Explore the Kanjivaram Sari Market

Kanchipuram, the main weaving centre and a choice market for the exquisite silk sarees of Tamil Nadu

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Dastkari Haat Samiti

Kanjivaram Weaving: The sari market in Kanchipuram (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

These famed saris from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, are sought-after not only in their home state, but throughout India. While modern and global influences are beginning to bring change to the sartorial preferences of Indian women, important ceremonies and rituals continue to be marked by the use of traditional attire.

Kanjivaram Sari (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

A Kanjivaram silk sari is usually considered to be an essential item in the wardrobe of the urban Indian woman.

The Kanjivaram sari continues to be a part of the Indian woman's wardrobe (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The wedding, considered as one of the most important rites of passage, is a celebration of traditional textiles in all their glory.

Kanjivaram Weaving: The sari market in Kanchipuram (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

In many parts of India, the Kanjivaram silk sari is considered to be quintessential to a wedding ceremony.

The Kanjivaram sari continues to be a part of the Indian woman's wardrobe (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

An old advertisement of a major retailer of Kanjivaram saris highlight its infinite possibilities of the Kanjivaram weave.

The Kanjivaram sari continues to be a part of the Indian woman's wardrobe (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Former Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, in a Kanjivaram sari on the cover of an old magazine.

The Kanjivaram sari continues to be a part of the Indian woman's wardrobe (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

An old advertisement of Cooptex (cooperative society for handloom weavers of Tamil Nadu) features a woman clad in a Kanjivaram sari.

Kanjivaram Weaving: The sari market in Kanchipuram (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The wedding season in particular sees an influx of customers coming into Kanchipuram to buy saris directly from the weavers and local traders.

Kanjivaram Weaving: Customers' footwear outside a sari shop (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The footwear removed outside a shop gives an indication to the number of visitors inside. As the day progresses, the shop gets busier, with customers coming from afar looking to buy wedding saris directly from the weaving town.

Kanjivaram Weaving: In the streets of Kanchipuram (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

The importance of Kanjivaram to the local economy is reflected in the numerous showrooms and retail outlets dotting the entire city.

Kanjivaram Weaving: A shop front displaying a new arrival (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Kanchipuram is also frequented by buying agents and traders in order to source saris to supply to the larger sari stores and retail network across the country.

Kanjivaram Weaving: Kanjivaram Sari (Contemporary)Dastkari Haat Samiti

Credits: Story

Text: Aloka Hiremath and Jaya Jaitly
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Artisans: Kesavan, Krishnamoorthy, Velu, Lakshmi Dye House and artisans in the community
Ground Facilitator: Shalini Shashi
Curation: Ruchira Verma

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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