Gujarat Sarees - A Saga of Intricate Designs

The weaves of Gujarat exemplify the vibrant colours and cultural authenticity of the state. The rich and diversified traditional designs of the Gujarat sarees illustrate the charms and the contagious energy of the state.
Let’s get to know about these different varieties of Sarees from the state of Gujarat.
Patola Sarees of Gujarat are one of the most popular saree types which are known for the ikat technique used to dye the colour onto the fabric and for the intricate designs and patterns as well as bright and vibrant colours that are featured all over the saree. The common motifs feature - Parrots, flowers, elephants, dancing figures and geometric designs.
The Gharchola saree has its origin in the Khambat region of Gujarat. It is a silk saree of the ancient and intricate art of weaving and dyeing, with checks, stripes, and designs and one of the most well-known Gujarati traditional sarees. This is the perfect wedding saree made with skilled craftsmanship featuring bright bridal colors such as maroon, red and green. Interestingly, it is believed that the gharchola saree is gifted to the bride by her in-laws to wear at the end of the wedding as part of the wedding ceremony.
Contrary to the Gharchola saree, the Panetar silk sarees are gifted to the brides by their maternal uncles. The bride wears this traditional cream or white with red colored saree at the beginning of the wedding rituals.
The panetar saree is a silk saree adorned with zari work, motifs, and embroidery which symbolizes both grace and purity.The pallu has intricate designs and features different creative patterns and motifs to amplify the beauty of the saree.
Bandhani Saree originated in Gujarat around 5,000 years ago by the Khatri Community. The term `Bandhani` is derived from the word `Bandhan` that means tying up.
The Tie-dye technique is used to create varied colourful bandhani sarees which have patterns such as waves, stripes, dots, and squares. It is a resist dyeing process where the fabric is pinched and tied with thread before it is dyed. These sarees are also well-known for using a variety of fabrics such as silk, cotton or malmal, georgette and chiffon.
Ajrakh print sarees are characterized by block-printing on both sides by resist printing method. The prints include bold geometric repeats, in combinations of centre field and border designs. Traditionally, these symmetrical patterns are printed and dyed in natural colors. The names of some of these motifs are Amri Mohar, Suraj Mukhi, Kakkar and Minkudi .
Kutch work embroidery is usually crafted on cotton or silk fabric . Silk or woollen thread is used with fine stitches to create detailed and elaborate patterns. Motifs and designs draw inspiration from romantic, architectural themes.
Aari stitch is a continuous fine chain stitch embroidery. The embroidery is done with an aari which is a needle with a hook.
Ashavali silk saree originated in Ahmedabad and feature intricate brocade weaving work known as kinkhwab, made using metallic gold and silver threads known as zari. The weaves include motifs of birds, animals and flowers. Ashavali sarees are distinguished by the enamelled look of the border.
Bhujodi kala cotton sarees are hand-woven and are colored with natural dyes. The specialty is that the cotton used is an organic cotton that is indigenous to the Kutch region.
Rogan painting is an art of cloth printing practiced in Gujarat. In this craft, paint made from boiled castor oil or linseed oil and vegetable dyes is laid down on fabric using a stylus. This gives the print an elevated appearance.
A popular type of embroidery on sarees is Soof of the Kutch district of Gujarat. In this embroidery, there is no need of drawing outline as the artisans execute it by careful counting of the warp and weft. Hand embroidery is done on the reverse side of the cloth, and the motifs are displayed when turned over. The designs are geometric, symmetrical and exceptionally intricate.
So, saree lovers, it's time for you to visualize the rich treats of the various types of sarees which you will witness through my eyes in my upcoming video series MY CULTURAL JOURNEY - SAREE YATRA
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