If you have recently been to Rajasthan or have a close friend from this beautiful place, you will know what Bandhani sarees are! They are icons of Rajasthani culture and heritage. Also called Bandhej sarees, they get the word “Bandh”, which means a tie. Observing the saree closely allows you to identify tiny squares on the body. They are formed using a technique of tie and dye. The earliest known Bandhani saree dates as old as the Indus Valley civilization. Over the centuries, dyeing has evolved to give way to modern generation techniques. In this article, we shall explore more about these beautiful sarees.
Origins and History of Bandhani:
Bandhani, also known as Bandhej, is a traditional tie-dye art form originating in the Indian subcontinent. This intricate textile technique has a rich history dating back several centuries. The word “Bandhani” is derived from the Sanskrit term “Bandhana,” which means “to tie.” It perfectly describes the process involved in creating these stunning sarees.
The origins of Bandhani can be traced to the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan in western India. These regions have been the heartland of Bandhani craftsmanship for generations. The art form also found its way to other parts of India, such as Uttar Pradesh, where it thrived and developed distinct regional variations.
Bandhani is believed to have originated during the Indus Valley Civilization, around 4000 BCE. Historical evidence suggests that the art of tie-dyeing was prevalent in this ancient civilization. However, Bandhani gained immense popularity during the medieval period and became integral to Indian textile traditions.
Importance Of Bandhani Sarees:
The making of Bandhani sarees involves a lot of skill and effort. It takes many dying rounds to achieve a colourful pattern on the saree. Traditional Bandhani sarees are dyed in natural colours on pure organic cotton. Once worn, these sarees in royal weddings as they are known to bring good luck to the newly wedded couple. A single saree is made with thousands of knots tied for the dyeing process, which results in trademark dots.
Features of Bandhani Sarees:
Bandhani sarees come with certain features, such as these:
- They are dotted all over the body, created using knots on the saree. A single wide dot is called Ekdali, and clusters are called Jaaldar or Beldaar.
- Most Bandhani sarees are inspired by the motifs of nature, such as creepers, vines, flowers and leaves.
- One of the prominent varieties of Bandhani is the Leheriya saree, which comprises stripes all over the body.
- Traditional Bandhani sarees are made with natural colours. The available ones are mostly cheaper versions, printed instead of dyed.
Beautiful Bandhani Saree Designs Latest Collection:
So here are some top 10 Beautiful Bandhani saree designs available in the markets of India.
1. Jodhpuri Bandhej Saree:
Jodhpuri bandhani sarees are colourful and rich. This particular piece reflects the true spirit of the age-old technique. The combination of purple and pink makes it perfect for all auspicious events. The saree has been painstakingly made with thousands of bandhani knots to ensure maximum coverage. The embellished zari border elevates the look of the saree.
- Design: Purple and Pink Jodhpuri Bandhej Sari
- Material: Chiffon
- Suitable Occasion: Ethnic Wear and Weddings
- Preferred Body Type: Suitable for all bodies
2. Gujarati Bandhani Saree:
Gujarat is the second most popular destination for authentic chunri print saris. This handmade Kutch bandhej saree comes in a beautiful red and dark green combination. The white squares all over the saree complement the dark hues quite well. The border is made of a unique zari weave that gives the saree a rich look and feel. You can wear it with a matching blouse to complete your look!
- Design: Red and Dark Green Kutch Bandhani Saree
- Material: Art Silk
- Suitable Occasion: Ethnic Wear and Festivals
- Preferred Body Type: Suitable for all bodies
3. Bandhej Saree With Gota Work:
This Gota work, an art silk saree, displays the richness of the Bandhani technique. The stunning combination of pink and red makes it perfect for bridal wear. The Gota Patti work alongside the borderline gives the saree an opulent look. It comes with a crepe blouse that is also tastefully done with gota work. The leaf pattern on the sleeves makes it one of the best designs.
- Design: Red and Pink Art Silk Bandhani Saree With Gota Patti Work
- Material: Art Silk
- Suitable Occasion: Weddings and Ethnic Wear
- Preferred Body Type: Suitable for all bodies
4. Bandhani Embroidery Saree:
This embroidered bandhani saree gives you major shopping goals. The cream and red combination makes it one of the best wedding sarees. The saree is tastefully done by creating the bandhani look on the pallu and the border. The outer border has embroidered trimming, which gives the saree a grand look. The pleats have subtle embroidery to make them a unique piece.
- Design: Cream and Red Embroidered Bandhani Saree
- Material: Satin
- Suitable Occasion: Ethnic Wear and Weddings
- Preferred Body Type: Suitable for all bodies
5. Black Bandhani Saree:
Black never goes out of style, and when combined with the art of Bandhani, nothing can even match this beauty. This amazing georgette saree with a black body and red pallu complemented white squares all over the body. The silver zari and lace work border renders a rich look to the saree. You can pair it with an embroidered blouse and silver jewellery to create a stunning look.
- Design: Black Bandhani Saree with Zari and Lace Border
- Material: Georgette
- Suitable Occasion: Ethnic Wear and Festivals
- Preferred Body Type: Suitable for all bodies
6. Multi-Colour Bandhani Saree:
Life is too short to wear the same boring colours. So, why not combine multiple hues to create this rainbow-effect saree? The beautiful green, pink, orange, and yellow colours offer a stunning look. The pleats are kept plain to highlight the changing effects of the colours. The pallu has bandhani dyeing, elevating the saree’s overall look.
- Design: Multi-Colored Saree with Bandhani Prints
- Material: Georgette
- Suitable Occasion: Ethnic Wear and Festivals
- Preferred Body Type: Suitable for all bodies
7. Maroon Colored Bandhani Cotton Saree:
This bandhani-styled saree is in a cotton fabric. This traditional type of bandhani cotton saree has been known for decades. In this cotton saree, there is a combination of two colours. The tie-dye works are all over the saree in yellow and white colours. The pallu is of a different colour than that of the whole saree. You would feel comfortable wearing this outfit.
- Design: Maroon and Yellow Cotton Bandhani Saree
- Material: Cotton
- Suitable Occasion: Everyday Wear
- Preferred Body Type: All Body Types
8. Bandhani Saree With Mirror Work:
The yellow-blue combined half-and-half saree is a designer saree with a multicoloured effect. The intricate bandhani works are done on the blue-coloured pallu. Mirror works are along the whole border of the saree. The mirrors are attached to the saree with multi-coloured thread works, which seems wonderful. The other part of the saree is a vibrant blue, consisting of multicoloured works.
- Design: Yellow and Blue Bandhani Saree With Mirror Work
- Material: Poly Georgette
- Suitable Occasion: Weddings and Special Occasions
- Preferred Body Type: All Body Types
9. Blue Bandhani Chiffon Saree:
This saree consists of different shades of blue. The basic fabric is chiffon, which is combined with the bandhani style. The tie-and-dye bandhani prints are done in regular patterns, with plain colour at regular gaps and along the border.
- Design: Blue and Green Bandhani Leheriya Style Saree
- Material: Georgette
- Suitable Occasion: Small Events and Get-Togethers
- Preferred Body Type: All Body Types
10. Red Art Silk Printed Designer Bandhani Saree:
This saree is monochromatic, with pure red. The art silk saree looks stunning in red, with small white bandhani works all over it. This is an iconic saree of the Bandhani heritage. Red is associated with good luck and is considered auspicious for new brides.
- Design: Red Art Silk Bandhani Saree
- Material: Art Silk
- Suitable Occasion: Ethnic Wear and Festivals
- Preferred Body Type: All Body Types
How To Style Bandhani Sarees?
Bandhani sarees are preferred for traditional occasions. Here’s how to style your saree to create a unique look:
- Always prefer your saree based on the occasion. Opt for gota work and embroidered versions if it is a bridal look.
- If the saree is plain and the pallu has bandhani work, try draping it in the north Indian style of front-side pallu to highlight its beauty.
- You can style a bandhani saree well by opting for Meenakari jewellery or even traditional Jaipur jewellery to complement the look of your outfit.
- Try wearing embroidered jutis instead of heels to try an ethnic look.
Suitable Blouses For Bandhani Sarees:
Bandhani sarees usually come with all-over prints, so keeping a simple blouse is recommended. You can try high collars, boat necks and even halter necks to match the beauty of your saree. Also, try embellishing the sleeves and the neck with matching gota work or a bandhani patch work.
We hope this article helped you understand why Bandhani sarees have earned such a reputation in fashion. This ancient technique has certainly made India proud of its beauty. New-age dyeing techniques are evolving to suit the tastes of the modern generation and make them fall in love with Indian traditions. So ladies, whether it’s a Garba night or your best friend’s wedding, it’s time to choose your favourite chunri sadi to rock the event!
