If you are visiting Udaipur and heading home without shopping the famous “Bandhani” saree then we will say that you are missing one of the most loved and shopped items of Udaipur. The bandhani sarees are a big hit among the locals and tourists coming to Udaipur from different parts of world.
You might have heard this “Bandhej / Bandhani” terms from people who have already visited Udaipur, however, our guide will help you out to understand all about the Bandhani saree.
What is Bandhej or Bandhani Saree?
The word Bandhani comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Bandhna’ which means ‘tying’ or ‘to tie’. The word Bandhej is a variation of this word which refers to the traditional Indian ‘tie and dye‘ technique which uses impermeable threads for tying to produce beautiful, fine circular patterns on fabrics.
History of Bandhani
An ancient art technique which refers to picking the cloth with finger-nails and tying, before dyeing for a marvellous look. This technique was found in the Indus Valley Civilization which dated back to 4000 B.C. You will be surprised to know that the Buddhist paintings from 6th Century which are present in the famous Ajanata Caves have Bandhani references.
The Rajasthani Cultural Touch of Bandhani
Bandhani Saree is considered as a very auspicious wear especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat state of India. Women wear in weddings to births and has a sacred connection as well. It is said that wearing Bandhani Sarees invites good luck. Not just that Bandhani is also used to convey life stages such as red represents marriage, yellow signifies motherhood and green signifies fertility.
In Rajasthan, you will find varying Bandhani patterns and colours of the turbans worn by traditional men which indicate the castes and communities to which they belong.
Apart from Udaipur in Rajasthan, the finest Bandhani is also tied in the town of Bikaner, and in Sikar district. If you are visiting Jaipur you will also find producers of Bandhani Saree. Apart from this, most cities of Rajasthan have their own Bandhani centres which are extremely popularly in Rajasthan.
Bandhej (Bandhani) – A Saree that is World Famous
If you are visiting Udaipur and heading home without shopping the famous “Bandhani” saree then we will say that you are missing one of the most loved and shopped items of Udaipur. The bandhani sarees are a big hit among the locals and tourists coming to Udaipur from different parts of world.
You might have heard this “Bandhej / Bandhani” terms from people who have already visited Udaipur, however, our guide will help you out to understand all about the Bandhani saree.
What is Bandhej or Bandhani Saree?
The word Bandhani comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Bandhna’ which means ‘tying’ or ‘to tie’. The word Bandhej is a variation of this word which refers to the traditional Indian ‘tie and dye‘ technique which uses impermeable threads for tying to produce beautiful, fine circular patterns on fabrics.
History of Bandhani
An ancient art technique which refers to picking the cloth with finger-nails and tying, before dyeing for a marvellous look. This technique was found in the Indus Valley Civilization which dated back to 4000 B.C. You will be surprised to know that the Buddhist paintings from 6th Century which are present in the famous Ajanata Caves have Bandhani references.
The Rajasthani Cultural Touch of Bandhani
Bandhani Saree is considered as a very auspicious wear especially in Rajasthan and Gujarat state of India. Women wear in weddings to births and has a sacred connection as well. It is said that wearing Bandhani Sarees invites good luck. Not just that Bandhani is also used to convey life stages such as red represents marriage, yellow signifies motherhood and green signifies fertility.
In Rajasthan, you will find varying Bandhani patterns and colours of the turbans worn by traditional men which indicate the castes and communities to which they belong.
Apart from Udaipur in Rajasthan, the finest Bandhani is also tied in the town of Bikaner, and in Sikar district. If you are visiting Jaipur you will also find producers of Bandhani Saree. Apart from this, most cities of Rajasthan have their own Bandhani centres which are extremely popularly in Rajasthan.
The bandhani specialists start the process with white unbleached fabric where the thick threads are used to cast designs, using mixture (red/ orange mixed with water). In the modern day technique, the design stencils made of stiff plastic sheet are also used where bandhani is tied using thick, impermeable cotton strings.
An effective industrial dye and dye-stuffs is used to give colours to Bandhani. Earlier, Bandhej was done using only natural dyes like Indigo or colours extracted from plant roots, vegetables, flowers and leaves.
If you visit from shop to shop in Udaipur, you will find Bandhej saree in different materials. The best bandhani material to shop is in Silk. Bandhani nowadays is also available in gaji silk, cotton and viscose materials which drapes around beautifully.
Here are some of the best shops and showrooms which you can consider to purchase the Bandhani Saree.
– Kala Kriti
– Navrang Saree Store
– M.S. bandhani
– Kavyashree Sarees
– Madhu Shree Sarees
– Kasturi
– Arihant Sarees and Suits
– Roop Shree Saree
– Priyadarshini Sarees
– Var Vadhu
– Rajratan Kothari Saree
– Sapna Saree Emporium
For more information about Udaipur Sarees, you can visit below:
Saree Shop in Udaipur – All Famous Saree Shops of Udaipur
Wholesale Saree Market in Udaipur – Saree Wholesaler in Udaipur City
Image Courtesy: Etsy
