Some fabrics tell stories. Some carry history and culture. Kalamkari Sarees are one of them.
This hand-painted art form has been around for centuries. Kalamkari Sarees are not just about looking beautiful. They are about keeping traditions alive. With detailed patterns, natural colours, and stories painted on them, these sarees feel personal. They are not just clothes you wear-they are memories you carry.
In this blog, we look at the origin, motifs, making, and meaning of Kalamkari Sarees-and how you can wear and care for one in your daily life.
The Origin of Kalamkari Sarees
Kalamkari Sarees come from Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana. This art is over 3000 years old. In earlier days, artists used big cloth pieces to show stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. These were displayed in temples and used in village gatherings.
Later, this temple art moved onto fabric. The Mughals supported it. So did the Golconda rulers. Slowly, it became something people could wear. Today, Kalamkari Sarees are a way to carry that art and culture into everyday life.
The word Kalamkari comes from two Persian words-‘kalam’, meaning pen, and ‘kari’, meaning work. Together, they mean pen work. That’s what it is-drawing by hand with natural colours on fabric.
The Patterns Found in Kalamkari Sarees
The designs on Kalamkari Sarees are not random. They have meaning. Many sarees show gods like Krishna, Shiva, or Ganesha. Some show scenes from old stories. Others have trees, birds, or peacocks.
Often, the pallu shows a full story. Borders repeat patterns like vines or flowers. The style depends on the type of Kalamkari. But in all of them, the patterns are what make Kalamkari Sarees stand out.
Types of Kalamkari Sarees
There are mainly two types of Kalamkari Sarees. Each has a different way of making and a different feel.
Srikalahasti Kalamkari Sarees
This is hand-drawn work. Artists use pens made of bamboo to draw directly on the fabric. No blocks are used. The designs are detailed and full of life. These sarees often show scenes from temples or stories of gods. They are a good choice for festivals or if you like traditional looks.
Machilipatnam Kalamkari Sarees
In this style, artists use wooden blocks to print the designs. Each block has a carved pattern. It is dipped in natural dye and pressed onto the cloth. Then some parts are finished by hand. These Kalamkari Sarees are lighter, simpler, and great for everyday wear.
Both styles are beautiful. One is rich in detail. The other is easy and flowy.
How Kalamkari Sarees Are Made
Creating Kalamkari sarees requires 2-3 weeks per piece.
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Fabric preparation - Cloth gets washed and treated with cow dung and milk for better dye absorption
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Outline drawing - Black outlines are created using dye made from jaggery and iron rust
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Color application - Natural pigments are applied gradually, one layer at a time
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Natural dyes used - Turmeric for yellow, pomegranate rind for red, indigo for blue
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Setting process - Each color application requires washing and drying; some fabrics get boiled to set colors permanently
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Handmade uniqueness - Since everything is done by hand, no two sarees match perfectly—minor variations are the authenticity marker
Styling Tips for Kalamkari Sarees
Different occasions call for different approaches with Kalamkari sarees:
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Everyday elegance - Cotton Kalamkari with plain cotton blouses, silver jewelry, and minimal makeup for office or casual outings
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Festival occasions - Silk Kalamkari paired with contrast zari blouses, temple jewelry, kajal, and fresh jasmine flowers
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Wedding functions - Heavy silk varieties with designer blouses, statement gold jewelry, and traditional hairstyles
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Modern fusion - Belt at waist, pair with sleeveless tops, add contemporary accessories like watches or minimalist chains
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Seasonal styling - Layer with cardigans in winter, choose lighter cottons for summer, add scarves for monsoon protection
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Age-appropriate wear - Subtle prints for young girls, bold temple motifs for mature women, geometric patterns for working professionals
How to Take Care of Kalamkari Sarees
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Kalamkari Sarees are usually made using natural dyes, they need gentle care.
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Always wash them separately. Use cold water and a mild detergent.
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Don’t soak the saree for long.
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Dry it in the shade, never in harsh sunlight.
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Iron from the reverse side on low heat.
With the right care, Kalamkari Sarees last for years. They grow softer with time and hold their colours well.
Why Choose Kalamkari Sarees from Sudathi
At Sudathi, we believe that heritage should be affordable and accessible. Our Kalamkari Sarees are sourced from vendors who know this art well.
We have both cotton and silk Kalamkari Sarees, with temple stories, floral patterns, and modern styles. Every piece is checked for quality. We also have readymade blouse pieces and shapewear, so you don’t need to do much. Just drape and wear.
With over 8 lakh happy customers, we ship across India-from cities to small towns. Our prices are fair, our styles are fresh, and our support is quick. When you buy from Sudathi, you're not just buying a saree. You're helping an art form live on.
What Customers Say About Sudathi Kalamkari Sarees
“I wore my Kalamkari saree from Sudathi to a temple wedding. Everyone kept asking where I got it from. It looked rich and traditional.”- Aarti, Mysore
“It was my second time buying from Sudathi. The Kalamkari saree was even better than the photo. The fabric was soft and the design was neat.”- Radhika, Pune
Final Thoughts on Kalamkari Sarees
Kalamkari Sarees are more than just clothing. They are art. They are memory. They are a tradition.
From the first sketch by the artist to the moment you wear it, every Kalamkari saree goes through many hands and many hearts. It holds not just colour, but culture. Not just design, but devotion.
If you’re looking for something that feels real, rooted, and full of story-Kalamkari Sarees are a beautiful choice. And if you're looking for one that fits your taste and your budget, Sudathi has a saree waiting for you.
