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
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
Read more about the weaving of Kanjivaram saris here:
- Kanjivaram Saris
- Infrastructure and Technology used in Kanjivaram Weaving
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
