Kantha Sarees

Kantha Sarees are one of the most famous sarees in West Bengal. Known for its delicate embroidery, the sarees sell by the name of the Kantha Embroidery than the cloth of the sari.

Kantha involves running embroidery. In Kantha, the cloth is given layers which are then closed by the designer stitches. The art of Stitches is so beautiful that the layers of cloth cannot be seen. Only one layer is seen and looks as if the stitching is done on a single layer rather than the on multiple layers of cloth. Kantha is also said to be doruka meaning turning the worn out clothes into a new one.

Kantha comes in a number of varieties. Like the Archilata Kantha, Baiton Kantha, Durjani Kantha, Lep Kantha, Oaar Kantha, Sujani Kantha, Rumal Kantha. All of them have various uses like some are used to cover mirrors, some for covering books, some for making quilted wallets, some for making warm quilts, some for making blankets and spreads. Various varieties are used for various uses. But the most famous are the Kantha Sarees which top all other varieties of Kantha Embroidery.


History of Kantha Embroidery

Kantha evolved out of the necessity to drape against cold. Kantha in Sanskrit means rags. In other words it is called as Indian Recycling Art. In the olden days when the silks and musins became worn out, the Bengali women instead of throwing them away stitched them and turned them into beautiful clothes. The legend is also that such an art was also used by the Buddhists to save themselves from cold.



The Saree

Generally speaking a Kantha Saree is a work on 5.5 ft long silk saree with a beautiful border and all over work. The work usually depicts heritage depicting wedding, doli, floral baskets , silver and green forests and little flowers. These come in all colors and range anything from $ 100 a piece. The motifs also depict the rich and high class society with different aspects of life. In fact, each piece of a Kantha Saree depict a different aspect of life.

If you want to buy the best quality of Kantha Saree, then you should go to Kolkatta to buy the best at the lowest price. Because Kantha is home product of bengal is easily found there. So when you are in Bengal, don't forget to buy a piece.