In spite of the saree trend changing from time to time, sarees remain a primary attire in everyone’s wardrobe, reflecting their vogue. Sarees are often hailed as the ultimate symbols of tradition, heritage, and elegance, as timeless icons of grace for women. The saree started as a basic garment, influencing various empires and cultures; the saree underwent developmental transformations in fabric, weaving techniques, and draping styles. Bandhani is an ancient form of textile dyeing in India, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Bandh,’ meaning to tie, which refers to the complicated tie-and-dye technique used in forming its instantly recognizable patterns.
The most famous examples of this art form are the Rajasthani Bandhani Sarees. Today, most Bandhani-making centers are situated in the Gujrat, Rajasthan, Sindh, and Punjab regions and in Tamil Nadu, where it’s known as Sungudi. Bandhani sarees are clear epitomes of the centuries-old textile traditions of their specific regions. Each Bandhani saree is a unique piece of art, showcasing the skill and creativity of artisans. Their art results in beautiful dot-like impressions, waves, and motifs colored in rich and bright tones on the saree. The Bandhani saree is a symbol of artisanship, patience, and tradition.
Let’s dive into the article to experience the making of Bandhani sarees, their types, and ways to find whether your Bandhani saree is authentic or not.
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The Making of Bandhani Sarees
The making of a Bandhani saree is an ultra-careful process. The Bandhani sarees with lively colors and comprehensive designs show the cultural legacy, making them a style icon for all festive occasions and seasons.
- The fabric is tied into tiny knots using threads, usually of silk or cotton.
- When the fabric is dyed, these knots create beautiful patterns on the stuff.
- The process of making a Bandhani saree requires multiple rounds of tying and dyeing to attain the desired patterns.
- An authentic Bandhani saree is handcrafted, which showcases the skill and patience of the artisans.
- Due to hand-made patterns, each saree can take several weeks or months to complete the process, depending on the uniqueness of the design.
Types of Bandhani Sarees
The sarees are often hailed as the ultimate symbols of elegance and style as timeless icons of grace for women. There are various types of sarees in style according to their regions, but the Bandhani sarees have the following types along with their unique features.
Laheriya Bandhani:
- The word “Laheriya” means “waves.” The Laheriya Bandhani saree has a diagonal or wave-like pattern.
- The Laheriya Bandhani saree is a symbol of the monsoon season with flowering water and lush greenery that comes with rain.
- The making process of this type of saree requires rolling and tying the fabric diagonally multiple times for beautiful colors and designs.
- The bright and lively colors used in the Laheriya Bandhani saree make it a graceful bridal or festive attire.
Shikari Bandhani:
- The term “Shikari” comes from the word “hunter,” which often represents wildlife or nature scenery.
- This type of saree is known for its complex motifs of animals and birds, which showcase the skill and patience of the artisans in detail.
- The Shikari Bandhani saree is mainly crafted on silk fabric, which makes it an elegant choice for bridal and festive wear.
Ekdali and Mothra Bandhani:
- The Ekdali and Mothra styles of Bandhani sarees are popular due to their unique grid-like designs.
- The Ekdali Bandhani saree has a single-dot-like pattern that looks like it is arranged in a grid form, creating a simple yet eye-catching design.
- On the other side, Mothra-style Bandhani sarees contain more complex yet attractive patterns with sparkles of dots that make knotty grids together.
- Both the Ekdali and Mothra Bandhani sarees are made from lightweight cotton fabric, which makes them comfortable for everyday wear.
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Ways to Know if Your Bandhani Saree is Authentic
However, booming mass production led to a flooding of machine-made imitations of the saree, which, although perfectly regular and pretty, did not possess the innocence of a real Bandhani saree. Here is a guide to ensure the authenticity of your Bandhani saree:
- Inspect the Tie-Dye Patterns: A genuine Bandhani saree is handcrafted, and each dot will have variation in the size and spacing that makes its patterns slightly uneven. If you see small thread knotting, it is a sign that the saree belongs to the handcraft method.
- Feel the Fabric: Authentic Bandhani sarees are made with a fabric that is of natural material, such as pure cotton, silk, and georgette. True Bandhani sarees, to the touch, will feel soft, breathable, and lightweight; fake ones might not be able to capture this attraction.
- Note the Quality of the Colors: The colors of pure Bandhani sarees come from natural or high-grade organic dyes and may run a bit when washed for the first time. Real Bandhani sarees are also marred with light variations in shading, all because of hand dye, which adds to their charm and uniqueness.
FAQs
Q: What does the Bandhani saree symbolize?
Bandhani sarees are generally a tie-dye textile, and wearing one can bring good luck and fortune to the bride.
Q: What is special about Bandhani?
Bandhani is one of the oldest known methods of tie-dyeing, and it is still practiced in western India today.
Q: Is a Bandhani saree eco-friendly?
Yes, the Bandhani sarees are eco-friendly and sustainable when artisans use natural dyes and traditional methods.