Indian Culture

There is no denying that the sari is internally bonded with the Indian culture. Women share a special relationship with this classic attire. A sari makes them look beautiful, charming, glamorous and attractive. Although the sari has these exemplary features, the success of the sari is attributed to its simplicity, and sense of tradition it displays. As a matter of fact, they are a part and parcel of every female wardrobe in India. Sari is worn over two stitched piece of cloth called as blouse and pallu.

One would be surprised to know that the sari can be worn in more than hundred different styles. When worn with jewelry, it enhances the look. There are no set rules, and one can have fun experimenting while trying one. Different regions within the country have their own distinct way of wearing the sari. Wearing them properly is an art. Let’s have a look at some of the different ways of wearing a sari.

Maharashtrian Style

The Maharashtrian style of wearing a sari involves placing the center of the sari around the back of the waist. They are usually 9 yards long with the loose ends fixed on the front. The two ends are then enveloped over the legs. The left over length is passed over the shoulder, covering most part of the upper body.

Gujarati Style

In the Gujarati style, the pallu is draped creatively in front of the right shoulder. The loose end is then draped back to the front. The chest is covered, and the edge is tucked in the petticoat at the back side.

Bengali Style

Unlike other styles, the Bengali style does not have any pleats. The sari is pushed in with care, and then carried over the left shoulder to the right hip. The sari is not folded, but a circular pattern is created with the pallu placed over the shoulder. Some well known films like Devdas, etc has the gorgeous former Miss World and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai displaying the sari worn in perfect Bengali style with the keys attached to the pallu. The keys are usually heavy to ensure that the pallu doesn’t fall off its place.

Tribal Style

In this style, the sari is draped firmly covering the chest by tying the sari around the chest area.

Tamilian Style

The saris worn under the Tamilian style are usually 8 meters in length. The sari is covered around the waist with the left portion positioned over the left shoulder, and the pleats positioned over the left leg. The rest is then wrapped around the waist, and tucked over the left hand side.

Nivi Style

This style is commonly followed in Andhra Pradesh. Under this style the pleats are passed through the legs, and tucked around the waist at the backside. This ensures free movement despite the covered legs.

These are some of the most popular styles of draping a sari. Considered as one amongst the most gracious attire, sari does have a lot of variety to offer.

Indian sari has always been an object of fascination for me. A very popular female garment in the Indian Subcontinent, sari is a symbolic garment amongst Indians. Despite the growing influence of western culture, sari still holds its dominance over all other female outfits in India.

In India, we view a woman in sari with the highest respect. A well dressed lady in sari commands great hospitality and admiration. It sets up the right impression amongst elders, relatives and colleagues. Despite the climatic conditions and overcrowded city life, females of diverse culture and religions take pride in wearing this traditional outfit. It’s an unstitched cloth wrapped around the body, which runs through the waist with pleats and folds in the front, almost covering most part of the body. It’s usually worn over two stitched clothes, blouse and petticoat.

Generally around 5 to 9 meters long, it can be worn in different styles and for different occasions in India. Although anyone can try their hands on sari, it requires special skill and constant practice to wear it neatly. Although I have grown up in a family where sari is a regular object of view, I still maintain that sari is a cumbersome outfit to wear. Being an avid traveler, I haven’t seen a single place in India as yet, where sari hasn’t proved its dominance amongst females. It’s worn by women of all ages across the Indian Subcontinent. It’s difficult to absorb housewives without a sari in most families across India. Personally, I believe that Indian women look very graceful in sari.

Most Indians believe that sari is as old as the Indian civilization. According to the Jain and Buddhist literature, the evolution of the word ‘sari’ is from the Prakrit word ’sattika’. The history of sari dates back to the Indus valley civilization which existed during1800 BC. The statue of a priest wearing a drape is the only concrete evidence that testifies its existence during the Indus valley civilization.
Saris can be worn in dozens of styles. One can find them in almost all price range. There are mind blowing designer saris available in the market these days, which are not only dazzling but also very appealing in my opinion. The women here compliment saris their finest jewelry to look more charming.

Banarasi sari is extremely popular over here in India. They are considered the finest saris in India. Engraved with great design and prepared from fine woven silk material, Banarasi saris are usually worn on wedding and other important occasions. I think Banarasi saris have their own charm, and they make a moment out of every auspicious occasion.

Varanasi silk sari, Kanjivaram silk sari, Bandhej sari, Rajasthani sari, Mysore silk sari and Bangalore silk sari are few other well known saris in India. The embroidery work done on these saris make them look very classy and astonishing. Over the years, there have been significant changes in female outfits over here in India. However, saris still holds its beauty and charm, and will continue to do so for many more centuries to come.