Kanjeevaram Sarees are worth all the hype. Find out why!
Kanjeevaram or Kanchipuram is a timeless weave with a rich history of more than 400 years. The name is derived from the city of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, where the silk is sourced. The sarees have a rich lineage since two communities in Tamil Nadu had come together to prepare this weave. Considered immensely auspicious and exclusive, the Kanchipuram silk is intricately woven into beautiful sarees. They are specifically earmarked for special occasions and are usually part of one's wedding trousseau in South India. Mulberry silk and gold cloth are used in creating these masterpieces.
Traditional designs like sculptures of temples etc. are the primary inspiration for the sarees. The technique is rather meticulous, soaking the silk thread in rice water for days to attain a consistent colour tone. The cables are then thoroughly sundried to achieve stiffness of the line. Finally, interlocking, a sliver thread holds up the silk, which is finally secured with a golden thread.
Kanjeevaram sarees are exclusive as they have a mythological connection. It is believed to be the work of the descendants of Sage Markanda - the master weaver for the gods.
Look no further, here's a list of the 6 best shops for Kanjeevaram sarees
1. Kanchipuram Lakshya Silks
Kanchipuram Lakshya Silks in Kanchipuram offers a wide array of Kanjeevaram sarees. Offering premium quality and unique designs, Lakshya Silks caters to all your wedding attire prerequisites. They understand the importance of the wedding day and will help add masterpieces to your bridal trousseau. Price range options are also available if you choose a saree for the bride's sister, friend or mother. Each saree is handpicked from the finest of weavers. Visit the store at Kanchipuram Varadharaj Perumal South Mada Street, Tamil Nadu or buy online.
2. Nalli Silks
Initially a family-owned glorious business, Nalli Sarees was started in Chennai in 1929 (Thyagaraja Nagar). Having had an iconic lineage of silks, Nalli is a globally trusted brand for sarees. They remain true to their core values of excellent quality and maintaining customers' trust. They continued taking requests and catering to their customers even during World War 2. Nalli sarees have custom-designed sarees for Artists, celebrities etc. They are a global brand with retail stores across India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai etc.) and internationally in countries like Canada and USA.
3. Kumaran Silks
Kumaran Silks is an esteemed silk weaving community in Kanchipuram. A family-owned business was greatly nurtured, eventually transforming into a multi-outlet retail chain. As an ode to their ancestors, the brand takes pride in producing not only the most delicate silk but also unmatched drapes and creating out-of-the-box designs. The versatile saree designs include hand-painted, colour blocked, and graphic formats, and many of them also take inspiration from Mughal miniatures and Madhubani paintings. Kumaran Silks has an online presence and store, along with physical stores in South India and across the globe, including the USA, Canada etc.
4. Panjavarnam Sarees
Panjavarnam Sarees promise exclusivity and uniqueness, both in quality and design. Known for handpicked designs, carefully selected colour palettes and talented karigars – the brand assures only one design per saree. So you'd be the only one donning the pattern you choose! Every saree has a story and is curated by craftsmen/karigars who have honed their skills over generations. Visit the store in Mylapore, Chennai or visit them online to add to your glorious saree collection!
5. Kanakavalli
Kanakavalli is a haven for versatile Kanjivaram sarees. They seamlessly intertwine traditional authenticity with contemporary styles to produce masterpieces that are absolute must-haves for your wardrobe. The immensely rooted and earthy designs from the boutique are carefully handpicked. Each piece speaks for itself – with a story from its conceptualisation to its journey to the boutique. The store is located on Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai. Visit the physical store or explore the collection online for an exquisite Kanjivaram saree shopping experience.
6. Palam Silk Sarees
Palam Silk Sarees offers a refreshingly rich collection of Kanjivaram sarees. They present a beautiful medley or fusion of traditional with a modern twist. These sarees are aesthetically pleasing and are mainly worn at festivities and bridal affairs. So allowing you a make your bridal dream come true in a gorgeous piece, visit the online store or pay a visit to our physical store in various parts of Chennai like Luz Church Road, Oliver Road, T. Nagar and Anna Nagar.
Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram is not only a heritage textile/fabric of traditional India but is an impeccable embodiment of culture and our rich legacy of art. So please do yourself a favour and get one of these masterpieces as they are an investment for generations to come!
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