For a fashion purist traditional weaves are the best choice, when it comes to follow cultural rituals. So, while you go on a shopping spree preparing an unending list of haves and have nots on new year, don’t forget to visit National Silk Expo — an exhibition cum sale — that houses a wide range of sarees and dress materials, displaying weaving traditions of India.
Of the many varieties available at the expo, Patola is one of the most eye-catching that beholds a great history. Patola saris from Patan are renowned for their colorful diversity and geometrical style. To create a patola sari, the bundles of thread are strategically knotted before dyeing. Both the warp and weft threads are wrapped to resist the dye according to the desired pattern of the final woven fabric. This tying is repeated for each colour that is to be included in the finished cloth.
Next in the list is Kanjivaram sarees, which reigns supreme as one of the most magnificent and rich sarees. Traditionally made by weavers from Kanchipuram, in Tamil Nadu, the gold is incorporated in the motifs by dipping the silk thread in liquid gold and silver.
To enjoy the warmth of pure wool this winter, what can be better than a Pashmina shawl. Made of a fine type of cashmere wool that comes from four distinct breeds of the Cashmere goat, the shawls are hand spun, and woven in Kashmir.
Other highlight to look forward in the exhibition are the Bandhani silk saris, Jaipuri kurties and designer suits from Rajasthan, Banarasi, Jamdani and Jamawar silk saris & lucknow chikan work from Uttar Pradesh, Maheshwari and Chanderi silk saris and suits from Madhya Pradesh, along with Kosa silk, Ghicha silk and block-printed silk saris from Chhattisgarh, Zari Paithani Saree from Maharashtra, Tussar, Matka, Khadi, Kosa and Gicha silk from Bihar,. The expo being organized from 22nd to 30th December.
