The Venkatgiri Sarees of Andhra Pradesh

If you thought the Indian culture manifested itself only its magnificent architecture comprising temples and monuments, then you are probably unaware of the rich textile heritage the country boasts of. Of all the important facts, the one that needs special mention is that the people of the Indian civilization were the first to discover the cotton plant and its ultimate use towards making clothes. Since olden times, cotton has been among the most chosen textile fabric and continues to be so even today. While silk displayed opulence, cotton was a symbol of simplicity and gentleness of manner and conduct. Silk is not within the range of everybody but the humble cotton is. And a combination of two completes the look of virtually any piece of clothing.

Cotton and silk are used in India to manufacture a wide variety of apparels. Perhaps, the widest application of these fabrics is found in the manufacture of sarees and blouses.  A cotton saree is fit for formal occasions where you need to come off as “a -matter -of -fact” person and a silk saree can charm away the interest of one and all at a high profile wedding or reception.  Cotton is suitable for summers when the cool feel of the cloth against the skin in the scorching heat is all one can ask for. But there are occasions that demand a little higher indulgence and for such occasions you need to have a venkatgiri sari, the traditional sari from Andhra Pradesh that is a superb medley between cotton and silk fabric.

The venkatgiri sarees are made from super fine cotton woven with fine threads of gold that lend it a shimmering effect. The most attractive part of it is the lavish border or pallu which is intricately decorated with real gold zari. Butas made with gold zari in various figures such as leaf, parrot, bel and diamonds are scattered all over the surface of the sari and the unobscured portion of the blouse, such as the back and the sleeves. The sleeves also contain the border similar to that of the saree so as to give it a harmonious and mingling effect.

In no other type of regional saree would you see such captivating effects of geometrical figures as in a venkatgiri traditional saree. The saree surface is sometimes segmented into various regular geometric patterns, mostly rectangles. The limiting boundary is exclusively woven with gold or colourful Zari, so as to give it a very defining look. In between the two consecutive figures, the gold and colourful motifs are strategically placed in order to heighten the overall look of not only the saree but the wearer as well.

For those with affinity for richer stuff, venkatgiri pure silk saris can be a good option. These are very pretty and come in unbelievable shades and hues. So getting the colour of your choice or matching it with perfect blouse won’t be a hindrance at all.

But that doesn’t mean, cotton as a fabric for venkatgiri traditional saree looks any inferior!! It is available in equally wide range of colours but the most preferable happens to be white or off-white. This is because it gives a wider scope for experimenting colours in the design of the border and surface motifs. The cotton used for making typical venkatgiri saree is of a very fine variety and feels ultra soft against the skin. The charm golden rays shimmering amidst the fine veil of cotton remains largely unparalleled by any other form of saree in Andhra Pradesh or even India as a whole.

Off late, venkatgiri sarees have caught attention of many designers who are trying to mould its look in brocade, tusseur and jacquard. Recent outcomes and designs have been impressive and have done much to popularize these saree. Though they are very famous in south India, especially Andhra Pradesh, they are still relatively unknown by a lot of Indians, higher up. If you are a saree freak, then you are surely an exception to the above statement. Because no variety of saree remains unknown to females who have an innate penchant for sarees, who understand the role played by this 6 yards of fabric in defining their look and accentuating their impression. And venkatgiri silk sarees are no exception to this either!!

The price range for these traditional sarees ranges from rupees two thousand for saree made in cotton to five thousand for the sarees made in pure silk. The designs and colours that are available in this single saree type are unimaginable and you will absolutely face no dearth of choice.  And you need not go to Andhra Pradesh to buy it!! They are easily available online with some sites affording you proper look of it before you finalise the purchase. So get one now!!