By: B. K. Vijay
Hyderabad is one place where women get to see and buy a variety of sarees that come from various districts of Andhra Pradesh. Different types of handloom sarees that come from various districts are available in the local market of Hyderabad. People from different parts of Andhra Pradesh come to Hyderabad for purchasing sarees, as it is very convenient and saves a lot of time and money, rather than going all the way to a specific district where you get to see only sarees that are specific to that district. But, in Hyderabad one gets to see a variety of sarees that come from different districts, which are mostly available in all the textile shops.
Variety of sarees weaved in different parts of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is well-known for its huge variety of traditional silk and cotton sarees. Many districts in Andhra Pradesh have their own unique weaving patterns, styles and methods. Sarees that are specific to a particular district are named after their places of origin. Apart from the designs, the fabric that is been used in making the saree is different from one district to another, it has its own specialty and uniqueness.
Following are the 7 famous sarees of Andhra Pradesh:
1. Pochampally sarees
Pochampally is a small village in the district of Nalgonda, it is 50 kms away from Hyderabad. Pochampally is well-known for its weaving technique, ‘ikkat’ which means tie and dye. These sarees are hand woven, using silk and cotton fabric. Pochampally sarees have designs which are traditional and contemporary.
2. Narayanpet sarees
Narayanpet sarees are manufactured in a town in Mahbubnagar district called Narayanpet. The place is famous for traditional silk and cotton sarees. The sarees either have plain or checks body with border and pallu contrasting from the body of the saree. The border and pallu of the saree is made of zari with only lines on it. The specialty of Narayanpet sarees are that they are light in weight and easy to carry.
3. Gadwal sarees
Gadwal sarees are produced in a small town in Mahbubnagar district, called Gadwal. Gadwal sarees are very famous for their zari (silk thread) border and zari pallu, with body made of cotton. The zari and cotton fabrics of the sarees are weaved separately and later interlocked together. Vibrant colours like parrot-green, maroon, yellow and beige are often used in these sarees. Locally, the weaving technique of these sarees are known as ‘kupadam’ or ‘tippadamu’.
4. Mangalgiri sarees
Mangalgiri is a town located in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is just 13 kms from Vijayawada. Mangalgiri is famous for its two well-known temples and handloom sarees. Mangalgiri sarees are famous for unique cotton sarees, with gold or copper threads used on borders. The body of the saree is cotton, which either has stripes or checks on it and the pallu is simple with small stripes of zari and the colours of these sarees are often vibrant. The sarees are weaved on a pit-loom.
5. Dharmavaram sarees
Dharmavaram is located in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. Dharmavaram is a very famous place to get heavy bridal wear sarees made of rich golden zari. The sarees are of silk and have rich pallu and border of zari brocade. The pallu and borders of the saree contrast with the body of the saree. Dharmavaram sarees have different types of designs and patterns. One can find a combination of different colours like yellow, maroon, pink, blue, green and many more.
6. Uppada sarees
Uppada is a beach town that is situated in East Godavari. Uppada sarees are famously known for beautiful cotton sarees that have unique colours, patterns and designs on the fabric. Uppada sarees have rich patterns with gold and silver zari on it. The weaving technique of uppada sarees is called ‘Jamdani’.
7. Venkatagiri sarees
Venkatagiri is a small town in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh. Venkatagiri is mainly popular for Venkatagiri handlooms. Venkatagiri sarees are available in cotton and silk. The weavers use the ‘Jamdani’ technique to weave the sarees. The sarees are of light weight and can be worn in all seasons of the year. Venkatagiri sarees are in bright and pleasant colours with either dots, parrots and leaves on it, there are also golden motifs on the saree that are slightly dull.
Other than the above mentioned sarees Andhra Pradesh is also famous for Khadi sarees, Kat sarees, Super-net sarees, Guntur sarees, Putappaka sarees and Embroidery sarees. The variety of sarees produced in Andhra Pradesh is endless. All these varieties can be easily available in Hyderabad.
Places in Hyderabad where different types of sarees are available:
- Nampally (near Gandhi Bhavan)
- Khadi Bhavan in Koti and Malkajgiri
- In all Apco centers in the twin cities
- General Bazar
- Madina, Charminar
- Pot Market
- Koti (Badichowdi and Sultan Bazar)
- Abids