In India, saris are worn by girls and women of all ages, but for girls, there might be some variations on the traditional drape.
Saris are a single piece of cloth, generally 5 meters (roughly 6 yards) in length. Imagine draping that on you so that it is elegant, doesn’t trip you up, and you’re comfortable enough to walk in it. It’s a bigger challenge than you might think! The art of draping a sari is often passed down from mothers, grandmothers, or other female family members. It takes practice to perfect the pleats and ensure the sari stays secure. For girls, learning to drape a sari can be a fun bonding experience and a way to connect with their cultural heritage. Saris are worn with blouses. Not a blouse as you would wear to church, but a fitted version of it, extending only down to your waist, leaving the stomach bare; the art of draping 5 meters of cloth, with the waist bare, yet covering it, carrying it off elegantly and not tripping on it so it all unwinds is quite the challenge!
As a young girl growing up in India, I couldn’t wait to wear my first sari. I still remember the day my mother took me to get my first sari blouse stitched for me. I felt so grown up! My very own sari blouse!!!!
Very young girls, like toddlers or those starting school, might wear a simpler version of the sari called a langa davani or a half sari. It's essentially a skirt with a dupatta (scarf) that can be draped like a short sari. This is comfortable for them to play around in while still introducing them to the cultural significance of the sari.
As girls enter their teens, they might start wearing a full sari, especially for special occasions like family gatherings or school functions. The drape might be a simpler version of the regional styles, like a basic pleat at the waist and the pallu (decorative end) worn over one shoulder. This allows them to get comfortable with draping the sari without the complexity of elaborate styles.
In recent years, there's been a trend of modernizing the sari, making it more comfortable and versatile for younger women. This might involve using lighter fabrics, shorter lengths, or pre-pleated saris that are easier to drape. Blouses have changed too. Growing up, blouses used to be plain and functional. They covered you up. Nowadays when I go back to India, I am taken aback by the blouses, or lack thereof (nearly) J Either material has become so expensive that you can’t buy as much of it so your blouse has become skimpy, or the whole country has let their veil of modesty down a bit! Probably the latter.
So, What exactly is this “sari”?
Imagine a long piece of gorgeous fabric, like a magic carpet that transforms depending on where you are in India. That's the sari! It's a national treasure, worn by women across the country, but the way they wear it changes completely depending on the region.
Down south in places like Tamil Nadu, the sari becomes a majestic nine-yard wonder called a Madisar. The fabric is folded into perfect pleats at the front, cascading down like a flowing skirt. The other end, the pallu (think the decorative scarf part), is either draped over the shoulder or elegantly wrapped around the body. It's a real showstopper, perfect for weddings and fancy occasions.
Head west to Gujarat, and the sari takes on a whole new personality. Here, the Seedha Pallu drape is all about comfort and practicality. The pallu takes center stage, beautifully pleated and displayed in the front. This style lets you move around freely, making it ideal for everyday wear.
Over in the east, Bengal does things differently. Their drape highlights the gorgeous borders of the sari. The pallu gets tucked neatly into the blouse, creating a sharp, sophisticated look. It's a whole different vibe!
The cool thing about the sari is that it reflects so much more than just fashion. Each region's drape is a unique blend of tradition, climate, and even personal style. From the south's flowing grandeur to the west's practical elegance and the east's structured drape, the sari is a vibrant tapestry woven into the very fabric of Indian culture. So next time you see a sari, remember, it's not just clothing – it's a story waiting to be unfolded.
Experience India. www.travelexpeditionsindia.com/jwnbymonth
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