How Kanjeevaram saris are redefining heritage for young women

If Athiya Shetty’s wedding saree or Rekha’s fabulous trousseau made your heart skip a beat, know that you weren't alone.

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The first thing that comes to anyone's mind at the mention of a sari is the luxurious Kanjeevaram silk sari, known for its elegance and radiance.Binal Patel, founder of brand Binal Patel, believes wearing a Kanjeevaram sari for a wedding is a declaration of one’s cultural identity. She said lighter Kanjeevarams, in particular, are perfect for summer weddings, owing to how comfortable they are to wear, and this caters to modern women who refuse to sacrifice comfort for elegance. “Lighter Kanjeevarams are luxurious and handcrafted too, giving it an heirloom quality at accessible price points,” said Patel.John Varghese, professor at the School of Fashion, World University of Design, noticed a cultural shift of youngsters embracing Indian culture in unique ways. “Kanjeevaram saris, and silk fabrics creatively repurposed as garments, can be seen at corporate, ceremonial and festive events,” he said.In the third dispatch of our ongoing series on Indian textiles, we look at the rich legacy of Kanjeevaram saris. Take a deep dive into the origins of this traditional fabric, learn how this heirloom is produced, markers for authenticity, and why it's gaining such rapid popularity among the modern youth.Tracing the roots of Kanjeevaram saris“The Kanjeevaram sari finds its origins, and name, in Tamil Nadu’s Kanchipuram, a temple town famous for silk weaving,” said Patel. “Legend has it that the Kanchi silk weaver behind these saris is a descendant of Sage Markanda — Gods’ master weaver — known to craft exquisite pieces from delicate lotus fibres.”Originally nine yards in length, Kanjeevaram saris evolved over time into the iconic six-yard versions. The craft of Kanjeevaram sari weaving spans 400 years, and is traditionally practised within temple confines by dedicated artisans, Varghese explained.