The Ultimate Guide to Bengali Sarees and Weaves

Bengali sarees are an essential part of the Indian woman’s wardrobe. In this article, saree manufacturers in Kolkata, Golden Elegance, brings you the cumulative list of Bengali saree types and weaves. West Bengal has a rich tradition and heritage of weaving. Some of the traditions go back to the Mughal period. On that note, we will look at the different weaves and saree types of West Bengal.

List of Saree and Weave Types from Bengal

  • Atpur

This is more of a draping style than an individual weave but it makes the list because it is unique to the Hooghly region of Kolkata. The fabric is cotton, coarse, and the saree comes in pastel shades.

  • Baluchari

These sarees come from the village of Baluchar in the Murshidabad district, however the weaving style is from Dhaka, in Bangladesh. Made from tussar silk, the pallu of the sari has scenes from mythology woven in it. It is among the finest handwoven sarees of West Bengal. Presently, they are woven faster with the Jacquard loom.

  • Batik Print

Batik print sarees are airy and made from cotton, silk and sometimes even jute fibres. The batik print sarees have floral designs, on a contrasting background, and the physical block process is used in the weaving of these saris.

  • Begumpuri

These sarees have narrow borders and come in earthy colours. They are simple, elegant and originate from Begumpur, West Bengal. The weavers use a pit loom or a frame loom for weaving these sarees.

  • Bishnupuri Silk

These silk sarees are woven in mulberry silk yarns, yet are hardy. They depict local folklore and are often block printed. These sarees are very airy and suitable for summer.

  • Dhakai Jamdani

In Dhaka, Bangladesh weavers use Egyptian cotton to make these delicate sarees that pass through a ring. The saris are sheer and transparent allowing for airflow. They are made with the highest grades of cotton and muslin.

  • Dhaniakhali

These originate from the Dhaniakhali village in the Hooghly district. Taking around 2 days to weave, these are affordable, hardy and for long time use.

  • Gorod

These are the famous Lal-Paar sarees of West Bengal made famous in the movie Devdas. Made in the Murshidabad district, they are typically worn during Durga Puja. They come in white and off-white bodies with red borders.

  • Kantha

Kantha is a type of running stitch embroidery that is done all over cotton or silk sarees. It creates many intricate designs and looks rustic and earthy.

  • Khesh

This style of sari making originated in Birbhum. It involves making sarees from old pieces of cloth which are woven together.

  • Korial

This is a close cousin of the Gorod saree, but it is more refined. The pallu has attractive motifs and the border is very ornamental. Since it is a red and white saree, it is worn on festive occasions.

  • Madhubani Silk

They are a type of tussar silk sarees and are more formal in nature with beige and white body colours. It is worn mostly by aged Bengali women.

  • Matka Silk

Matka silk is woven in Malda and Murshidabad and is made from the waste of mulberry silk without removing the sericin.

  • Murshidabad Silk

These are silk sarees woven in Murshidabad and are sometimes hand-painted by the artist.

  • Phulia

These sarees originate in Shantipur of the Nadia district in West Bengal. These have a soft feel and come in both cotton and silk. Phulia weavers come from the Tangail district of Bangladesh.

  • Shantipuri

The designs on these sarees are inspired by nature and are woven in the jacquard technique. These sarees are quite transparent and woven with the finest cotton yarn.

  • Shournochuri

These are a form of Baluchari sarees that are lustrous, shimmering and soft to touch.

  • Tangail

Tangail sarees cannot be made by machines, instead, every thread of the sari is individually starched. These saris have lustrous finishes and are quite easy to maintain and wear.

  • Tant

Light-weight, wearable and extremely comfortable, these are handloom, crisp cotton sarees. The word tant means handloom.

  • Tasar or Tussar

This is a weave of the Malda district in West Bengal. They are special for their floral and paisley motifs. These silk sarees are not durable and are worn only for special occasions.

Conclusion

These weaves are an important part of Bengali culture and tradition. Bengali sarees are known for their beauty, lightweight and earthy, rustic designs.

If you would like to do your own weaving, weaving machine manufacturers, Golden Elegance can help you to purchase your own looms.

Golden Elegance is among the premier saree manufacturers in Kolkata.