Before the gates even opened at Sathya Sai Nigamagamam, a group of women dressed in khaki coloured and printed silk saris were eager to walk in. Reason, ‘Weaves’, the cotton and silk spectrum exhibition is on here, and this time it has a host of new designs and patterns. Silk aficionados should hit the Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal stalls. While you have your regular silk kalamkari saris priced between Rs. 6000 and 12000, try the duppattas and stoles, priced between Rs. 1800 and Rs. 2400. A special mix of Pochampalli pattern along with Kalamkari is novel. The weavers have the Dasavataram and Ramayana motifs in duppattas as well.
Then there is the ‘vegetarian silk’ with Thapa Silk. Ask what is vegetarian silk and the man at the stall claims that the silkworm emerges from the cocoon and is not killed. Saris in bright colours woven with dull cream coloured raw silk in geometric patterns, are priced at Rs. 4800.
Working women will also find plenty to choose from. Instead of the raw silk plain saris, go for Chanderi silks with a Nandini print — a light floral print with a thin zari border.
Pick a light cotton Ikat sari and you won’t be disappointed. You could team up the silk Ikat stoles with kurtas too. Walk around the complex and you’ll notice that most saris here have a dull gold border in contrast with a plain body of saris.
Temptation will get the better of you at the West Bengal stalls. Prepare to shell out a few bucks on the half-and-half matka silk saris with batik prints. Light and soft, these saris are perfect for evening soirees. From Orissa you have the Ary work, the silk threads are stitched from both sides of the fabric. For the extensive handwork these saris cost between Rs. 7000 and 10000. Try the regular mooga and padhmooga silks from Assam. Or give Gicha silk and Tussar silk a try as well. If you’re looking for Madhubani work on saris, you are in luck. While Madhubani on raw silk is a regular feature, this time you have the patterns on flowing fabric like crepe and chiffon as well. Check out the cutwork pallus, for the fashionista a raw silk cutwork sari would be a valuable addition to her wardrobe.
Apart from saris, there are numerous dress materials and stitched blouses. There is plenty to adorn your house with. Don’t forget to visit the Rajasthani stalls. Gudhi and Kantha work on printed jaipuri comforters are selling well.
