Indian sarees are the quintessence of Indian culture and tradition. They represent the grandiose Indian heritage. The intricate designs on Indian sarees and lehengas showcase the grace and beauty of Indian heritage. Not surprisingly, due to these reasons, Indian attire has made a significant presence all across the world.
Contemporary Indian fashion is a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Influenced by Western style, the Indian fashion industry has presented a unique blend of Indo-Western culture, such as Indo-Western sarees, Indo-Western lehengas, Indo-Western gowns, etc, on the international platform. Many designer lehengas and sarees are a blend of tradition and modernity. However, there are a few traditional sarees that remain completely associated with the pure and raw Indian tradition, untouched by modernity. Bandhani saree is one of them.
An Indian woman, either in designer sarees or in lehenga cholis, looks resplendent. Especially in a saree, a woman seems no less than a Goddess. India is a country with a rich culture and heritage. Bandhani saree illustrates this auspicious culture of India. The bandhani saree, worn by Indian women for centuries, remains timeless and always in fashion. It is both contemporary and traditional. It epitomises grace and elegance. It represents the pinnacle of Indian fashion etiquette.
About Bandhani Saree
The Bandhani saree, also known as bandhej, embodies the vibrant enthusiasm and energy of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Bandhani is derived from the word boond, which means a drop or a dot. It is handcrafted. It is mainly known for its bright colours, handcrafted designs and exquisite patterns. Its motifs are always in contrasting shades of white, red, yellow, green, orange, and other colours. It represents the traditions and cultures of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is easily handled and maintained. Bandhani sarees are unique because they are lightweight and flowy, setting them apart from other sarees.
History of Bandhani Saree
Bandhani saree is one of those Indian attires that has been in style for over 5,000 years. The earliest traces date back to the Indus Valley civilisation. The bandhani saree from that era was created using the tie-dye technique. The Ajanta caves also depict the traces of bandhani sarees. It was also present during the time of the Buddha. The Khatri community of Gujarat initiated the tradition of wearing Bandhani clothes, including turbans and dupattas. Subsequently, they dispersed to various regions of Rajasthan. Hence, today, bandhani clothes are everywhere in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
The Making of Bandhani Saree
The tie-dye technique is used to create a bandhani saree. The craftsman selects a suitable fabric. Then he ties knots on the fabric. After that, patterns such as flowers, trees, and leaves are designed. Then the craftsman prepares a suitable dye colour for the fabric. He dips the specially designed fabric into the solution and allows it to soak. The final step involves drying the fabric, which takes approximately 2 days during the monsoon and 4-5 hours in Summer. After untying the knots, the vivid patterns of white and bright colours become apparent. In the contemporary era, chemical dyes are used instead of natural dyes.
Types of Bandhani Sarees
#1 Jhankaar Bandhani Saree- Jhankaar bandhani is vibrant and striking in both colour and style. It deviates from the trend of using white motifs on the fabric. Instead, the fabric is bold in colour, and the colourful dots are designed on it in contrast. This contrast of bright colours makes this saree unique and attractive. A woman looks alluring in this saree.
#2 Bor Jaal Bandhani Saree- This ensemble represents the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The name is derived from the word jaal, which means web. Web-like patterns are designed on the fabric with a splash of colours. This is a beautifully adorned bandhani saree featuring intricate designs.
#3 Colour Discharge Bandhani Saree- This saree is distinctive compared to all other bandhani sarees. This eccentric saree does not conform to the conventional designs and patterns of a bandhani. The contrasting colours of bright and light hues, with motifs including yellow and red dots, symbolise nature, femininity and womanhood.
#4 Banarasi Bandhani Saree- This saree combines bandhani designs with those of Banarasi silk. This saree features traditional bandhani designs with gold zari work, similar to those found in Banarasi silk sarees.
Cultural Representation
Bandhani saree is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a cultural representation of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Women in these regions wear it with pride, be it for casual wear or special occasions. In Gujarat, it’s considered auspicious and believed to bring good luck to the family. This deep-rooted cultural significance makes the Bandhani saree more than just a garment; it’s a symbol of tradition and belief.
Brides often wear a red colour bandhani saree or lehenga choli on their wedding days.
New mothers often wear a yellow colour bandhani saree, as it is considered auspicious.
The green colour bandhani is preferred as a symbol of fertility.
Even during the wedding, the groom’s family presents the bride with a gharchola, a type of lehenga choli.
Summing Up
The Indian saree is the representation of culture and tradition. It enhances a woman’s allure and grace. Although it is a traditional Indian dress, it embodies the epitome of modernity and elegance. Bandhani saree is a type of saree that showcases the beauty and elegance that a saree embodies. Today, apart from these traditional sarees, many contemporary designer sarees enhance a woman’s beauty. Whether it is a designer saree or a traditional one, it remains the first choice for an Indian woman for all occasions.
