This winter go for Kanjivaram but be aware of fake ones

Kolkata: It's almost end of November and winter is yet to set in. Winter means wedding, parties, get together and a chance to wear Kanjivaram saree.

Saree lovers always seek an opportunity to wear their old collection, and also look to buy new ones. Currently, the textile industry is undergoing massive changes and the manufactures along with retailers are kept on tender hook as the customers are much aware and can identify a fake Kanjivaram.

Woven from mulberry silk of South India, the rich gold and silver zaris are from Gujarat. The silk thread is stiff and sturdy as it is treated in rice water, and sun-dried prior to the weaving process. Gaurav Agarwal, Director, of the saree brand Sundari said, "The main characteristics of a Kanjivaram is that the pallu and borders are in contrasting colours. The pallu and body are joined by pitni. Looking at the reverse side of the pallu and the body, one can see loose small threads where the two meet, since we are in the saree business for last five decades, we strongly believe that customers should know what they are buying is absolutely authentic, which they can check by themselves."

He further added, Kanjivaram loom size weaves typical sarees that is 48 inch in width. In recent years the entire belt around Kanchipuram. which includes Salem, Arni and extending even up to Bangalore have weavers weaving sarees, which are being sold under the blanket name Kanjivaram. However, an authentic Kanjivaram is made from real zari which would typical cost upwards of Rupees 20000.

The saree has now got its own Geographical Indication (GI) recognition. During the reign of Krishna Devaraya, two weaving communities carried their skills to Kanchipuram.