India is a land of multiple cultures. When you take a trip from the north to the south, then east to the west you find different people, different foods and even different saree styles. If you think saree can be worn by only one style, then you are wrong. You have seen Tulsi Virani in the Kyunki Saas Bhi Bahu Thi wearing the traditional Gujarati saree. That’s been a part of our dressing for a long time now. Here we give you 10 unique saree draping styles from different parts of India that you can try to give a twist to the usual saree.
Also Read:- Love Saree? Then, Know Here About The Variety Of Saree For 2019!
1. Surguja From Chhattisgarh:
The lesser-known state Chattisgarh offers a tribal experience to the saree draping art. The draping style of saree has been worn by the Oraon community dancers based in Chhattisgarh. The long 5.3-yard saree is draped in a way that creates a swiveling effect. Even better is that any loose parts are tucked in the front and back that makes it super easy for the dancers to try out any movement. And, if you realize that this is a 5.3-yard saree instead of the 6-yard saree. And, even better if you hate draping the pleats then this one has none.
2. Coorgi From Karnataka:
As the name suggests, the Coorgi style belongs to the Coorg region. Coorg is a hilly region, which makes it inevitable to drape the saree in a comfortable way. The Coorgi saree is draped in the form where the movement is free and the women can lead an active life. The brides usually now keep this tyle for the wedding day. Even better is that this saree drape is the cloth draped around the waist and the pleats fall back. The pallu is slipped below the left shoulder and then wrapped around the right shoulder where it is fastened as a tight knot called molakattu. Sometimes, women accessorize the saree with a headscarf known as vastra to match the attire. The Coorgi style finds a mention in the popular story of Kaveri and Agastya.
3. Kunbi From Goa:
Kunbi style of draping comes from the state of Goa. The Kunbi style of draping has been used by the tribal women in Goa much before the 16th century. Even before the arrival of the Portuguese to the state. The saree drape is pretty basic and works around wrapping the saree around the waist and knotting the saree over the shoulder. This drape was used by women who used to work in the paddy fields. The high rise drape of the saree made it easy for the women to work in the fields with ease. Even better you do not need to use any blouse or petticoat. If you are looking to wear a saree to any dance event or outing, then this style is the best option that gives you freedom of movement and comfort.
4. Mekhela Chadar From Assam:
Assam gets its own saree drape style from the Assamese handloom saree known as Mekhela Chadar. This particular saree style is made up of muga silk consisting of two pieces. The first one known as mekhela which is worn at the bottom like a sarong with crisscross pleats at the front while the other one is tucked around the waist on the left and the other end is draped onto the right shoulder like a shawl. The saree looks great on slim women.
5. Pinkosu From Tamil Naidu:
Women in Tamil Naidu love to wear this drape called Pinkosu. The drape is the best choice for places where you have high mercury levels or in the summers. The word Pinkosu in the native language means ‘pleats at the back’. Therefore, when you are thinking about draping a pinkosu saree the pleats hit the back. Another change in the drape is that the saree is draped around the waist 1.5 times than the usual saree. Unlike the usual saree, the drapes fall in the front towards the outside and wrapped from inside. So, the underside of the saree is visible, most of the women prefer the use of Handloom sarees from this drape as they are reversible and can be worn from both sides.
6. Kappulu From Andhra Pradesh:
The drape Kappulu gets its name from the caste Kappalu that stays in the state in Andhra Pradesh. The dress is still worn by the older ladies of the caste. What makes the drape different from the other drapes in the state is that the usual drapes are done from right to left, while other few ones are done from left to right. Apart from this, the two distinctive features that make the drape unique are the small and svelte pleat at the back helps to draw attention to the curves while the other is the falls of cloth made by swiveling the end around the body twice. The pallu is taken from the right shoulder or hung loose. Some people like to wrap around the neck to make movement easy.
7. Phanek And Innaphi From Manipur:
The Phanek and innaphi is the traditional dress of Manipur. Women still adorn wearing this dress, especially during the festive season. The Phanek is an ethnic sarong worn by the native women. The Phanek is divided into two types majorly:- meitei and tribal phanek. You will find Phaneks handwoven and easily found in block colors or stripes. You will seldom find floral prints or bold motifs on the Phaneks. While the Inaphi is a wrap for the upper body. Generally, made with floral designs to match the Phanek. More simply, if you say it is worn like a dupatta. Commonly, you will find Manipuri brides wearing delicate muslin Innaphi woven in fine cotton yarns.
8. Halakki Vokkaliga From Karnataka:
Halakki Vokkaliga is a drape that is particularly worn by the aboriginals of based in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The aborigine women wear this unique saree drape by the name of their tribe. Unlike the flowing and uneasy saree, this one is pretty simple to tie, all you need is to tie saree around the neck and then wrap it under the shoulder. This drapes calls in no need of petticoat and blouse. However, the saree is adorned with a lot of accessories, like colorful flowers and beads, to complete their look.
9. Purnia From Bihar:
Purnia drape comes from the northeastern Bihar region. This drape is quite close to the Nadia Bengal drape. This one is also worn without the front pleats. However, the pallu is tucked in at the left waist instead of draped over the shoulder. Generally, start by tying a double knot at the left waist with the inner end in the front. Now start by bringing the outer end of the saree clockwise. Tuck in at the center back waist. After that start by draping the outer end of the saree anti-clockwise. Wrap it over the right shoulder from back to the front covering the head. Lastly, bring pallu around the body and tuck in at the left waist.
10. Namboothiri Drape From Kerala:
The Namboothiri Drape comes from the state of Kerala. It is believed to be the oldest form of draping saree. This drape covers the lower portion as the pleats of the saree are pre-attached to the blouse from the left corner. The lower drape is known as Mundu while the colored strip at the border is known as kara. This style is rarely found to be worn these days except for special occasions or festivals.
