Indian textiles is not just a category of clothing, but a culture in itself. It's the definition of the perfect blend of tradition and vibrancy, and one such masterpiece gift of Indian textiles is Bandhani Sarees. Bandhani sarees are gifted from the western part of diverse India, having a culture, a trend in every corner of the nation.
They come from Gujarat and Rajasthan and are known for their beautiful intricate tie-dye pattern, timeless classic elegance they give and of course, the captivating colours, which can make anybody’s day better. Bandhani sarees are made from a very precise and cherished art form which means so much because it is something that has passed from generation to generation.
Therefore, the bandhani saree isn't just a complication of threads, but weaves a thousand different stories and represents the beauty of history, culture, and craftsmanship into a symphony of hues that is still relevant and longed for by people worldwide.
The making of elegance:
As we said how rich the history has been of bandhani sarees, bandhani quite literally means,’ to tie’ representing the exhausting yet beautiful process of making the saree come true to its shape and pattern, where our local artisans tie many thousand tiny knots all over the fabric to create that pattern one would get mad for before dye. These knots help in creating a resistant pattern, and the process is so natural that it would always result in a different pattern, hence every bandhani saree is unique in its own way. While dying the colour gets spread out and creates motifs, which results in mesmerising designs always. There is a reason why bandhani sarees are known as the labour of love, as they are handcrafted and require a keen eye to curate, and intricate patterns by hand, which to get all done perfectly requires days, weeks and often months or so.
What makes it different and one of a kind:
The aesthetic colour palette: What truly makes a bandhani saree different and that there is none like it is its extremely rich colour palette. At Kapaas Katha, we provide a variety of traditional bandhani sarees that are a kaleidoscope of all the dreamy vibrant colours. Every dreamy colour that you think of be it the fiery fearless red, the richness of the serene ocean blues and the mix of blues with green, all are curated and handcrafted by our local artisans.
These dyes aren't just responsible for such vibrant colours but also contribute to an unparalleled richness and authenticity towards the fashion industry, in the world of fast fashion when fashion waste is a major concern, our bandhani sarees are something that is long-lasting, in a way that can be passed to the next generation as a gift and as the passing of love as well.
Every colour has a story of its own when it comes to Bandhanis sarees. Red holds a symbolic significance of love, prosperity and passion, and hence is the most beloved choice of newlyweds. Yellow represents joy, happiness, and auspiciousness and people are often suggested and gifted yellow bandhani sarees for such occasions. Blue as a popular hue of bandhani sarees represents spirituality, also representing the limitless expanse and opportunities of the sky and the ocean and hence all these traditional bandhani sarees have a motive on their own.
The storytelling in designs: It would be a sin to write about the aesthetic appeals that bandhani sarees have and not mention the art of storytelling it depicts. It is like 6 yards of storytelling for the artisans. Every pattern, design and motif that you can feel, and wear showcases a culture of its own, the rich tapestry of Indian culture and heritage. Our Indian culture is so rich, that all the peacocks, elephants and different geometric patterns that you can see and feel are inspired through nature and architectural marvels, hence every Bandhani saree narrates a story on its own.
These designs and patterns are created very often, but they are also passed as a heritage to future artisans, who take inspiration from traditional folklore, and mythologies to present those timeless designs with utmost beauty via sarees, to keep up the gist of traditionalism and not compromise with the contemporary sensibilities as well.
Versatile bandhani sarees: The versatility of bandhani sarees has no bounds, it is such a timeless piece that nothing can beat it, when it comes to a particular style, anyone and everyone can wear it. It can be your companion on any type of occasion, be it the festive season or evening attire. Bandhani sarees shower a charm through them which transcends sophistication, beyond these ever-changing trends.
Sarees are often considered as something to be worn on special occasions because you just don't look stunning in them but also because they are really a task to manage themselves. What makes bandhani sarees apart from this assumption regarding sarees, is that they are most lightweight as well as breathable fabric, which are perfect for any season in India, especially summers. Hence the fabric and the summer colours ensure that you stand out from any crowd, following admiration wherever you go.
From the past few years, as we can witness people caring and bringing back the old trends, bandhani sarees were never out of the trend. Still, recently it has gained much-deserved popularity, especially among youngsters where everyone wants to fulfil their Bollywood dream while wearing a bandhani saree. Kapaas Katha takes full credit for being one of the pioneers to discover the allure of bandhani sarees, making them one of the classic pieces of anybody’s collection. This discovery has let people renew their interest in not just the timeless elegance of bandhani sarees but also the traditional weaving techniques, which ultimately empower local artisans. This helps them showcase and let their talent be moral forever, preserving that cultural heritage for generations.
Bandhani sarees aren't just a piece of fabric: As we understand and appreciate the beauty of bandhani sarees, we realise that they are not just pieces of mere fabric, they are way more than that. These sarees are a symbol of the identity, tradition and resilience of those local artisans.
The artisans who have dedicated their lives to mastering this ancient craft and creating a legacy of generations. In an era where the world is dominated by mass-produced fashion trends, bandhani sarees stand out as a realm of authenticity and artistry, reminding us that it is evergreen.
Kapaas Katha’s main motive is to pass those stories, the hard work of mastering the authenticity of local artisans through the weaves of bandhani sarees, because they transcend aesthetics. As they continue to mesmerise every woman out there for their love of sarees, bandhani sarees endure the timeless allure of handmade Indian textiles through their symphony of hues.
Written by-
Kiran Joshi