Dharmavaram saree is one of the most popular three Indian wedding sarees, Banarasi silk saree, Kanchipuram silk saree, and Dharmavaram silk saree. Compared to all other traditional Indian sarees Dharmvaram might be the most modern one. Due to their demand during wedding season and popularity among brides Dharmavaram saree is also called bridal saree.
About This Saree
Dharmavaram is known for its textile art and craft. The town gained fame because a large number of artisans were producing silk clothing. It became a popular attire among brides of that time. A traditional Dharmavaram saree has a broad golden border. The sarees are made with two colours of threads so that they get the shine of two different colours. Every saree is handwoven which takes time and a lot of efforts. Due to its high requirement of physical work sarees are expensive. The expense of these sarees is whats making them fade away. If a greater crowd could buy these sarees the industry will not suffer.
Initially, the saree was only made for brides in red and yellow colour. But artisans needed to bend it to fit in the modern market this is why they introduced more motifs and colours in Dharmavaram sarees. Dharmavaram saree gives you a royal look because of its gold zari weaved work on border and pallu.
History of Dharmavaram Saree
Dharmavaram derives its name from the town of its origin Dharmavaram. Dharmavaram is situated in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Before Dharmavaram the town was called Dharmamba. Dharmabma was the mother of the town’s founder Kriya Shakti Vodavaru Swamy.
The town had an abundance of mulberry tree. It became easier for townspeople to breed silkworms and get silk from them to produce silk attire. The simple art and beautiful weaves of Dharmavaram sarees were recognized throughout the world by the 19th century.
Making of Dharmavaram Sarees
It requires two artisans to weave continuously for 6 to 7 days with mulberry silk and zari to complete a Dharmavaram saree. Dharmavaram can be used to make skirts as well for young girls. The popularity o art has increased its demand among all women.
To meet the market demand sarees are now being produced using machinery. Machines do not bring the brilliance of handmade products but machine-made sarees are still as good as hand made sarees.
According to their design and style, Dharmavaram sarees have different name for example Dharmavaram temple pallu saree, Kala Anjali Dharmavaram sarees, etc.
Quality And Feel
- Dharmavaram saree has motifs of flora and fauna woven into its fabric.
- Dharmavaram’s zari work makes it stand out in the crowd of other sarees. Other designs are inspired by temples and old paintings.
- Commonly used zari threads are red, green, silver, and golden.
It will save the handloom industry if more people shifted from synthetic fabric and machine-made products to authentic handwoven products. So the next time you go out in the market try to buy authentic products. They might cost you more but you will be doing the greater good. Plus you will wear the traditional saree of India which has been inspired by so many arts and has changed its form through generations.