An ode to the Kanchipuram Saree

To me, all silk sarees are fondly "Kanchipuram Sarees"! (Did I see some of you nod in agreement?)
I grew up watching my mom drape her cotton sarees every day to work, crisp and neatly pleated, with no cause for concern about a loose end or a poking pin or too short a pallu. Everything was in place, and the saree was, and is, comfort-wear for her. And like most women, she has a gorgeous collection of silk sarees kept neatly folded, and treasured in the wardrobe, which is taken out occasionally to wear to a Sunday morning wedding or to a house-warming lunch.

I borrowed several of them from her during my years in college. Fun, I didnt have to go saree-shopping, I could just come home and pick from her ready-to-use collection. These I'd proudly strut around in during the Diwali and other college celebrations.

That was the story of seven years ago. Now an occasional saree-hunt is a thing I have grown to enjoy, with a special soft corner towards traditional Kanchipuram silks. To me, the colours and vibrance in Kanchipuram sarees are simply brilliant.

More than the beauty of it, they remind me of mirth and laughter during weddings, gifts given by relatives to wear at their weddings, compliments when dressed up, and beautiful photographs with kith, kin and friends. To me, they mean happiness and gaity!

 

The saree is not yet comfort-wear for me, and probably never will be. But wearing it to a special occasion holds a dear, special charm.

To the lovely Kanchipuram saree hand-crafted by the small-town weavers of Kanchipuram.

PS: The pictures above purely intended to show-off my collection ;-)

And I'm sure most of you have your favourites too, do tell me your saree stories! I've shared this @ColoursDekor.