Known to have its origin from Rajasthan and Gujarat, Bandhani Sarees are a perfect manifestation of bold colors and small-sized motifs done all over its fabric. Light in weight and soft to touch, these sarees are easy to wear and comfortable to be worn all day long. These sarees can be worn in a regular draping style or the Gujarati-right shoulder Pallu style.
Having a historic significance, right from the time of the Alexander era, these sarees have evolved in terms of the pattern as well as the fabric. These were extensively worn in the later period for wedding ceremonies and Poojas. They were considered pure and to bring good future for the bride. These sarees are made after dyeing the fabric in different colors, both man-made and natural. The Muslim Khatri community from Gujarat is known to have started Bandhani work on fabrics. Bandhani means ‘tying’ in English. The entire process of making a saree basically involves two stages- tying and dyeing. The fabric used to make the saree is tied at different areas with threads. This tied fabric is then dyed with the desired colors. This dyed fabric can then be used to make sarees of various styles that include Leheriya, Mothra, Ekdali and Shikari. These styles differ as per the tying pattern of the cloth.
The colors dominantly used to make sarees include yellow, red, green, orange, and maroon. The saree is designed basically with a single color base, which is further designed with motifs made in multiple colors that are contrasting to the base color. The material used to make include cotton, Gajji silk, muslin, fur etc. Such sarees in Gujarat are known as Gharchola. It is a traditional and attire for Hindu and Jains females. Such sarees are gifted during weddings or festivals. Muslim and Hindu communities wear these sarees in different styles as per their cultural set up.
The fabric is dyed and embossed with peculiar motifs, either small or big-sized, done all over the fabric. The motifs generally are in the form of flowers, creepers, bells, etc. The saree is further enhanced by a golden or silver colored zari border done all over the saree. You can match up this saree with the blouse available with the fabric or a single-toned blouse. Traditional Jewelleries such as Jhumkas or Baalis go well with the Gujarati Bandani saris.
The females from the Gujarati and Rajasthani community wear different colors of this traditional attire at different occasions. Many a times the color represents the event that it is worn on. For example: A red colored one is worn during wedding or similar social functions. A yellow color sari is worn by the female when she enters the stage of motherhood. The colors play a vital role here. These saris are light in weight and soft to touch. Many housewives wear on a daily basis sarees and conduct their household chores with extreme comfort every day. These sarees have bold appearance and look youthful. These sarees are commonly seen in cities during Navratri or marriages.