Your one-stop guide to all things Kanjivaram Sarees
The town of Kanchipuram, located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is the birthplace of Kanjivaram sarees. It serves as the traditional hub of silk weaving and handloom industries, where the renowned Kanchipuram Sarees, also known as Kanjivaram Sarees, are produced.
The silk city, Kanchipuram, is renowned for its use of high-quality silk threads. Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram Silk sarees are globally acclaimed for their exceptional craftsmanship. Skilled artisans hand weave these sarees using the luxurious Kanchipuram silk fabric. The silk threads are meticulously dyed, treated with rice water, and sun-dried before being woven into exquisite sarees.
The sarees are further adorned with pure gold threads, creating the iconic Zari border. Kanjivaram sarees are known for their intricate craftsmanship and substantial weight. They feature wide contrasting borders on both sides, while the pallu design draws inspiration from South Indian temple architecture, flora, and fauna. These sarees are treasured for special occasions like weddings and festivals.
It’s no surprise that a Kanjivaram saree is considered a must-have in an Indian bridal wardrobe or wedding trousseau. The best place to acquire authentic Kanjivaram sarees is in Kanchipuram itself, but this is not the only option. We’ve picked out a few online and offline stores across South India that offer a wide range of authentic Kanjivaram sarees to get your saree collection started!
Best Shops To Buy Kanjivaram Sarees in South India:
1. Chennai Silks:
The store known as ‘Chennai Silks‘ has gained popularity not just in Tamil Nadu, but throughout South India. With 27 outlets spread across India, they have become one of the largest textile stores in the region. Chennai Silks offers a wide collection of silk sarees, including the renowned Kanjivaram saree. Their range is extensive, catering to various preferences. In addition to their physical stores, Chennai Silks also provides the convenience of online shopping with worldwide shipping options available.
2. RMKV:
With a remarkable experience of over 97 years in the silk industry and having received 2 national awards, RMKV is renowned for its exquisite Kanjivaram wedding silk sarees. They have established a strong reputation for their commitment to quality, innovative designs, and advancements in handloom silk weaving techniques. Offering both online retail options and spacious showrooms in Chennai, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, and Bengaluru, RMKV ensures that you can easily discover the Kanjivaram saree of your dreams. What’s even more exciting is that RMKV allows you to personalize and custom design your own saree, which will then be meticulously handwoven by their skilled master weavers.
3. Nalli:
This popular family-run brand Nalli has been a household name synonymous with sarees and textiles. Their landmark store in Chennai began in 1928 and has grown by leaps and bounds thanks to their growing number of loyal customers. One can be assured of the purity and authenticity of their Kanjivaram saree while shopping at any of the Nalli outlets in any of the South Indian states. Their online portal showcases an extensive collection of sarees woven using the highest-quality fabrics and you can have it delivered to your doorstep.
4. Pothys:
Next, House of Pothys is another well-established name when it comes to showcasing a wide variety of Kanjivaram Sarees under one roof. The purity and richness of their silks and luxurious zari work are hallmarks of their sarees. They have several outlets scattered across Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and you can even shop their collection online. Pothys desire to innovate and excel in silk manufacturing won them a Guinness World Record in the year 2005 for creating the world’s longest silk saree!
5. SM Silks:
SM Silks is a trusted brand that sells premium quality Kanjivaram silk sarees. Moreover, the centuries-old tradition of handloom silk weaving is kept alive at Kancheepuram S.M Silks. Their collection is popular among those looking to add authentic ones to their bridal collection as the grandeur of their fine gold zari is one of the best! Furthermore, can walk into any of their showrooms in Tamilnadu and Karnataka or shop their collection of pure Kanjivarams here.
Here’s an interesting fact – ‘Kanchipuram Silk Sarees’ was the first product in India to receive the Geographical Indication tag!
This stately saree, rich in culture and tradition is a wardrobe must-have for every saree lover and collector. No wonder it’s also a favourite at Binks too!
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