10 Timeless Indian Sarees for Ethnic Festive Wear

(Viewed 2744 times since Oct 2024)

Looking back at my childhood days, I remember autumn festivity as the time when we got new clothes! The feeling of that rich, colorful, and stylish dress finally arriving and dressing up to participate in the Puja and celebrations will always be a special memory. In a way, times have not changed too much.

Even today, we all wait for the festival time to arrive to do a little splurge, buy our favorite fashionable clothes, and flaunt them. Though there a number of fusion and Western attire available in the market, ethnic festive wear remains at the heart of festive fashion.

Now you have scrolled the blogs on trending festive dresses, but the heart wants what it wants, and that is- stunning ethnic festive wear. Then, you are at the right place. I with my editors have collected some of the best festive outfit ideas for you in this blog. These are timeless India sarees, each a symbol of the culture and history of its region, and each worthy of becoming a long-cherished heirloom in your family.

1. Bandhani Sarees from Rajasthan


Thinking of peppy colors and minimal patterns? Bandhani sarees, made with the ethnic technique of tie and dye in Rajasthan are a beautiful and trusted drape for women. With several vivid colors and the characteristic Bundi (dots) giving the fabric a symmetrical appeal, perfect for that elegant and feminine look you have in mind.

2. Banarasi Sarees from Uttar Pradesh


No introduction is needed for Banarasis, a favorite of queens and elites in earlier times and a staple drape when it comes to Indian festive wear for women. The pure silk, brocade, exquisite details, and alluring colors, everything about a Banarasi saree makes it the best ethnic Indian fashion choice, a must-have for those who want to channel their inner royalty this season.

3. Chanderi Sarees from Madhya Pradesh


Delicate fabric and rich Zari work on the body, border, and endpiece, Chanderi sarees are known for their translucent and feathery light feel, a favorite for the lovers of subtlety in fashion. Go for softer colors in Chanderi if you are planning an understated festive look, or drape a bright-colored piece to experience the sheer charm of Chanderi.

4. Kanjivaram Sarees from Tamil Nadu


These silk drapes from Tamil Nadu were a cherished wear for the royal women, travelling from their treasures to the wardrobe of the Tamil bride and in the modern world, becoming the loved attires for women all over the world. With its glittering Zari, and ornate traditional motifs such as flowers, Rudraksha, temple border, and Annam bird, Kanjivaram sarees are drapable history and a timeless ethnic festive wear for women.

5. Paithani Sarees from Maharashtra


Draped around the Marathi bride in the unique Nauvari style, Paithani sarees are synonymous with auspiciousness, festivities, and beauty in Maharashtra. Made with pure silk and decorated with the memorable Mayura and Muniya (peacock and parrot), with floral vines, gold coin pattern, and shimmering Zari on border and pallu, Paithani sarees are brightly colored drapes, which best embody the blissful mood of festivals.

6. Patola Sarees from Gujarat


Patola or Patan Patola, known after the city of their origin in Gujarat, is a unique Ikat-woven saree, with double-Ikat work, traditional color symbolism, and appealing ethnic and geometric motifs, which gives them a blend of classic and trendy. A handloom attire, Patolas are popular in local households of Gujarat as the auspicious drape of the bride and a symbol of womanliness, which makes these Indian festive wear sarees a way for you to become a part of the culture of the state.

7. Baluchari Sarees from West Bengal


Thanks to the craftsman and weavers who migrated from Banaras and settled in Murshidabad of Bengal, Baluchari sarees became a glittering jewel in the traditional fashion of Eastern India. Made with silk, and gold and silver Zari threads, Baluchari sarees are popular for their narrative endpieces- which are decorated with scenes from the popular episodes of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, and local legends. If you want to create a luxurious and dramatic look for the festivities, a Baluchari saree is just what you need.

8. Kalamkari Sarees from Andhra Pradesh


Originating as a form of hand-painting, Kalamkari is a time-consuming craft, where beautiful motifs and scenes are painted with natural colors on the fabric. Kalamkari soon became a popular element in sarees, making them wearable scroll art, covered in eye-catching patterns and deep colors, that drape around beautifully, giving the art-loving fashionistas an ethnic wear that is both elegant and bold.

9. Jamdani Sarees from Bengal


Crafted with pure cotton, Jamadani sarees are all about light, textured, and soft fabric, traditional patterns, and a comfortable drape that is ideal for busy bees who have the whole house to handle during festivals. The airy Jamdani sarees have a stylish sheer drape, that gives the wearer elegance, while the weightlessness of cotton ensures that you get the ease that you will fall in love with. A favorite of queens and begums of the East, Jamadani sarees are an example of less is more!

10. Georgette Sarees: A Classic Festive Drape


Made popular through cinema and media as the go-to dress of divas and modern lovers of Indian festive wear clothes, georgette sarees are charismatic, and exquisitely decorated which makes them a good pick for those who want a little bling in their fashion. You can pair georgette sarees with statement stone jewelry to create looks that become the talk of the town this season.

Wrapping It Up

A search for Indian festive wear online will unfold a world of fashion for you like no other! There is no end to the options that you can choose from. You can go for simple looks with suits, or ethnic dresses or you can experiment a bit with Anarkalis and gowns. And of course, there are the Lehenga and Ghagra varieties that just can not be ignored.

Whatever you are looking for, Exotic India Art is the shop that you would love to browse through. Handloom, printed, embroidered, and hand-crafted fashion are all collected under one website here, giving you a chance to experience the fashion of India with a few clicks. From trending festive wear to traditional gems that never go out of trend, this is your chance to get the best ethnic fashion and create looks that will be talked about till the next round of festivals arrive.

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About Post Author
Prakriti Anand
This content has been reviewed and written by Prakriti Anand.

Prakriti is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Ancient Indian History from the University of Delhi. Her expertise in Indian culture ensures historical accuracy, cultural authenticity, and ethical representation in every piece she contributes.
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