikkat technique, namely Patan Patola. Patola sarees are for joyous rituals and occasions of Gujarat and also an essential investment for every Indian woman.

GUJRATI BROCADE SAREE:

Gujarati brocade, inspired by the Mughal courts, has long represented the rich cultural history of Indian traditional fabrics. Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bharuch, Surat, and Jamnagar are the heart of brocade weaving centers. These sarees' rich motifs are woven in bright and glossy colored silk on a golden background or the elegant zari combined with silk, which first introduced inlay work and usually features foliage, flowers, and stems highlighted by a fine dark line. Traditional floral designs are set on a golden zari background, and meenakari work is used to complete the aesthetic, giving it an elevated royal appeal. The sheen on these sarees is lovely, and they're thicker than other varieties of Indian brocade. Shades of brown, red, ochre, yellow, green, and blue colors are mixed in silver and golden brocades. These traditional sarees are extensively worn on special occasions like weddings, parties, and festivals.

GUJRATI EMBROIDERY SAREE:

Kathiawar/ Kutch embroidery is a well-known style of surface embellishment in Gujarat's Kathiawar area, and embroidered tinsel sarees have become some of the state's most popular sarees. In Surat, it's called Khari, while in Saurashtra and Kutch, it's called Roghan. This popular traditional handicraft and textile trademark art are done in the form of a net using cotton or silk strands. Square chain, double buttonhole, pattern darning, running stitch, satin, and straight stitches are among the stitches used. This embroidery is enhanced by the use of vibrant colors. Real gold and silver were once used to construct beautiful sarees on silk, velvet, and brocade textiles, but currently, zari is used instead.

GUJRATI MIRROR-WORK SAREE:

Gujrati Any dingy cloth can be brightened with mirror work. These days, sarees made of georgette, crepe, cotton, silk, and chiffon are adorned with Kathiawar embroidery in a vivid colored thread and a plethora of mirrors. When little mirrors called Abhla are embroidered over geometrically structured designs, the trademark impact of the colorful embroidery sparkles, producing an enticing look that suits all age groups.