Different Types of Sarees in India [Regional and Traditional]
Almost every Indian state has a saree of its own, with its own weave, motifs and the occasions it is worn for. Below are 14 well-known regional sarees, with a short note on what each one looks like and where it comes from.
Many of these are still handwoven, which is why they carry the identity of a town or region. If you are also curious about other traditional outfits, see our guide to traditional dresses of India.
Kanjeevaram Saree – Tamil Nadu
Kanjeevaram sarees are known for their rich texture, bright colours and gold thread work.
They come from Kanchipuram and often carry temple designs, checks or floral motifs. Families usually pick them for weddings and big celebrations.
Banarasi Saree – Uttar Pradesh
Banarasi sarees come from Varanasi. They are woven in fine silk with brocade work and gold and silver zari.
They are a common choice for a bride’s trousseau. Mughal-inspired designs such as paisleys and flowers show up often. If you are pairing one with a blouse, see these Banarasi blouse designs.
Patola Saree – Gujarat
Patola sarees are double ikat sarees from Patan in Gujarat. They are known for bright colours and geometric patterns. Many people see them as a mark of status, and a single saree is said to take months to weave.
Paithani Saree – Maharashtra
Paithani sarees come from Paithan in Maharashtra and are famous for their peacock motifs and bright colours.
They are woven in silk with a contrasting zari border and pallu, often showing flowers, parrots and lotus. For the Maharashtrian nine-yard drape, read our guide to Nauvari saree styles and draping.
Muga Silk Saree – Assam
Muga silk sarees from Assam are known for their natural golden sheen and for lasting long. The silk comes from the Antheraea assamensis silkworm. Motifs often include the jaapi (a traditional Assamese hat), the tree of life and geometric patterns.
Sambalpuri Saree – Odisha
Sambalpuri sarees are handwoven ikat sarees from Odisha, made with a tie-dye technique.
Common motifs are the shankha (shell), chakra (wheel) and phula (flower), in strong colours.
Pochampally Saree – Telangana
Pochampally sarees, also called Pochampalli ikat, are known for geometric patterns in bright colours.
They come from Bhoodan Pochampally in Telangana. In the ikat method, the yarns are dyed before they are woven.
Chanderi Saree – Madhya Pradesh
Chanderi sarees from Madhya Pradesh are light and slightly sheer.
The fabric is a silk and cotton blend, and motifs include coins, peacocks and flowers. They are worn at festivals and formal events.
Bhagalpuri Silk Saree – Bihar
Bhagalpuri silk sarees, often sold as Tussar silk sarees, come from Bhagalpur in Bihar.
They have a rich texture and a natural golden shade, and many carry embroidery and traditional motifs.
Kasavu Saree – Kerala
Kasavu sarees are traditionally white or off-white with a golden border, and are often just called Kerala sarees.
They are part of Kerala’s culture and are usually worn at festivals and special occasions. The plain body with a gold border keeps the look simple.
Bandhani Saree – Rajasthan and Gujarat
Bandhani sarees are made with a tie-dye technique that leaves small dotted patterns in bright colours.
They are popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. The cloth is pinched into many tiny knots and tied before dyeing, and these knots form the design.
Baluchari Saree – West Bengal
Baluchari sarees from West Bengal are known for their detailed pallu, which shows mythological scenes.
They are woven in silk, and the motifs are often drawn from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Gadwal Saree – Andhra Pradesh
Gadwal sarees from Andhra Pradesh are known for their borders and pallu, which are often woven separately and then joined to the body of the saree.
The body is usually cotton with a silk border, so they feel comfortable to wear.
Phulkari Saree – Punjab
Phulkari, meaning “flower work,” is a traditional embroidery technique from Punjab.
Phulkari sarees carry bright floral patterns, usually embroidered with silk threads on cotton or khadi.
They add a lot of colour to any occasion.
Conclusion
Each state’s saree is tied to its own weaving method, material and local motifs.
A Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu and a Bandhani from Gujarat, for example, look and feel nothing alike, because the technique and the region behind them differ.
Pick the region and weave that suits your occasion and budget, and check the fabric details before you buy.
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