The enchanting shine of silk, vibrant dots dyed across fabric like stars in the night sky, and generations of tradition woven into every inch.
Bandhani Saree is one of India's most treasured and loved textiles. These vibrant, dotted silk sarees captivate with their intricate patterns and rich cultural significance.
The distinctive tie-dye technique creates unique designs that have left women mesmerised for centuries. Today, the Bandhani Silk Saree remains a symbol of craftsmanship and elegance that suits both traditional celebrations and modern fashion statements.
In this blog post, we will discover the history behind the intricacy of this craft, what are different types of Bandhani Saree, their origin and occasions to style it. We will also discover some facts about the traditional Bandhani Sarees, let’s dive right into it.
History of Bandhani
The art of Bandhani dates back over 5,000 years to the Indus Valley Civilization. Historical records show that Bandhani techniques flourished in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where artisans perfected this traditional craft.
During the Mughal era, Bandhani Sarees gained royal favouritism. Kings and queens fell in love with Bandhani Sarees, often ordering special pieces for royal celebrations and ceremonies.
The name "Bandhani" comes from the Sanskrit word "bandha," meaning "to tie." This ancient craft spread across western India, with each region working on its distinctive patterns and color combinations.
Even today, brides often chose red and yellow Bandhani Sarees for their wedding day, as these bright colors were believed to bring good luck and a happy marriage.
Process of Making Bandhani Saree
The creation of a traditional Bandhani Saree involves several detailed steps:
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Selection of Fabric: High-quality silk is chosen for its natural shine and durability.
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Design Marking: Craftsmen mark tiny dots on the fabric according to traditional patterns.
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Binding: Small portions of the fabric are pinched and tightly tied with thread to resist dye.
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Dyeing: The tied fabric is immersed in vibrant dyes, often starting with lighter colors.
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Multiple Dyeing: For multi-colored designs, the fabric undergoes repeated tying and dyeing.
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Drying and Untying: After drying completely, the threads are carefully removed to reveal patterns.
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Finishing: The Bandhani Saree is washed, ironed, and prepared for sale.
Types of Bandhani Silk Sarees
Gharchola Bandhani
Features grid-like patterns with intricate motifs in each square.
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Originates from: Gujarat, specifically the Saurashtra region.
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Best for: Weddings and gifting in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Leheriya Bandhani
Characterized by diagonal or wave-like patterns in contrasting colors.
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Originates from: Rajasthan, particularly Jaipur and Jodhpur.
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Best for: Festive celebrations like Rakshabandan, Gangour etc.
Chunari Bandhani
Small, closely packed dots creating delicate, fine patterns.
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Originates from: Gujarat-Rajasthan border regions.
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Best for: Elegant wear and family gatherings/ Functions.
Mothra Bandhan
Crafted with diamond-shaped patterns, often created using two colors
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Originates from: Kutch region of Gujarat.
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Best for: Monsoon Season, often called Savaan Special
Khombi Bandhani
Known for its distinctive geometric patterns with center motifs.
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Originates from: Sindh region and parts of Gujarat.
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Best for: Cultural events and traditional ceremonies.
Sudathi offers various varieties in our extensive Silk Saree collection, featuring high-quality fabrics at the most affordable prices in the market.
Facts about Bandhani Sarees
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A single Bandhani Saree can contain thousands of tiny knots, taking up to two months to complete by an individual artisan.
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Each colour in Bandhani has a special meaning. Red symbolises marriage, yellow represents spring, and saffron denotes sanctity.
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The word "Bandhej" is another common name for this craft in certain regions of India.
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Traditional artists can tie as many as 700 knots per square inch for ultra-premium Bandhani Sarees.
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The famous "Bandhani Dupatta" scene in Bollywood movies shows its cultural significance.
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Different colors in Bandhani have traditional meanings: red for marriage, yellow for spring, black for protection.
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Contrary to popular belief, men in Rajasthan and Gujarat also wear Bandhani turbans and scarves.
Customer Reviews About Sarees from Sudathi
"Was not sure about buying saree online but Sudathi surprised me. Fabric is nice and stitching is clean. Will order again." - Farheen, Patna
"Bought the Bandhani Saree for my cousin’s wedding. The colour was exactly like picture. Everyone asked where I got it from!" - Rashmi, Nagpur
"I wore it to office diwali event and got so many compliments. Light weight and looks very pretty. Worth the money!" - Neha, Jaipur
Conclusion
The beauty of Bandhani silk sarees lies in their charming diversity. Whether it is the delicate Leheriya patterns of Jaipur or the captivating Gharchola designs of Gujarat, regional variations make it beautifully unique. Every small community adds its rooted aesthetic sensibility to the craft.
Modern designers have further expanded this diversity by experimenting with new color combinations, motif placements, and fabric blend. Sudathi has emerged as the most affordable destination for authentic Bandhani Sarees that balance tradition with affordability.
Each Bandhani Saree in our inventory undergoes strict quality checks. At Sudathi, our commitment lies in preserving traditional techniques while making these heritage textiles affordable to modern consumers across the nation.
For those seeking to add a touch of traditional elegance to their wardrobe, our Bandhani Saree collection offers the perfect combination of authenticity, quality, and affordability.
Browse our collection today and experience the timeless charm of Bandhani Sarees at prices that will surprise you.
