Kandangi Saree: Lets Wrap The Tough Spirit

From Pashmina in the north to Kanjevaram in the South, India is home to a variety of indigenous textiles. While some have gained popularity, others are hidden gems of thread that are yet to be woven. Tamil Nadu gave birth to the world-famous Kanjevaram silk in all its splendour. However, the fertile land of Tamil Nadu gave rise to another famous textile known as the Kandangi saree.

Beautiful Kandangi Sarees Image source: manoramaonline.com

Kandangi sarees are descended from a wealthy community known as Nagarathar in the Tamil Nadu districts of Chettinad and Karaikudi. The origins of these sarees are said to be 250 years old.

Kandangi sarees are distinguished by their checkered pattern, broad borders with contrasting colours, and soft fabric. Traditional Kandangi saree colours like red, black, and mustard were synonymous with embracing nature's colours. They were undoubtedly influenced by the rustic palette of the soil.

Kandangi sarees, which are delicately woven in silk, are a smooth and comfortable material to wear. Their material becomes more comfortable after the first wash, which is ideal for dealing with Tamil Nadu's hot and humid climate. As the demand for sarees increased, weavers began using cotton to create Kandangi sarees for greater durability and comfort.

Kandangi sarees are well-known for their never-ending character. They adopt the tough spirit of hardworking weavers, so the sarees are never torn. In fact, after being used as sarees, they are typically recycled to make small cradles or tottils. Because they are woven on frame looms with fly shuttles, these sarees are extremely durable.

Furthermore, sarees from Chettinad are known for their shorter length. Kandangi sarees are only 5.1-5.2 metres long, as opposed to a traditional saree that is six metres long. This was done with the intention of allowing the wearer's ankles to be visible while donning these exquisitely curated sarees.

Kandangi sarees, with their vibrant colours and borders, are now potentially available in all of the major colour palettes. Thanks to a fully developed synthetic dye industry! The saree's wide borders give it a regal appearance and boost the confidence of anyone who wears it.

It is worth noting, however, that the community that began weaving Kandangi sarees in Chettinad was not from Tamil Nadu. They were the people who migrated from the former Saurashtra region.

Visalakshi Ramaswamy, founder of the M.Rm.Rm. Cultural Foundation, thoroughly researched Kandangi sarees and their history. She is from the Chettinad region, and handmade textiles are her passion. "I've seen Chettiar women own and wear these saris three generations before mine; I've seen them in other people's closets, and I've worn them for many years.I was also able to obtain proof of where it was woven in Chettinad," she says.

Kandangi sarees, with their appealing use of contrasting and radiant colours, were awarded a GI tag, also known as a Geographical Indication tag, in 2019. The tag represents the specificity and individuality of these long-lasting sarees. In fact, the title was long overdue because it represents the weavers' perseverance in weaving their spirit and patience with those threads to create beautiful Kandangi sarees. The GI tag also honours India's rich culture and traditions, which have given birth to several such textiles.

Kandangi sarees may be an appropriate choice for someone who wishes to represent the rich culture of the land, which is full of uniqueness and creativity. These sarees with checkered prints and broad borders are adorned with threads of hardworking weavers and spirit of age old traditions. Pls add more lines to the history and origin to your story. Rest the info on the saree is apt.