Why are bandhej sarees the “hot selling cakes” in the apparel market?

The antiquity, creativity, and authenticity are the factors a particular craft generates with time and becomes a timeless classic. It will keep its pace of popularity growth continued and mark itself as a precious artistry that can never fade. It is a matter of immense pride for the land of its origin to receive the bliss of such an art form.

Here, I am talking about the beautiful craftsmanship of “Bandhej” or “Bandhini” work and popularly known drapery among Indian women is the “Bandhej sarees” and you may be wondering, how these sarees are in the premium level of demand and women want at least a single piece of this gorgeous yard in their wardrobe?
Let’s figure out what this apparel and craft have to speak, about its fame?

• THE ANTIQUE CONNECTION
The bandhej art is an age old handicraft that depicts its presence since around 4000 BC. It has a reference history found in the Indus valley civilization and at the Ajanta caves showcasing the Buddhist paintings that found the presence of this art. This art form was initiated by the khatri community at Gujarat and it has travelled till this modern era and still holds the same beauty and people admire it for this quality.

• THE ART OF FORTUNE
Bandhej sarees are considered to be the auspicious drapery especially in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat as it is believed that it brings good fortune during the special occasions such as weddings, festivities and baby showers. The beautiful colorful shades reflect off negativity and it is considered that the colors also speak about the stages of life. Such as: Red stands for marriage, yellow for motherhood and green is for fertility. Religion and beliefs is a factor of consideration for the demand of the drapery.

• THE GLOBAL ACCEPTANCE
During the late 60’s, this art got its popularity in the western parts and was identified among the bohemian and hipster cultures. The land of Japan caught hold of this art of “Tie-dye” and named it as “Shibori” and it could be seen in their traditional robe of kimonos. Some of the African countries have also accepted this art and come out with various dying patterns. Still this handicraft is ruling the global apparel frame and added a charm to its beauty and fame.

• THE SILVER-SCREEN GLORY
The unique specialty of the “Bandhej” such as its color vibrancy and stunning designs looked gorgeous on paler backdrops when the color films came into existence. The colorful and striking quality of this craft, helped in bringing an amazing brightness on the screens. The bandhej sarees looked sensational on cameras bringing in a lively image to the screen. Many bollywood and Indian television Industry played a major role in popularizing this art form in India and across the globe. The celebrities and designers seen flaunting it at the runways and events is a matter of immense honor for this Indian handicraft.

• THE PHYSICAL ARTWORK
The creation of the art is purely handmade and at no point during its production, any machinery is used. The technique used is the resist dying method and the designs are made while twisting the cotton threads around the fabric at distinct distance and then it is dipped into dye. The dyes are naturally made and extracted from roots of plants, vegetables, flowers and leaves. The fabrics used are skin-friendly cottons and muslins that take the die beautifully. Nowadays, artificial dyes are also used and the designs are experimented on fabrics such as georgettes, silks and viscose that are light-weight and easy to carry it off. Thus we find gorgeous variations of bandhej silk sarees and georgette sarees with pretty and unique patterns.

• THE DIVERSE OPTIONS
The numerous variations containing the bandhej designs and not limited to only sarees, makes it being in popularity even more. The wide options of apparels such as designer salwar suits, bridal lehenga, kurtis for women and dupatta’s to be carried off from casual to high-spirited wedding occasions are very popular. Not only women but in the men’s wardrobe too this embellishment is captured its space such as safa and jodhpuri jackets.

With these possible points, I hope the secret is revealed about the intense demand of this dazzling Indian handicraft and yes... we absolutely love them!!!