Indian Culture

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.