Guntur Sarees
Guntur Sarees, woven by the craftsmen of Guntur is known for its tightly-mend drapes, which have folds of about 60- 80 counts. The names comes from the quaint city of Andhra Pradesh known as Guntur, located towards the southeast of Hyderabad, the capital of the state. Guntur is home to a lot of industries, businesses, agricultures, handicrafts and above all, the textiles known for exporting cotton and chillies.
Origin & History
Andhra Pradesh, as a state, is very popular for its exquisite variety of sarees- both cotton and silk out of which, Guntur is home to the popular Mangalgiri and Guntur. The exquisite pattern and fine cotton of the Guntur sari are what makes it unique and special. Guntur is known for its dexterous craftsmen who are exceptionally skilled in creating good patterns through their weaving and dyeing as well.
Attire & Style
Guntur sari mostly has single colors and patterns all over, while the characteristic of tribal patterns that comprise a distinct Ikat-style of weaving such as checks and stripes add the charm of the contemporary outfit into the comfort of the fabric and its wearability factor. The border of the Guntur sari is very narrow and the Pallu is also less intricate as it comprises sparse Bhuttis or flower adornments and simple stripes, yet these saris are also available in intricate weft Ikats as well.
Faces behind the Fabric
Crafted & weaved by the weavers of Guntur, these sarees are a major source of income for the locals. The stiff weaves are given cross shed beating and the borders that are well-knitted to give flawless edges. The Guntur sari is so sturdy in its woven pattern that it can carry water for a considerable time before it finally seeps through.
Present Day Scenario & Maintenance
The Guntur sari is a daily wear type that has a thick fabric that is easy to wash and maintain. The borders and the checks and stripes within the body of the sari are done subtly with a golden thread. However, most of the tribal-inspired patterns are done with thread only. The Guntur sari is perhaps one of the softest and simplest forms of saree-wear, apart from being very sturdy. This is a sari that is commonly worn by the women in Guntur and across Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the coastal areas, with its classic pattern that is simple yet colorful. The Guntur sari is particularly worn for dances as they are less transparent, are available in a variety of bold colors and very easy to handle.
References
Categories: Textiles