Latest news with #Banarasis
Time of India
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
5 Indian sarees we bet you haven't heard of
Venture beyond the familiar Banarasis and Kanjeevarams to discover India's hidden textile treasures. From the breezy Sico of Andhra Pradesh to the auspicious Garad of West Bengal, these lesser-known sarees offer a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and style. Embrace these artisanal pieces to stand out and support the weavers preserving these rare traditions. India is basically the treasure chest of textiles, and while we've all drooled over the Banarasis, Kanjeevarams and Chanderis, there's a whole world of lesser-known sarees quietly waiting to take over your closet. These hidden gems are steeped in history, drenched in craft, and let's be honest, would make any fashion enthusiast's heart skip a beat. If you thought you knew your sarees, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Sico Saree (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana) If silk and cotton had a baby, it would be the Sico. This blend is a dream for anyone who loves the elegance of silk but the breeziness of cotton. Originating from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sico sarees have that rich, lustrous drape without making you feel like you're melting in the summer heat. Perfect for those I-want-to-look-grand-but-also-breathe moments. Garad Saree (West Bengal) White and red, but make it stately. Garad sarees are often worn during auspicious Bengali rituals and Puja days. They're made from pure silk, untouched by dyes in the white body, with the red borders woven in separately. It's minimal, it's powerful, and it's pure nostalgia for anyone who's ever grown up in a Bengali household or just watched enough Bollywood Durga Puja scenes to want one. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why is everyone rushing to get their hands on this new air cooler? News of the Discovery Undo Molakalmuru saree (Karnataka) Meet Karnataka's best-kept secret. Molakalmuru sarees are all about intricate motifs - think peacocks, temple towers, and traditional flora - woven with the finesse of a miniature painting. They're vibrant, heavy on craftsmanship, and the kind of piece that will have people stopping you mid-walk to ask, 'Where did you get that?' Kota Doria Saree (Rajasthan) Light as air and cool as a cucumber - Kota Doria sarees from Rajasthan are a summer saviour. Woven with tiny square patterns called khats, these are feather-light but surprisingly sturdy. You can drape one for a casual brunch or glam it up with some chunky silver jewellery for that artsy, oh-I-just-threw-this-on look. 5. Tussar Ghicha Saree (Jharkhand) Tussar silk gets its distinctive golden glow from wild silkworms, and when paired with the textured charm of Ghicha yarn, you get something truly unique. These sarees have a raw, earthy vibe, perfect for those who love artisanal pieces with a story. Bonus: they age beautifully, getting softer with every wear. Why you need these in your wardrobe Apart from the obvious they're gorgeous, wearing lesser-known sarees is like wearing a piece of India's history. It's a quiet nod to the weavers who've kept these crafts alive, often with little recognition. Plus, in a sea of the same old bridal reds and Instagram-famous designs, these pieces make you stand out for all the right reasons. So next time you're on a saree-shopping spree, skip the usual suspects and hunt down one of these beauties. Not only will you have a killer addition to your wardrobe, but you'll also be keeping a rare tradition alive, now that's what we call true style.
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Taneira Champions Authenticity and Heritage with GI-tagged Offerings this National Handloom Day
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 7: As the country prepares to celebrate National Handloom Day, Taneira, a Tata product, reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the nation's unparalleled textile heritage with the introduction of GI tagging on their offerings. Among the early adopters in the industry, Taneira becomes one of the first few Indian saree brands to present GI-certified handloom sarees, in key clusters like Banarasis, Chanderi and Maheshwari to start with. This initiative strengthens the brand's commitment to the hands behind the loom, the geographies that have shaped their craft over generations, and the traditions woven into every piece of fabric. At its core, this step underscores Taneira's dedication to authenticity and ethical craftsmanship, aiming to create a deeper connection between consumers and the communities that keep India's rich weaving legacy alive. Authenticity has been at the heart of Taneira's ethos from the beginning. From the Handloom Mark to Silk and Zari certifications, each product reflects this commitment. The introduction of GI tagging further strengthens customer trust enhancing the brand's vision of bringing the best of India under one roof, backed by provenance and purpose. As part of this initiative, Taneira works closely with vendor partners and artisan clusters to facilitate GI certification, providing documentation support, legal guidance and on-ground enablement. In a design landscape increasingly shaped by mechanized production and diminishing recognition of the craftsperson, this effort reflects the brand's deep-rooted intent to preserve and progress the quiet elegance and enduring beauty of handwoven traditions. Taneira is championing a certified and transparent approach to handloom retail. The offerings carry a suite of trusted authenticity markers such as the Handloom Mark, Silk Mark, Zari Certification, Khadi Certificate and Pashmina Certification. With the addition of GI tagging, this suite of certifications now also verifies that each weave originates from its rightful region and the artisans who have upheld it across generations. On this milestone, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, Taneira, said, "On the occasion of National Handloom Day, we at Taneira are proud to take another meaningful step in our journey to safeguard India's weaving traditions and support our artisan communities. By partnering with craft clusters and offering certified weaves, including GI-tagged products, we aim to build a transparent supply chain that not only empowers artisans but also helps customers make informed, conscious choices. Through this initiative, we continue our endeavour to offer sarees that go beyond aesthetics, pieces that embody authenticity, carry the responsibility of heritage and reflect the cultural richness of India to the world at large." By actively partnering with weaving clusters, the brand seeks to preserve the traditional knowledge systems that define Indian textiles while ensuring that weaving communities receive rightful recognition. Owning a GI-tagged saree is to own a tangible piece of India's cultural geography, history and craftsmanship. These sarees are not just keepers of tradition, but by the very nature of how they are made, handloom sarees are breathable, durable and crafted to last many generations, while combining comfort with timeless elegance. Taneira is working towards expanding its portfolio of GI-tagged clusters, with weaves from close to 10 other regions currently in progress. With each new addition, the brand moves closer to its vision of making authenticated, region-specific handlooms accessible to the modern Indian woman, while uplifting the ecosystem at every step. This National Handloom Day, Taneira invites customers to discover the stories, soil and soul woven into every thread. Taneira, the women's ethnic wear brand from Titan, the TATA group company, offers differentiated design sarees, blouses, and ready-to-wear kurta sets made from pure and natural fabrics from over 100+ weaving clusters of India and brings the best of India under one roof. Instilled with TATA trust, Taneira aims to provide rooted yet progressive Indian women with diverse craftsmanship and exclusive crafts and designs. The products cater to everyday fashion and all occasions a woman would want to adorn herself for - festivals, weddings, and special occasions. In its endeavour to provide authentic weaves that are handcrafted with love, Taneira works with weaver communities all over India. It has also launched the 'Weavershala' initiative to modernize the weaving techniques and, at the same time, preserve traditional procedures of hand weaving for future generations. In addition, the brand has introduced frame looms and all essential workspace facilities for the weavers in collaboration with localized weaver-led organizations. Currently, there are 18 Weavershalas operational across the country. Launched in 2017, Taneira offers a unique and relaxed browsing experience with knowledgeable staff to provide quality service through a strong network of 80+ stores across 41 cities. The brand is present across all prominent metro hubs and is building to strengthen its presence across key Tier I and Tier II cities. Taneira is also available online with global delivery at
Fashion Value Chain
6 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Value Chain
Taneira Champions Authenticity and Heritage with GI-tagged Offerings this National Handloom Day
As the country prepares to celebrate National Handloom Day, Taneira, a Tata product, reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the nations unparalleled textile heritage with the introduction of GI tagging on their offerings. Among the early adopters in the industry, Taneira becomes one of the first few Indian saree brands to present GI-certified handloom sarees, in key clusters like Banarasis, Chanderi and Maheshwari to start with. This initiative strengthens the brand's commitment to the hands behind the loom, the geographies that have shaped their craft over generations, and the traditions woven into every piece of fabric. At its core, this step underscores Taneira's dedication to authenticity and ethical craftsmanship, aiming to create a deeper connection between consumers and the communities that keep India's rich weaving legacy alive. Authenticity has been at the heart of Taneira's ethos from the beginning. From the Handloom Mark to Silk and Zari certifications, each product reflects this commitment. The introduction of GI tagging further strengthens customer trust enhancing the brand's vision of bringing the best of India under one roof, backed by provenance and purpose. Taneira Handloom Day As part of this initiative, Taneira works closely with vendor partners and artisan clusters to facilitate GI certification, providing documentation support, legal guidance and on-ground enablement. In a design landscape increasingly shaped by mechanized production and diminishing recognition of the craftsperson, this effort reflects the brand's deep-rooted intent to preserve and progress the quiet elegance and enduring beauty of handwoven traditions. Taneira Handloom Day Taneira is championing a certified and transparent approach to handloom retail. The offerings carry a suite of trusted authenticity markers such as the Handloom Mark, Silk Mark, Zari Certification, Khadi Certificate and Pashmina Certification. With the addition of GI tagging, this suite of certifications now also verifies that each weave originates from its rightful region and the artisans who have upheld it across generations. On this milestone, Mr. Ambuj Narayan, CEO, Taneira, said, 'On the occasion of National Handloom Day, we at Taneira are proud to take another meaningful step in our journey to safeguard India's weaving traditions and support our artisan communities. By partnering with craft clusters and offering certified weaves, including GI-tagged products, we aim to build a transparent supply chain that not only empowers artisans but also helps customers make informed, conscious choices. Through this initiative, we continue our endeavour to offer sarees that go beyond aesthetics, pieces that embody authenticity, carry the responsibility of heritage and reflect the cultural richness of India to the world at large.' By actively partnering with weaving clusters, the brand seeks to preserve the traditional knowledge systems that define Indian textiles while ensuring that weaving communities receive rightful recognition. Owning a GI-tagged saree is to own a tangible piece of India's cultural geography, history and craftsmanship. These sarees are not just keepers of tradition, but by the very nature of how they are made, handloom sarees are breathable, durable and crafted to last many generations, while combining comfort with timeless elegance. Taneira is working towards expanding its portfolio of GI-tagged clusters, with weaves from close to 10 other regions currently in progress. With each new addition, the brand moves closer to its vision of making authenticated, region-specific handlooms accessible to the modern Indian woman, while uplifting the ecosystem at every step. This National Handloom Day, Taneira invites customers to discover the stories, soil and soul woven into every thread. About Taneira Taneira, the womens ethnic wear brand from Titan, the TATA group company, offers differentiated design sarees, blouses, and ready-to-wear kurta sets made from pure and natural fabrics from over 100+ weaving clusters of India and brings the best of India under one roof. Instilled with TATA trust, Taneira aims to provide rooted yet progressive Indian women with diverse craftsmanship and exclusive crafts and designs. The products cater to everyday fashion and all occasions a woman would want to adorn herself for – festivals, weddings, and special occasions. In its endeavour to provide authentic weaves that are handcrafted with love, Taneira works with weaver communities all over India. It has also launched the Weavershala initiative to modernize the weaving techniques and, at the same time, preserve traditional procedures of hand weaving for future generations. In addition, the brand has introduced frame looms and all essential workspace facilities for the weavers in collaboration with localized weaver-led organizations. Currently, there are 18 Weavershalas operational across the country. Launched in 2017, Taneira offers a unique and relaxed browsing experience with knowledgeable staff to provide quality service through a strong network of 80+ stores across 41 cities. The brand is present across all prominent metro hubs and is building to strengthen its presence across key Tier I and Tier II cities. Taneira is also available online with global delivery at
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kuppadam sarees: a woven tale of innovation, elegance and tradition
In a quiet corner of Andhra Pradesh, where looms hum stories of history and heritage, the humble yet regal Kuppadam saree continues to hold its ground as a symbol of tradition, artistry and evolving identity. While most eyes turn to the celebrated Kanjeevarams or the intricate Banarasis, the Kuppadam saree tells its own tale, one that begins in the looms of a small town called Chirala in Bapatla district, located near the famous Suryalanka Beach. What's in a name? Kuppadam saree gets its name from a complex weaving technique called Koopadam. Inspired by a need to design temple sarees with elaborate zari borders resembling temple architecture, weavers of this region began interlocking silk borders with cotton or silk over 150 years ago. It was a radical departure from the regular border stitching, which required an assistant weaver. This sets Kuppadam saree from Kanjeevarams other traditional saree designs. Every thread spun in these six-yard wonders speaks of a deep-rooted cultural legacy handed down generations, held together by the dexterous hands of weavers who blend art and heritage on every warp and weft. Sajja Ramakrishna, who has been weaving the sarees for the past three decades at Desaipeta village near Chirala, says this unique technique required a distinctive set of skills passed down orally from one generation to the next. Stretching a half-woven saree across a loom at his residence, Ramakrishna says there was a time when he thought his loom would go silent but is now happy that the public have once again begun to appreciate these exquisitely designed sarees. Ramakrishna added that the looms used in Chirala, a portmanteau word derived from 'chira' meaning saree and 'ala' meaning wave, are mostly pit looms. Handloom fabrics made in Chirala are famous for softness and durability and suite all climates. Chirala looms mostly manufacture cotton and pure silk sarees with half fine zari, with jacquard weave and dress materials. The saree measures 1.19 m by 6.50 m. What sets them apart Unlike regular sarees where the border and body are woven in continuity, Kuppadam sarees employs a three-shuttle technique wherein the border and the body are woven separately and then interlocked manually at every line—a painstaking, time-consuming process requiring extreme precision, explained B. Rambabu, a master weaver who gives material to workers and procures the finished product to sell in the market or supply to retailers. At the heart of the Kuppadam saree is a remarkable blend of cotton or silk body and silk zari border, making it ideal for festive occasions as well as regular wear in the sultry climate of coastal Andhra. The body is typically woven in vibrant colours of pink, maroon, green and blue, with motifs inspired by nature, folklore and temple murals. The hallmark of these sarees is their rich pallu (end piece) and distinctive gold or silver zari borders that reflect grandeur without the weight of full-silk sarees. This lightweight appeal, coupled with their affordability compared to pure silk sarees, has made them a staple in Andhra households, especially during ceremonies such as engagements, housewarmings and festivals like Sankranti and Ugadi. Revival from extinction By early 2000s, demand for Kuppadam sarees had dwindled due to the rise of power looms and cheaper synthetic imitations. The painstaking weaving was no match for the speed and economics of machine-made sarees. As younger generations moved away from the handloom profession, the community of Kuppadam weavers began to shrink. But just then, a resurgence began. Quietly but firmly, initiatives such as the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry gave weavers their much-needed support. The State government has designated them as the ODOP for Bapatla district this year, giving weavers a fresh breath of life and recognition. The announcement was made by Babpatla District Collector J. Venkata Murali. Siddi Venkata Buchheswara Rao, a merchant at Devangapuri near Chirala, said women entrepreneurs and designer collectives were now showcasing contemporary versions of Kuppadam sarees, merging tradition with innovation. Evolving cultural significance In Andhra culture, gifting a Kuppadam saree to a bride or a daughter-in-law is seen as a gesture of elegance and familial pride. The saree becomes more than an outfit, it transforms into a repository of memory, worn during milestone moments such as baby showers, temple visits or the first festival after marriage. Moreover, the revival of this saree has had a significant socio-economic impact. According to government data, hundreds of weaving families have resumed their looms in Chirala and neighboring villages. The weaving process, often a family endeavour, involves men operating the looms while women help in dyeing, stretching the yarn, and post-weave embellishments. Today, one can find Kuppadam sarees infused with modern aesthetics — digital motifs, contemporary pastel shades, minimalistic borders — all the while retaining the essential koopadam craftsmanship. Designers are working closely with weavers to co-create limited edition sarees that appeal to urban consumers and global markets. Efforts are also under way to secure Geographical Indication (GI) status for the saree, which would offer legal protection and further marketing advantage, says D. Venkateswara Rao, District Handlooms and Textiles Officer, Bapatla district. If secured, it will help preserve the weaving technique and shield artisans from exploitative imitation, he adds. In the whirl of fast fashion and digital consumption, the Kuppadam saree remains a slow and intentional art form. Every saree takes days to complete, and is a reflection of patience, skill and a deep sense of pride in heritage. As the saree goes from looms of Chirala to the closets of customers, it does more than wrap a body—it wraps generations of memory, craft and culture. And in doing so, it ensures that Andhra Pradesh's threads of legacy never truly unravel.
