Kancheepuram Silk Sarees: Weavers colony visit
As part of the GRTHotels Bloggers meet
activity, we visited Kancheepuram last Saturday. After visiting the temples,
next stop was at a small handloom unit where silk sarees were being hand
weaved. This post shares some photos and notes from that visit.
It was nice to know the effort that goes into making a saree. Next time you're in Kanchipuram, do visit some of the handlooms. You can stay at Regency by GRT Hotels. Thanks to them for facilitating the visit.
Similar: Rao Brothers of Mangalore- Ganesha Idol makers * Bikaner Miniature artist *
Despite advance of machine operated mills
that can produce large quantities of cloths in shorter time, a good number of
handlooms still operate in many parts of South India, Kancheepuram being one of
them. These domestic units put in
extreme hard work to produce hand-made sarees which still retain good demand. The finesse and grandeur of sarees made by expert hands is unmatched by a machine. Below are some of the information shared with us by the lady who gave us a
walkthrough of the operations
The silk used in the saree comes from
Karnataka. The golden colour threads come from Gujarath.
Making a saree by hand is a pretty slow
process. About 40 cm (length) long saree is made every day. A typical saree is 4.5 to 5 meters in length while few are even longer. Making one full
size saree usually takes about 30-45 days of effort, depending on complexity of
design. Workers put 10-12 hours of effort each day, pulling various levers and
controls and inserting threads in specific patterns to get the desired output.
We saw two different unit. First one was
operated by an old man and was completely manual. He needs to memorize the
design and feed in right threads at right place periodically to get the desired
design. The equipment felt so complex to understand and operate. We saw a
second unit operated by a young man. It had a FORTRAN like computer program
card (looks like 1980s technology). While the former machine had single colour
threads, this one had blue + Red threads, which would result in a dual colour
saree.
Kancheepuram sarees are very famous for
their designer border, known as Zari. At the loom we visited, some party from Andhra
Pradesh had placed order for several wedding sarees. We were told retail price of exclusive
wedding sarees range about 25000-35000 typically. Regular silk sarees cost INR
5000 upwards.
Similar: Rao Brothers of Mangalore- Ganesha Idol makers * Bikaner Miniature artist *
The first photo is very tempting! :) Always wanted see weaving method of Kanchi sarees. Will visit Kanchi for the same.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful experience! I love Kancheepuram sarees!
ReplyDeletewww.docdivatraveller.com
Kancheepuram sarees are a must in every Indian woman's wardrobe. Fascinated by the coverage of weavers.
ReplyDeleteOooh..lovely. first to thanks for this amazing post. Really it's too interesting post with fabulous pictures and I like it so much from deep of heart. Kancheepuram silk sarees are closed to my heart because my mother like it so much and I gifts these sarees to my mother many times...........so thanks again for sharing this post and make me part of this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sahil, Shaivi, Doc and Ranjana.
ReplyDeleteHave been to one of the weaver workshop attached to a showroom in Kanchi. Their skill is absolutely impressive. Love the contrasts and vibrant hues of the saris. I got to see how they weave it with perfect coordination of hands and legs. Great photographs!
ReplyDeleteHi.
DeleteCan u plz send me the exact address of that workshop in kanchipuram
I am from central India & planning to visit kanchipuram to buy sarees for wedding of my sister.
Thanks Divsi- Yes, it is very skillful task- operating multiple controls
ReplyDeleteI want to buy directly from weaver ...could you please suggest me the place..where we can meet weavers directly
DeleteSeriously we should appreciate the people who is weaving sarees. Because they are using the leg and hand at the same time. And also the color combination of the kanjivaram sarees is really amusing.
ReplyDeleteKanchipuram sarees are the epitome of South Indian tradition and culture. Thanks for sharing such valuable content.
ReplyDeleteKanchipuram sarees please kindly send me your address
ReplyDeleteHi nice collection do u have any Resellers group pls call me on 8861129229
ReplyDeletePlease post the actual location
ReplyDeleteAtleast you should say the proper address to purchase.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's a mistake from my side. Should have noted shop name/address.
DeleteBut then, there are 100s of such mills in Kancheepuram, so finding one shouldn't be a problem.
Next time I visit, will try to update few addresses
It truly signifies our Indian Culture. Well demonstrated.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteLoved the pics
Welcome
DeleteGood effort 👍 Any festival or special occasion without kanchipuram is incomplete. Can you please share the nos. Of some weavers to contact them.
ReplyDeleteYes, my bad didn't note the number
Delete