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Saree is the most widely used dress by Indian woman through the centuries. Saree is a yardage of fabric ranging from five to nine metres in length that is draped over the body in various styles. It is also popular in Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Burma, and Malaysia. The most common style is for the saree to be wrapped around the waist, with one end then draped over the shoulder baring the midriff.
The saree is usually worn over a petticoat ("lehenga" in the north, pavada/pavadai in the south, chaniyo in the west, and shaya in eastern India), with a blouse known as a choli or ravika forming the upper garment. The choli has short sleeves with a low neck and usually covers upper torso. Choli may be backless or of a halter neck style. These are usually dressier with plenty of embellishments such as mirrors or embroidery, and may be worn on special occasions. The saree developed as a garment of its own in both South and North India at around the same time, and is an epitome of Indian culture.
Styles of draping: The most common style is for the saree to be wrapped around the waist, with the loose end of the drape to be worn over the shoulder, baring the stomach. However, the saree can be draped in several different styles, though some styles do require a saree of a particular length or form. Further the styles vary with religion, caste and creed, occupation of different regions. Among all the two most of all draping styles are seedha palla(informal) and ulta palla (formal).
Beautification of saree: The saree is beautified by various techniques mentioned below:-
- Dyeing – tie-dyeing, ikat, batik etc
- Printing – block, screen, roller, discharge, embossed etc.
- Weaving – dobby, jacquard, tapestry, swivel, extra warp, extra weft, etc.
- Embroidery – hand, machine, digital and combinations etc.
- Appliqué and zari work -hand and machine style, sequin and mirror work.
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