Fashionistas’ dreamland, especially for silk saree lovers, Kolkata proudly claims the title of cultural capital. The city’s rich cultural history is inextricably linked with its traditional textiles. It comes as no surprise, then, that silk sarees boast a pride of place in every Indian woman’s collection. Whether it’s a bride-to-be or simply an ethnic fashion lover, the silk saree scene in Kolkata promises a singularly unparalleled experience.
The Cultural Significance of Silk Sarees
The silk saree is something more than a piece of garment; it is elegance, it is tradition. In Kolkata, the art and skill involved in making such beautiful pieces are nothing short of legendary. The city has a brocade weaving tradition in silk, going back several millennia. Over time, this art evolved to bring into being the exquisite varieties that exist today.
Famous Silk Sarees of Kolkata
Starting from ordinary silk sarees to exquisite designer wear, Kolkata offers huge variation in silk sarees. Following are some of the most famous varieties:
Baluchari Saree
Baluchari sarees have gained world recognition for their intricate mythological motifs and detailed depiction of stories on their pallus. No lover of saris can miss having this piece in their wardrobe, and it is generally passed on as heirloom generations after generations.
Tussar Saree
Tussar silk sarees owe their fame to the rich texture and the natural gold sheen. These versatile sarees range from casual wear to formal wear and thus are liked by women of all age groups.
Garad Silk
Garad sarees are identified by their pure silk bodies and red borders. Traditionally, these types of sarees were worn during festivals and religious occasions as a mark of elegance and sanctity.
Best Places to Buy Silk Sarees in Kolkata
If you are in Kolkata and willing to purchase some silk sarees, these markets should top your list of places to be considered while on a purchasing spree for silk sarees:
Burrabazar
A very old, wide, and largest market area of Kolkata where you can get varieties of silk saree at an affordable rate. Indeed, a busy conduit hub with a variety of ranges, starting from traditional to modern times.
Gariahat Market
Gariahat Market varies in range and quality, therefore being famous. For any lover of sarees, it is a dream destination with its real silk materials to suit varied tastes and budgets.
New Market
New Market represents one of the oldest markets in Kolkata, merging tradition with modernity. A combination of old and new shops makes it an ideal place for classic and contemporary designs. From timeless to trendy, New Market has everything.
How to Identify Genuine Silk Saree
While purchasing a silk saree, one should know whether they are getting a genuine product or not. Here’s how you identify pure silk:-
Burn Test
Pure silk smells like burnt hair when it burns and leaves ashes behind, while synthetic fibers smell like burning plastic. This is a good but dangerous test.
Feel and Texture
Real silk is soft, smooth, and has an iridescent sheen that subtly changes color as it shifts. The fabric should feel luxurious to the touch and have a great drape.
Price
Genuine silk sarees are indeed expensive because of their production and craftsmanship costs. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Buying Silk Saree Online
It has now become so easy to buy silk sarees without actually having to physically go to markets selling them. Some of the spellbinding varieties of silk sarees originating from Kolkata are available online to fit every taste and occasion. Shopping online can facilitate browsing through an extended collection while sitting in the comfort of your home. Following are the advantages if you buy silk sarees online:
Convenience
The main advantage one experiences while online shopping for silk sarees is convenience. You are privileged to browse different collections, make price comparisons, and even read customer reviews-all from the comfort of your home.
Variety of Choices
Online shops will have more variety compared to traditional ones. You can find sarees in various styles, colors, and in several price brackets. This makes selecting at least something close to your preference easier.
Exclusive Offers
Many online shopping websites offer special concessions and deals specifically to their customers. While buying products online you could make use of such offers and get value for money.
Details Descriptions
Online shopping websites provide explicit descriptions, along with high-resolution images of the items being sold. The description guides you towards making the right choice and getting exactly what you ordered.
The Silk Saree Art
The art of silk sarees basically stands as a witness to the very skill and devotion of the weavers. Every saree is like a work of art, reflecting the cultural heritage and traditions of India. Several techniques are applied to creating these beautiful designs and patterns on fabrics, and they include the following:
Handloom Weaving
The conventional method for generations imparted handloom weaving technique consists of using a hand-operated loom for weaving the fabric into peculiar and intricate patterns.
Jacquard Weaving
Jacquard weaving involves the use of a special type of loom to weave complex designs and motifs. The technique permits a more accurate and detailed pattern. It can be ideal in most cases for detailed, elaborate patterns to be made by this method.
Block Printing
This process involves using wooden blocks to stamp the designs onto the fabric. This process can create intricate patterns and motifs, often giving an artistic touch to the saree. The Cultural
Impact of the Silk Saree
In Indian culture and tradition, silk sarees are accorded special attire status. Normally, they are worn during important occasions and celebrations because of the traits of elegance and grace they signify. The cultural importance of silk sarees reflects in many facets of Indian life, which include the following:
Weddings
Silk sarees are usually tagged along with Indian weddings. Most brides prefer to wear silk saree on their ‘big day.’ as it is a sign of purity and grandeur. These sarees have usually got a lot of detailing on them and other embellishments, hence becoming apt for such an occasion.
Festivals
Women wear silk sarees throughout India during festivals to mark the occasion. These sarees make the event more elegant and festive, hence becoming a part of it.
Religious Functions
Silk sarees are also worn during a number of religious functions. These show luxuriousness and intricate designs that make them apt for those sacred events and add to the overall sanctity of the event.
Conclusion
Silk sarees are more than just something one wears; they mirror India’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. Kolkata, for its long history and expertise in silk weaving, presents something unique and different for the saree lovers. From the crazy hustle and bustle of Burrabazar to Gariahat or New Market, to the comfort of sitting on the couch and shopping silk sarees online, you are likely to find exactly what your heart desires.
Kolkata-a treasure trove for the would-be bride, the ethnic fashion enthusiast, and the cultural tourist in search of something new-appears to promise something for everybody, its vibrant silk saree scenario moving from traditional to modern.
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