The ancient and exotic sari, India’s traditional national dress for women, has withstood the test of time and is now over 5,000 years old. For those who’ve never put one on, a sari can be a bit of a mystery with its many pleats and folds. However, a visit to India wouldn’t be complete without at least trying one! This information will help you with sari shopping in India.
What is a Sari
A sari is simply a long length of fabric, typically six to nine yards, that’s worn elegantly wrapped around the body. In this regard, one size truly fits all. One end of the material is richly decorated, and is called the pallu. It's usually worn pleated and pinned over the shoulder, draping down the back. It can also be worn open over the shoulder and draped over the arm.
A special blouse that bares the midriff, called a choli, and a petticoat are worn under the sari. As the sari is wrapped around the body, the material is tucked tightly into the petticoat so it doesn’t fall down. No pins are needed. Cholis can be purchased separately, although quality saris do come with an attached piece of blouse material. This is taken to a tailor who will hem the sari and make the blouse to size in a couple of days.
What Different Types of Saris are Available
Every state across India has its own special weaves and fabrics for its saris. One of the most popular and traditional types of saris is the Kanjeevaram, from south India. This sari is made out of heavy silk material and has broad decorative borders and contrasting colors. Many of the patterns are derived from temples, palaces and paintings.
Another popular type of sari is the Banarasi sari, which is hand woven in Banaras (also known as Varanasi). These saris became fashionable way back when the Moguls ruled India, and they exhibit patterns from this era. Banarasi saris are admired for their eye catching, colorful dyed silk fabric. Many feature designs of villages, flowers, and temples.
Other well known types of saris include the bright tie-dyed Bandhani/Bandhej saris from Rajasthan and Gujarat, cotton Gadhwal saris with silk borders and pallu from Andhra Pradesh, and the gorgeous fine silk and gold woven Paithani saris with peacock design from Maharastra.
A notable feature of most saris is the zari (gold thread) work in them. This fine gold thread is woven throughout the sari, but appears mostly on the borders and pallu. The zari itself traditionally comes from Surat, in the state of Gujurat.
What is the Cost of a Sari
It’s possible to pick up a cheap sari for only 150 rupees ($3.50), however you’ll need to be prepared to pay much more to get a quality item. Purchasing a beautiful sari in India is still inexpensive compared to Western prices though.
The main thing that affects the price of a sari is the type of fabric that it’s made out of. Plain printed silk saris are available from 1,500 rupees ($35). Any sari that has thread work woven into it will cost more, with the price increasing in proportion to the amount of the thread work. If the sari also has zari in it, the cost will be higher again.
You should expect to pay at least 3,500 rupees ($80) for a decent and authentic Kanjeevaram sari, although imitation ones can cost as little as 750 rupees ($17). Good quality Banarasi saris start from around 2,000 rupees ($45). The simplest exquisite Paithani sari is not cheap, and begins at around 10,000 rupees ($230). Bandhani saris are much more affordable, from 1,000 rupees ($22).
As far as upper price limits go for saris, the amount can easily extend to 50,000 rupees ($1,170) or more.
What to Be Careful of When Buying a Sari
Lots of places offer imitation saris with copies of Kanjeevaram and other patterns. The most important thing to check is the quality of the silk and zari in the sari. On initial inspection, the silk may feel thick and glossy near the pallu but inside the sari, you may find that it’s half the thickness! Manufacturers of lesser quality saris use two-ply silk instead of three-ply for weaving, and fake gold thread for the zari work.
The zari used for a Kanjeevaram sari is a silk thread covered with flattened silver in the center, and gold on the outer surface. To test whether the zari is fake, scratch or scrape it and if red silk doesn't emerge from the core, the sari is not a true Kanjeevaram sari. In addition, the border, body and pallu of a genuine Kanjeevaram silk sari are woven separately, and then interlocked together.Where are the Best Places to Buy a Sari
The best place to shop for Kanjeevaram saris is where they’re traditionally made -- in Kanchipuram, near Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. Buying here will save you around 10% on the purchase price. However, if you can’t make it that far south in India, Delhi and also Mumbai have some excellent stores selling a wide range of saris from all over the country. The following places are all very reputable and stock high quality items.
- Chhabra 555-- established over 50 years ago, has a wonderful range of Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, and Bandhani saris in all price ranges. F-4, South Extension-I, New Delhi. Ph:(011)2460-1556. Closed Monday. Also at 555 Katra Ashrafi, Chandi Chowk, Delhi. Ph:(011)2326-7821. Closed Sunday.
- Karol Bagh Saree House-- located in the upper class market area of Karol Bagh, is one of the best places to buy saris in Delhi. Name any sari and they’ll have it! 2467/10 Ajmal Khan Road, Karol Bagh, New Delhi. Ph:(011)2572-0290. Closed Monday.
- Dadar Emporium-- located in central Mumbai, has a huge collection of saris. Their specialties are Banarasi saris and Navvari saris. NC Kelkar Road, Dadar. Ph:(022)2422-1582. Closed Monday. There are many other sari shops in this vicinity. A good one is Roop Sangam.
- Vanzasons-- in south Mumbai, are known for their Bandhani tie-dyed saris. Prices start from 3,000 rupees. 106 Marine Mansion, 1st Marine Street, near Dhobi Talao Masjid. Ph:(022)2203-9772. Open daily.
- Suruchi Saree Mandir-- is an ordinary but large two level store in south Mumbai, full of saris and dress material starting at 500 rupees. 95 Marine Drive, Parijat Building. Ph:(022)2281-6422. Closed Sunday.
In addition, plenty of saris can be found in the depths of New Market in Kolkata.
