I have been exploring about Sarees or Sari in India. Sari in Sanskrit means a strip of cloth. It is the
oldest form of garment in the world worn by Indian women. It is four-and-a-half to eight meters of cloth
– draped around the lower body and then with a tactful pleating process folded across the upper body.
So, what are the popular sarees in India? There is a large variety and diversity of sarees and popular
sarees based on region, state, and various other factors. Best way to have it answered is go state-wise.
The popular sarees in India are as below.
- ANDHRA PRADESH – Venkatagiri Sari, Mangalagiri Silk saris, Uppada Silk saris, Chirala saris,
Bandar saris, Bandarulanka, Kuppadam saris, Dharmavaram silk sari - TAMIL NADU – Kanchipuram Silk Sari (locally known as Kanjipuram Pattu), Arani silk, Chettinad
saris, Kumbakonam Sari, Thirubuvanam Sari, Coimbatore cotton sarees, Salem silk sarees,
Chinnalampattu or Sungudi, Kandangi, Rasipuram silk saris, Koorai, Arni silk sari, Chennai sarees,
Karaikudi sarees, Madurai cotton saris, Tiruchirappalli saris, Nagercoil saris, Thoothukudi Sari,
Thanjavur saris, Tiruppur sarees - KARNATAKA – Ilkal Sari, Mysore silk, Molakalmuru Sari, Sulebhavi sari
- KERALA – Kerala Sari, Balarampuram
Mundum Neriyathum, Mayilati silk, Kannur cotton, Kalpathi silk saris, Maradaka silk, Samudrikapuram
silk and cotton, Kasargod - MADHYA PRADESH – Chanderi Saree, Maheshwari in Maheshwar, Dhokra silk 6.
- CHHATTISGARH – Kosa Silk Sari
- WEST BENGAL – Tant sari, Baluchari Sari in Bishnupur, Kaantha Sari, Garode / Korial in
Murshidabad, Shantipuri cotton in Shantipur, Phulia - ASSAM – Muga Silk Sari
- LADAKH, JAMMU AND KASHMIR – Kashmiri Silk
- ODISHA – Sambalpuri Ikat or Bandha Saree, Sonepuri Silk (Bomkal from Ganjam), Patta from Berhampur, Khandua from Cuttack and Nuapatna, Kotpad from Koraput, Ikat from Samabalpur, Sonepur and Boudh, Habaspuri from Kalahandi, Dongria from Rayagada and Kalahandi, Saktaput from Bargarh
- MAHARASHTRA – Paithani Saree, Uppada Silk, Banarasi Silk Saree, Kanjeevaram Silk Saree, Kolhapuri Saree, Kota Silk Saree, Chanderi Silk saree
- ARUNACHAL PRADESH – Traditional Wear
- NAGALAND – Nagaland Cotton Saree
- TELANGANA – Pochampally or Puttapaka Saree, Narayanpet sarees, Gadwal sarees, Mangalgiri
sarees, Dharmavaram sarees, Uppada sarees, Venkatagiri sarees - MANIPUR – Traditional Costumes
- MIZORAM – Mizo Silk Saree
- TRIPURA – Tripura Silk Saree
- MEGHALAYA – Meghalaya Endi Silk and Mulberry Silk Saree
- SIKKIM – Bakhu/Kho, Dumvum, Shuruval, Pharia and a wedding attire
- JHARKHAND – Silk Sarees
- ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS – Local costumes by local people
- GUJARAT, DAMAN AND DIU – Bandhani, Patola
- HIMACHAL PRADESH – Kulluvi Pattu
- PUNJAB – Salwar Kameez
- BIHAR – Bhagalpuri Silk Saree or Tussar Silk, Khadi Womens’s sarees, and Madhubani Designer
sarees - UTTAR PRADESH, DELHI – Banarasi Sari
- UTTARAKHAND – Traditional Dresses
- HARYANA – Haryana Silk Sarees
- CHANDIGARH – Salwar Kameez
- RAJASTHAN – Kora Daria, Leheriya sarees, Rajasthani Chunri sarees, Rajasthani Print Saree,
Rajasthani Embroidery Sarees, Gota Work Saree, Bandhani Saree.
ANDHRA PRADESH
Venkatagiri Sari
Venkatagiri Sari is a sari style woven in Venkatagiri of Nellore district in the Indian state of Andhra
Pradesh.In the days during Velugoti dynasty in early 1700s, they were mostly weaved for queens,
royal women and Zamindaris. The saris are made from fine cotton and the most significant is the use
of zari. The Venkatagiri sari has different varieties like, Venkatagiri 100, Venkatagiri-putta and
Venkatagiri-silk, with the Venkatagiri 100 being popular of all.
Other popular sarees in Andhra Pradesh are Mangalagiri Silk saris, Uppada Silk saris, Chirala saris,
Bandar saris, Bandarulanka, Kuppadam saris, Dharmavaram silk sari.
References used:
TAMIL NADU
Kanchipuram Silk Sari (locally known as Kanjipuram Pattu)
The Kanchipuram silk sari is a type of silk sari made in the Kanchipuram region in Tamil Nadu. These
saris are worn as bridal & special occasion saris by most women in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka & Andhra
Pradesh. The patterns and designs in the kanchipuram saris were inspired with images and scriptures
in South Indian temples or natural features like leaves, birds and animals. These are saris with rich
woven pallu showing paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Kanchipuram saris vary widely in cost depending upon the intricacy of work, colours, pattern, material
used like zari (gold thread) etc. The silk is also known for its quality and craftsmanship, which has
helped earn its name.
Other popular sarees in Tamil Nadu are Arani silk, Chettinad saris, Kumbakonam Sari, Thirubuvanam
Sari, Coimbatore cotton sarees, Salem silk sarees, Chinnalampattu or Sungudi, Kandangi, Rasipuram
silk saris, Koorai, Arni silk sari, Chennai sarees, Karaikudi sarees, Madurai cotton saris, Tiruchirappalli
saris, Nagercoil saris, Thoothukudi Sari, Thanjavur saris, Tiruppur sarees.
References used:
KARNATAKA
Ilkal Sari
Ilkal sari is a traditional form of sari which is a common feminine wear in India. Ilkal sari takes its name
from the town of Ilkal in the Bagalkot district of Karnataka state, India. Ilkal saris are woven using
cotton warp on the body and art silk warp for border and art silk warp for pallu portion of the sari. The
uniqueness of sari is joining of the body warp with pallu warp with a series of loops locally called as
TOPE TENI technique. There four different traditional designs produced – Chikki Paras, Gomi, and
recently modified traditional design Gayathri.
Other popular sarees in Karnataka are Mysore silk, Molakalmuru Sari, Sulebhavi sari.
References used:
KERALA
Kerala Sari
Image Reference: Wikipedia
It is worn as a garment that closely resembles the mundum neriyathum (the traditional clothing of
women in Kerala which covered only the lower part of the body). Though it is not considered a true
mundum neriyathum by classic definition. Kerala sari is regarded as the cultural costume of women of
the Malayali community. The grace and appeal of the golden borders contrasting with the otherwise
plain white mundum neryathum of Keralite women has come to symbolize Malayali women. The sari is
a hot favorite during the time of Onam, not just in Kerala but in other parts of India as well.
Other popular sarees in Kerala are Balarampuram,Mundum Neriyathum, Mayilati silk, Kannur cotton,
Kalpathi silk saris, Maradaka silk,Samudrikapuram silk and cotton, Kasargod.
References used:
MADHYA PRADESH
Chanderi Saree
Chanderi sari is a traditional sari made in Chanderi, Madhya Pradesh, India. Chanderi saris are
produced from three kinds of fabric: pure silk, Chanderi cotton and silk cotton. Traditional coin, floral
art, peacocks and geometric designs are woven into different Chanderi patterns. The saris are among
the finest in India and are known for their gold and silver brocade or zari, fine silk, and opulent
embroidery.
Other sarees popular in Madhya Pradesh are Maheshwari in Maheshwar, Dhokra silk.
References used:
CHHATTISGARH
Kosa Silk Sari
Kosa silk is a type of Tussar silk which is basically produced in central India in Chattisgarh region.
Kosa silk is known for its comfort and popular in other countries. Kosa silk is known for it’s sturdiness
and is preferred to pure silk in the state of Chattisgarh. Korba and Champa in Chattisgarh are two
places in India where Kosa Silk is highly produced. The Kosa Silk produced in ‘Champa’ is treated as
the best silk all over the world. Kosa silk is known for it’s soft texture and purity, known for it’s dual
golden brownish look, it is available naturally in shades of pale golden and dull golden brown.
WEST BENGAL
Tant Sari
Tant sari is a traditional Bengali sari, originating from the Bengal region in the eastern part of the
Indian subcontinent, and usually used by Bengali women. It is not that Bengali women wear this saree,
if you see anyone in this saree, they look and feel like Bengali. These are perfect for hot and humid
weather. Designs include Paisley’s flowers, stars etc.
Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tant_Sarees_-_Phulia_2016-11-12_1871.JPG
The other sarees popular in West Bengal are Baluchari Sari in Bishnupur, Kaantha Sari, Garode /
Korial in Murshidabad, Shantipuri cotton in Shantipur, Phulia.
References used:
ASSAM
Muga Silk Sari
Assam is famous for its silk handloom and the weavers’ expertise in different types of silk like Eri,
Muga, Pat and many others. Muga silk is one of it’s popular contribution to the history of sarees. Muga
means yellowish in Assamese. Unlike usual sarees, some of Muga sarees would have two parts – one
draped from the waist downwards. And the upper portion has one end tucked at the waist while rest is
draped around the upper body.
LADAKH
Kashmiri Silk
Ladakh is particularly famous for wool. When it comes to sarees, Kashmiri Silk is popular here too in
general.
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
Kashmiri Silk
The mulberry silk produced in the Valley is taken to faraway western. It is known as Kashmiri Silk all
across India. Kashmiri silk sarees have a luxurious look due to the splendid craftsmanship. The floral
motifs, border embroidery is the specialty of the Kashmiri sarees.
ODISHA
Sambalpuri Ikat or Bandha Saree
The moment we talk about sarees in Odisha, what strikes are those special fabric used to dress the
idols in the famous Lord Jagannath temple. On these sarees, there is strong influence of Lord Krishna
and hence gets expressed in form of temple borders, traditional colours, mythological designs on the
sarees. And you say say – these are the most popular Sambalpuri Saree or Bandha saree. Odisha is
famous for both silk and cotton sarees.
Other popular sarees in Odisha include Sonepuri Silk (Bomkal from Ganjam), Patta from Berhampur,
Khandua from Cuttack and Nuapatna, Kotpad from Koraput, Ikat from Samabalpur, Sonepur and
Boudh, Habaspuri from Kalahandi, Dongria from Rayagada and Kalahandi, Saktaput from Bargarh.
MAHARASHTRA
Paithani Saree
Paithani saree is the most popular saree of Maharashtra. Now, if you ask one to explain about a saree,
where to start and where to end. Too many features. Lets talk about one of the interesting feature of
this saree. It would look alike both sides. Real paithani sarees can be characterized by the fact that
they would always have one of the common motifs of lotus, peacocks, vines, flowers, and parrots.
These are made of zari and silk thread. As these are hand woven sarees, no two sarees would be
similar, they may look same on the surface but there will be slight variations. It is also called Marathi
wedding saree and was adorned by Mughals, Marathas and Nizams.
Other popular sarees are Uppada Silk, Banarasi Silk Saree, Kanjeevaram Silk Saree, Kohlapuri Saree,
Kota Silk Saree, Chanderi Silk saree.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Clothing
Arunachal Pradesh has a rich collection of clothing coming from many cultures and traditions. The
famous clothing are Shawls, skirts, wraps, lungis. The traditional dresses are vibrant and colorful, as
they represent about 26 different tribes of the state having their distinctive style of dressing. And
Arunachal Pradesh is famous for many families contributing into weaving.
NAGALAND
Nagaland Cotton Saree
Nagaland is mainly famous for cotton sarees. Weaving, spinning, and dyeing are natural part of every
home and particularly women. The cotton fabric is distinct from other states and often characterized by
dark blue, red and yellow colors and zig-zag lines, checks, stripes, squares and bands, varying in
width, color.
TELANGANA
Pochampally or Puttapaka Saree
Pochampally Saree or Pochampalli Ikat is a saree made in Bhoodan Pochampally, Yadadri
Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana State, India. They have traditional geometric patterns in Ikat style of
dyeing. The intricate geometric designs find their way into sarees and dress materials. The Indian
government’s official airplane company, Air India, has its cabin crew wear specially designed
Pochampally silk sarees.
Other famous sarees are Narayanpet sarees, Gadwal sarees, Mangalgiri sarees, Dharmavaram
sarees, Uppada sarees, Venkatagiri sarees.
References used:
MANIPUR
Manipuri Costumes
The traditional dress worn in Manipur by women are Inaphi, Phanek, Mayek Naibi, Lai Phi and Chin
Phi and Potloi. In these, Inaphi is more like a shawl covering upper portion of the body. Under Inaphi, a
new trending type of item came with name Rani Phi which includes the use of silk threads, modern
dyes and different motifs to the traditional cotton Inaphi.
MIZORAM
Mizo Silk Saree
Puan is a piece of cloth worn like a skirt, is the national dress of the state of Mizoram. Traditionally,
Puan is two pieces, woven separately backstrap looms and later sewn together. The sarees famous as
Mizoram silk sarees usually use Puan style of bordering and wrapping around the body.
TRIPURA
Tripura Silk Saree
The silk sarees that are famous as Tripura silk sarees are usually famous for Tripura silk and
Pochampally borders. Also cotton sarees are famous here.
MEGHALAYA
Meghalaya Endi Silk and Mulberry Silk Saree
Endil silk in Meghalaya is woven in Soindan village. They are known manily for different texture and
durability. And Meghalaya cotton saree with blok prints with designer pallu are quite famous in India.
The cotton sarees are all occasion wears.
SIKKIM
Traditional Wear in Sikkim
The main costume in Sikkim for women are Bakhu/Kho, Dumvum, Shuruval, Pharia and a wedding
attire.
JHARKHAND
Silk Sarees
Jharkhand is one of the largest silk producing states in the country. The popular sarees have symbols
of firest nature, tribal prints, mud-resis dabu and block batik prints. Embroidery designs that come on
sarees are similar to styles of Bihar and West Bengal.
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS
Different variety of local costumes
There is a specific traditional clothing in different tribes, but all other than natives, there are people
from different communities and religions living on the islands and wear wear traditional Indian clothes
consisting of Saris, Salwars, Dhoti, Skirts, Kurtas, Pants, Trousers, Pajamas, Shirts, etc.
GUJARAT, DAMAN AND DIU
Bandhani
Bandhani in Sanskrit means to bind. Bandhani is a type of tie-dye textile decorated by plucking the
cloth with the fingernails into many tiny bindings that form a figurative design. Today, most Bandhani
making centers are situated in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Sindh, Punjab region and in Tamil Nadu where it is
known as Sungudi. Bandhani is also known as Bandhej Saree, Bandhni, Piliya, and Chungidi in Tamil
and regional dialects. The art of Bandhani is a highly skilled process. The technique involves dyeing a
fabric which is tied tightly with a thread at several points, thus producing a variety of patterns like
Chandrakala, Bavan Baug, Shikari etcetera; depending on the manner in which the cloth is tied. The
main colour used in Bandhana are yellow, red, blue, green and black. In Bandhani, different colours
convey different meanings. People believe that wearing Red brings good luck to a newly wed’s life.
References used:
Patola
Patola is a double ikat woven sari, usually made from silk, made in Patan, Gujarat, India. The word
patola is the plural form; the singular is patolu. They are very expensive, once worn only by those
belonging to royal and aristocratic families. These saris are popular among those who can afford the
high prices. Velvet patola styles are also made in Surat. Patola-weaving is a closely guarded family
tradition.
The way of draping saree in Gujarat is called Siddha pallu drape. Border heavy sarees from other
parts of India like Banarasi sarees, Kanjivaram sarees and Baluchari sarees would look aesthetic
when draped in the Gujarati way.
References used:
HIMACHAL PRADESH
Kulluvi Pattu
Kulluvi Pattu is traditional form of woolen sari worn in Himachal Pradesh, similar variation is also worn
in Uttarakhand. The usual saree where we make plates and insert at waist region, here same plates
and entire saree would be dropped from shoulder level. There would be two ends coming from back
over the shoulders. The front part is tied to to back parts at these ends using a necklace type item
called Gaachi.A rope made of cloth called Bumni is used like belt just above waist to keep the costume
tight.
References used:
PUNJAB
Salwar Kameez
Salwar Kameez or Kurta Pyjama is daily wear in Punjab. Sarees are rarely worn, Women wear
different variants of this like kurti with leggings, palazzo.
BIHAR
Bhagalpuri Silk Saree
Bhagalpuri silk or Tussar silk is a dying style of silk sarees and other clothes from Bhagalpur, Bihar in
India. This material is used for making sarees named as Bhagalpuri Sari. Bhagalpur is also known as
“silk city” of India. Bhagalpur has numerous mulberry orchards to produce tussar silk. Nathnagar is a
place where Bhagalpuri silk is mainly processed. Not only sari kurta suit is also made from Bhagalpuri
silk.
Other than above, also popular are Khadi Womens’s sarees, and Madhubani Designer sarees from
Bihar.
References used:
UTTAR PRADESH, DELHI
Banarasi Sari
A Banarasi sari is a sari made in Varanasi, an ancient city which is also called Benares (Banaras). The
saris are among the finest saris in India and are known for their gold and silver brocade or zari, fine
silk and opulent embroidery. The saris are made of finely woven silk and are decorated with intricate
design, and, because of these engravings, are relatively heavy. Depending on the intricacy of its
designs and patterns, a sari can take from 15 days to a month and sometimes up to six months to
complete. Banarasi saris are mostly worn by Indian women on important occasions such as when
attending a wedding and are expected to be complemented by the woman’s best jewelry. There are
four main varieties of Banarasi sari, which includes pure silk (Katan), Organza (Kora) with Zari and
silk; Georgette, and Shattir, and according to design process, they are divided into categories like,
Jangla, Tanchoi, Vaskat, Cutwork, Tissue and Butidar.
References used:
UTTARAKHAND
Traditional Dresses
Uttarakhand or Uttaranchal is called Devbhoomi (Land of Gods) is situated in the mountainous region
of the Himalayas. In Garhwal region, women usually wear sari in a certain way so that it assists food
carrying and also work at field without any interference. The pallu goes from the front and knotted on
the shoulder, with a waistband made of cloth.
HARYANA
Haryana Silk Sarees
Sarees are not the most popular attire in Haryana. Like Punjab, people mainly wear Salwar Kameez,
Kurta Pyjama. However there are silk sarees coming from Haryana and known as Haryana Silk sarees.
CHANDIGARH
Salwar Kameez
Chandigarh is joint capital for Haryana and Punjab. Sarees are not the most popular attire. Like
Punjab, Haryana, people mainly wear Salwar Kameez, Kurta Pyjama. However there are silk sarees
coming from Haryana and known as Haryana Silk sarees.
RAJASTHAN
Kora Daria
Kota Doria or Kota Doriya is the name of a light weight fabric made of tiny woven squares (khat) which
is still hand woven on traditional pit looms in Kaithoon near Kota in Rajasthan and in some of the
surrounding villages. Kota Doriya Sarees are made of pure cotton and silk and have square like
patterns known as khats on them. The chequered weave of a Kota sari is very popular. They are very
fine weaves and weigh very less. Since the weavers had come from Mysore, the fabric produced was
called kota masuriya.
Also popular in Rajasthan are Leheriya sarees, Rajasthani Chunri sarees, Rajasthani Print Saree,
Rajasthani Embroidery Sarees, Gota Work Saree, Bandhani Saree.
References used:
GOA
Designer Sarees
Mostly Designer Sarees and different forms of silk sarees are popular in Goa.