Tag: Saree stories

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31 Days in a saree – Soumya Ravi’s Saree Story

Posted on by Sareeing Official

This was a challenge many, many years in the making. I first thought of doing it, when I read A Saree for a Month for Newsweek by Shoba Narayan. I loved the idea, and since then, it remained in my mind as something I would do one day.
What’s the big deal for an Indian-born and raised, 50-year-old woman to wear a saree for a month? It’s not a big deal for most women of my age, especially if they were raised in India, just as I was. Even today, I have cousins, both older and younger, who wear a saree and feel no constraint, and are completely at ease with it. But for me, it was a challenge.

soumya-saree-story-Sareeing
I have always loved sarees. Loved their vibrant colors, their stylish drapes, and the way the cloth felt. Talk to me of elegant women, and I immediately think of a saree-clad woman. My mother, aunts, and cousins all drape it well and look so refined and put together in a saree. However, my love for sarees lasted only till I left the shop with it; wearing one was never my choice. I didn’t know how to drape a saree well, and I was never comfortable in one — and it showed. While I love the pottu, I dislike the other jewelry accessories that go with a saree. I wore sarees as infrequently as I could, and eventually, I got worse at draping, worse at walking in it. Even with pins, the sarees unspooled. And driving — “Why did I get married if I have to drive even while wearing a saree?” Part of the problem was that I did not have the kind of sarees I could be comfortable in for many hours. Mine were either super heavy Kanjeevarams, or super soft ones that spooled all over if I moved just so. I got so used to comfort wear — my faithful sweats or a pair of jeans — and left my sarees hanging in my closet like prized pieces of art. There was always the guilt, though, and then the inevitable what are my girls learning from me about the saree and, by extension, about India and Indian clothing?



soumya-saree-story-Sareeing
Well, I did find out what the girls thought of it. We were talking about clothes, colors etc. and my daughter said (I paraphrase) “Sarees are not comfortable and are for old people — young people would never be able to wear it.” When I reminded her that her grandmothers lived in a saree day and night and did everything, far more than we did, she said, “Exactly. Old people can be comfortable in it. You wouldn’t be able to wear it all day and be comfortable,” Challenge accepted.
I would spend 31 days (1 month) in a saree. All-day, every day. I did give myself some outs:
It was winter in California, I would wear the saree with sweaters. No Jewelry. I would wear the saree from my morning shower till my night shower — typically after my cup of tea in the morning, until I was ready to go to bed.
I gave myself three sick days, days when I could not wear the saree for health reasons. If used, I would make them up at the end and keep the challenge. I used one.

soumya-saree-story-Sareeing
If I could do it in sweats, I would do it in a saree, but if I could not do it anyway, then it’s not on the ‘saree’.
So how was my journey? In two words, very comfortable.
Once I decided to do it, a switch went off. This is what I had to do, so I was going to do it and be comfortable.
I give huge merit points to the sweaters. Without the uncomfortable blouses or the constraining jewels, it was me in a saree and not a foreign being. It was night and day in comfort compared to all my previous experiences.
What did I do or could not do? I did everything I would normally do, and then some. I increased my physical activities dramatically. Things that needed me to move more. I upped my dance aerobics by three times what I used to do. I did more hikes, more walks. The household chores, the work — all of it.

soumya-saree-story-Sareeing
One thing I wish I had done more of — I did not go on video calls as much. I did go on some, but not too many. There was the professional side of me that did not want to use up meeting time to explain my challenge and attire to non-Indian colleagues. In all fairness, even before, I never did video calls. So no one thought any different when I didn’t switch the video on. I do not think what I wear has any bearing on what I do or how I work or how I think…but that is a different challenge I guess 🙂
Did I see many questioning glances? But of course — you can’t go hiking, shoe shopping or walk in the rain in a vibrant saree and expect no one to notice. There were many eyes on me, but they didn’t make me or the folks with me uncomfortable.
Would I do this again? In a heartbeat. But I would not call it a challenge!



soumya-saree-story-Sareeing
So, the changes that came in because of this: I can now drape a saree well. I still do not look as great in a saree as I have seen others look, but I do not look sloppy or uncomfortable either. My biggest win is that I do not use pins at all. Not a single one. Not even when I do aerobics or hiking. That is a huge win, as I have never seen my mom use pins either and it always bothered me that I needed them. Well, not anymore.
The other big win: thanks to my large-hearted friend Shama, who loaned (and now says she gifted) me 10+ sarees for the challenge, I now know the sarees that I am comfortable in. Things I like, can drape, and can live in. I also have a closet full of them. 

soumya-saree-story-Sareeing
Today is day 31. Am I going to miss wearing a saree…well, no, not really, but I liked it while it lasted. Loved dressing up every morning, the whole process from what will I wear to finding sweaters that match, the daily photos, etc. I have happy thoughts associated with a saree. But I can’t wait for sunrise tomorrow and to don my well-worn sweats and t-shirt as I get ready for another workday.
What is the one thing I hope you get out of it? Exactly the lesson that my kids got and acknowledged on day 10 of my challenge — sarees are the perfect combination of elegance and comfort. You can do anything in them and do it more elegantly than you would in any other attire. If I can do it, anyone can. Wear it with grace….. for 31 days.

Soumya Ravi

Originally appeared on:  https://soumyapr.medium.com/31-days-in-a-saree-47bf8df9c4c4



Sonali Bindre - Paithani Saree

Do you know these famous Maharashtra Sarees?

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Maharashtra sarees are traditional Indian sarees that are made and worn in the state of Maharashtra in western India. They are known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, often featuring geometric patterns and traditional motifs such as peacocks and lotus flowers. Some popular types of Maharashtra sarees include Paithani, Chanderi, and Kosa silk sarees. These sarees are typically made from silk or cotton and are worn by women for formal occasions and festivals.   Some popular types of Maharashtra sarees include:

    • Paithani sarees – These are traditional silk sarees that are known for their intricate border and pallu designs, often featuring motifs such as parrots and peacocks. They are made in the town of Paithan in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra.
Sonali Bindre - Paithani Saree
Bollywood beauty Sonali Bendre – Drown Paithani Saree with Gold Zari border   
Lakshmi Manchu - Chanderi Saree
Tollywood beauty, Manchuh Lashmi in a White Chanderi Saree with a Floral design
    • Chanderi sarees – These sarees are known for their lightweight and soft texture. They are made from a blend of silk and cotton and feature delicate zari work. They are made in the town of Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh but are also popular in Maharashtra.
Lakshmi Manchu - Chanderi Saree
Tollywood beauty – Manchu Lakshmi in elegant White floral Chanderi Saree
Vidya Balan - Chanderi Saree
Bollywood’s Vidya Balan in Grey Chanderi Silk Saree
    • Kosa silk sarees – These sarees are made from Kosa silk, which is a type of wild silk that is found in the forests of Central India. They are known for their unique texture and shine and are often embroidered with zari work.

    • Nauvari sarees – These sarees are known for their 9-yard length and are worn by Marathi women, especially in Maharashtra.

jannat-zubair beautiful and hot sareeing

    • Dhotar sarees – These sarees are made in the Dhulia district of Maharashtra, a traditional saree worn by farmers and rural women.

    • Khandua silk sarees – These sarees are from Odisha but it’s very famous in Maharashtra. They are made from pure silk and are known for their intricate temple border designs.

   

Pics credit: Instagram

Thumb- Matka Tissue Saree

Ever heard Matka Tissue Saree? Look Ramya Pandian’s Sareeing

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Ramya Pandian has shared her pictures in a beautiful Pink Matka Tissue Saree with Sleeveless A type of coarse silk from the Indian subcontinent called Matka fabric. The majority of its production used perforated cocoons. A cocoon that has been damaged by the silkworm moth emerging from it is said to have been pierced. Instead of reeling, the silk from these cocoons is spun. The term “Matka cloth” refers to the fabric created using these yarns.

Best Jewelry matching on Saree

Though Karnataka and Kashmir are known for producing Matka Silk in India, the processing will be done in West Bengal. Malda and Murshidabad are famous for the spinning process of Matla Silk.

Ramya Pandian’s performance in Bigg Boss 4 won the hearts of people though she stood as the 4th finalist for the season.

Matka Tissue Saree - Ramya Pandian - Gold pleated jewelry

Her uncle Veteran actor Arun Pandian is having a huge fan following in Tamil Industry. And just the way Arun Padian’s daughter, Keerthi Pandian., Ramya Pandian is very much known for her simplicity and unique styling of Sarees. 

Matka Tissue Saree - Ramya Pandian

If you want to style yourself with precious simplicity and become a style sensation, this is how Ramya did it with one simple gold pleated piece of jewelry and a bangle.

A few less-known facts about Ramya Pandian:

Ramya is 32 years old (13th August 1990), born in Tirunelveli. She’s an engineering graduate. Ramya gained huge popularity for her role as ‘Jessica’ in the Tamil Film “Aan Devathai“.

Ramya made her debut in the Malayalam industry with the movie “Nanpagal Nerathu Mayakkam” directed by the critically acclaimed ‘Lijo Jose Pellissery’. She’s sharing the screen space with the legend Mammootty.

As mentioned, Keethi Pandian is known for the most simple, beautiful, and natural Sareeing. Don’t miss to check out her 100 specially curated Saree Styling.

Source: Instagram

Unique Style of Saree Draping – Kamal Kapur

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I can’t pinpoint when my passion for Six Yards began. But as it is said a child always tries to copy what their elder does so the same happened to me,
I was fascinated by the beauty of sarees as I watched them being worn by my mother. I recall waiting for mum to go to her social event when I was a pre-teen.
I would immediately drape her dupatta as a saree and roam about the house the moment she stepped out of the home. Even though they are far away from being what a saree is, the feeling of a garment wrapped around me giving an illusion of a saree was enough for me.
I had no idea what pleats were; all I knew was that the piece of material went around you twice and the Saree was finished. It was tough to move around with that two-layered drape, but I’ve always imagined that the Saree represents femininity, and the modest steps experienced with the drape just added to that impression.

I had always wanted to embrace that femininity within me. This garment has always been more than an untailored fabric piece for me. Saree bringing out the feminine traits at their most subtle in every manner conceivable and also being comfy was enough for me to get charmed by it.
My mother was never a big fan of draping sarees. She enjoyed collecting and purchasing them. She, on the other hand, never liked wearing one. She owns sarees from nearly every region of India, some of which must be over 50 years old. And it was only because of her that I was able to get my hands on this incredible collection of sarees from all around India.

When I started working in the hotel sector, I learned how to drape a saree. As the old adage goes, practice makes one perfect.
In seconds, I perfected the technique of draping a saree.
The hospitality uniform was changing throughout the 1990s. In their consistent style, they did not intend to follow the conventional Saree draping. That’s when the designers showed up. They designed their own colors, patterns, and style for the saree. The draperies were stunning. Ravi Bajaj, the designer of the Hyatt Hotel in Delhi, where I was working at the time, comes to mind. He provided us a jacket to wear over the saree, and he allowed the Gujarati style front pallu to go up in a bib manner on one of the sarees.

I didn’t have a distinct collection of sarees that I could call my own up to that point.
My trousseau is where I began my Saree collecting. I didn’t want any designer sarees in my collection; I just wanted traditional sarees. Patola, Gharchola, Jandhani, South silk, Kanjeevaram, Mukaish work Saree, Bandhani, Paithani, and other sarees were among the items I purchased. I have yet to try on several of these sarees. They’re big and bulky, and I’m still not sure how to drape them. So I’m still adjusting to them, and it’s a work in progress for me.

The six yards continue to be a favorite of mine, and I enjoy arranging the drape in my own unique style.
The fact that I despise shopping for my other garments explains my fondness for the six yards. Such is the power of the sarees’ enchantment over me. My #desicloset is meeting all of my needs in terms of catering to all of my social occasions.

Kamal Kapur




“Saree” My style statement of fashion – Richa Kesharwani

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My passion for Indian culture and heritage, which dates back to my early years, is what inspired me to wear sarees. As we become older, we frequently abandon our basic principles in favor of what our generation refers to as the “New Cool”. and start doing or wearing things that make us uncomfortable. Even though I had always been drawn to a variety of trendy clothes, as I got older I realized how much I really loved everything “desi”. I started to like dressing in a slightly traditional Indian manner and being trendy.

 

The saree, which I always considered to be the most fashionable and in-vogue item of clothing, is a minimum 6-yard saree woven with gorgeous textiles, originally from various regions of India, and created using a variety of regional art techniques.

In order to symbolize a mix of Indian culture with western fashion, I brought various saree draping styles that are seen in my photographs, along with jeans and a top. I bring forth a real Indian elegance and India’s vivid and most civilized attire by pairing my various saree fabrics with handcrafted and ethnic tops.

 I was truly inspired by the way Indian women, like my mother and grandmothers, handled everything while managing their children and household chores while wearing a 6-yard saree. I also wondered how comfortable it could possibly be until I wore my mother’s silk saree for the first time while sporting an Indian look by pairing it with traditional Indian jewelry. 

There isn’t a specific type of fabric that I adore when it comes to wearing sarees, but the one that draws me in the most is Indian art silk that has been dyed in vibrant Indian colors and weaved with golden zari. I recently wore a red Banarsi silk saree with gold zari thread work and a large pallu.

 I showed a beautiful Maharashtrian cultural elegance in my Paithani silk 9-yard saree with an exquisite zari border styling in nauvari look while competing in the “Miss India” national costume round. For my gracious Indian look, I was chosen as “Miss Diva 2022”. 

 

In particular, I was greatly praised for my Indian graceful appearance by larger corporate officials visiting from different countries abroad and serving as an inspiration for sarees when I proudly wore my Chanderi silk hand-painted saree with art design during my office corporate meetings and parties. 

Kanjeevaram silk is one of the reasons I fell in love with sarees because of its exquisite temple designs, floral Buttas, and stripes mixed with a blend of colors. A single vibrant color saree weaved with three silk threads and twisted with gold and silver wire just compels me to present myself in a mesmerizing Indian look during weddings and home functions.

My Mysore royal silk saree, which is simple and has borders with elaborate gold and silver zari work, constantly draws me to wear it while working.

 

 A must-have item in my wardrobe is my Kosa silk collection, a Tussar silk variation from the state of Chattisgarh that is made from Indian silkworm and cocoon and prized for its softness and purity.

I still have 30 more regional Indian saree variants to discover, ranging from 6 to 9 yards, and I’m excited to design them in a distinctive, ethnic fashion that is still luxurious and exquisite as part of my never-ending quest and passion for sarees.

Richa Kesharwani




Unquenchable love for handlooms – Sudha’s Journals

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There are several situations in which a kid is inspired by their surroundings and wants to imitate what piques their attention; such was the case with me, but little did I realize that the love I was about to feel for this clothing would last a lifetime and would only become stronger with time.
When I was a youngster, I used to enjoy seeing my mother, grandmothers, and other elders drape a saree. I used to dress up in a towel as a saree and pretend to be a teacher when I was little. I initially wore a Kanjeevaram saree at a function when I was 13 years old. I used to think of myself as the queen of my domain. My love for 6-yards began when I was six years old. Even though I’m 45 years old, I still like sarees. I’ve never felt self-conscious about wearing a saree. The love becomes stronger with each passing day. The collection I’m creating I would like to pass to my little angel. Although I will not force her to like it, I am interested in seeing it through the eyes of an adult and seeing whether she feels the same way I do.

Even though I’m doing domestic chores, business work, traveling, or Yoga, I enjoy draping a saree. I’m now riding my bike while wearing a saree. When a woman wears a saree, she is inundated with queries and comments such as “You look lovely.” “Are you able to put on a saree?” “How long did it take you to drape this saree?” and so on. As a result, sarees are excellent conversation starters. So, if you want to strengthen your bonds with like-minded people, nothing beats a saree. Likewise, I learned a lot from my Saree Sakhis (friends).

I learned about handlooms and other types of sarees from my interactions with like-minded people who shared my enthusiasm for sarees, and it quickly became my ambition to have my own collection. Because they each have their own niche, I can’t tell them apart. When I initially joined Instagram, I learned about different weaves and crafts. In my area, I used to only see georgette, chiffon, Crape, Kanjivaram, and Bengali cotton sarees.

When I witness weavers’ work, I am filled with adoration and reverence. When you purchase a handloom saree, you are assisting a small group of weavers who are fighting to keep their craft alive in the face of the industry loom and people’s aversion to tradition. I’m not sure how to convey it to them, so as a token of gratitude I purchase their weavings and handicrafts. A handloom saree is made entirely by hand. It’s distinct because of the personal touch. Of course, they require a little more attention than an industrial loom, but after you’ve followed the cleaning and maintenance instructions to the letter, you’ll have it for years to come. As a result, it is a prudent investment that will pay off in the long run.
My enthusiasm for this has only risen with time, and I want to disseminate it as much as possible.
I want everyone to see how beautiful these handloom sarees are.

https://www.instagram.com/sudha_journals/




Travel with Susmitha in a Saree to San Francisco – Travel Saree Story

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When it comes down to venturing into a landmark of love that is also honored to grab a place being one among the world’s seven wonders we instantly get reminded of the monument of love that is none other than the Taj Mahal. It is a symbol of one’s commitment to their lover and is cherished by a vast population all around the world.
But what if we change the course in a slightly different way? Why not explore the foreign land along with the essence of our tradition. What would be more traditional than wearing our cherished garment saree to a foreign land? It not only portrays our culture but also the fact that we appreciate our ancestral garment and even being in a foreign country we are constantly connected to our roots.
It would be fun to tour the west coast in a Taj saree!!

So as I said so I did the same and explored the places on the West Coast draped in a saree. Here as you can see I’m wearing a lovely Banarasi Rangkot saree which is a handloom saree and is an epitome of a handmade yet pure tradition. This is one of our best works and truly this is a work of beauty. I must tell you all about the fact that a Banarasi Rangkot is a unique handloom beauty that is both challenging to weave and turn into the beauty it looks plus to make it in a quality that remains ageless in appeal as well as quality. This saree clearly exemplifies Banarasi weaving traditions by the fact that it depicts traditional Bootis, a rich pallu with magnificent Paisleys, and a whole palette of color present on it giving an effect of a rainbow. The saree has an intriguing border with elaborate and careful detailing of the wonder of marvels the Taj Mahal in gold jari all over the length of the saree and the pallu with gold detailing complements this masterpiece overall.
In the above picture, I was present at San Francisco’s Lincoln Park Steps which is a beautiful stairway with colorfully tiled steps. They have wonderful blue, yellow, orange, and green tile patterns on them. These concrete steps were built in the early 1900s. The color of the saree’s pallu and the steps clearly compliment each other.

The picture above if you see clearly is a blend of two very famous landmarks of this world. In the background, we have the Golden Gate Bridge which is a suspension bridge linking San Francisco Bay and the pacific ocean. In the foreground, we have the Taj Mahal which has been inscribed as an intricate detail on the pallu itself. I have tried picturing both famous landmarks in one picture itself. The beauty of the saree and the draper is defined by an intricately woven union of Banaras yarn with the brightness of brilliant colored strips.

 

Several people believe that while you are traveling or exploring places wearing a saree might be uncomfortable. Then I must demolish your preconceived notions as a saree can be one of the most comfortable garments to wear provided that you are wearing the right fabric and draping it well.

Here as I was taking an Evening walk in Golden State Park where I got mesmerized by the serene view out there that the saree’s fabric was doing its work. I didn’t feel any tint of discomfort or suffocation, rather the saree provided me with the proper ventilation, and even though I had a long day the fabric was fast enough to absorb sweat, not to mention the happiness I felt wearing it all around and showcasing the wonderful culture we have got. Carrying and displaying this six-yard canvas of exquisite beauty in an elegant and graceful manner is like a rainbow draped in a cloud moving around.


Although I appreciate all sorts of sarees, my favorites are handloom sarees that showcase beautiful designs and long-cherished Indian cultures and customs. Lastly, I would really love to suggest you all wear a saree next time whenever you are exploring or traveling cause it’s all a myth that a saree obstructs your fun to travel rather it just adds to the fun.

Few personal tips for Sareeing while enjoying vacation :

Wear sneakers beneath the saree for a vacation. Steer clear of flats/high heels. Trust me, nobody cares and nobody will even notice. Comfort should be the main factor, and nothing else!

Use enough safety pins so that your saree stays put in place. The pleats need not be perfect. Try not to leave the pallu loose initially. Pin your pallu. Walk confidently, nothing else matters!

You can even try altering the drape of the pallu. Use it as a scarf around your neck to give it an ooomph factor! During winters, you could layer a saree beneath a long jacket. You will turn heads, trust me!

P.S : We get lot of compliments when we wear our indian saree for travel in west as they love our rich and unique outfits they always feel happy and it will be a cherished moment.

What is your most fav saree in vacation memory?

Susmitha Ch

https://www.instagram.com/susmitha_rao_ch/