#36 and #37 Two Handloom sarees, one yesterday (Maheshwari saree) and one today (Chanderi). This is my tribute to the handloom saree weavers.. Being from Madhya Pradesh, I have grown up seeing my mother and aunt’s wearing lot of chanderi’s, maheshwari’s and bagh print sarees.

I visited Maheshwar 4 years back for the family reunion. It’s a beautiful town which lies on the banks of the Narmada River.
Maheshwari sarees usually have a plain body or have stripes or checks of different varieties. The unique feature of a Maheshwari saree is its reversible border. The border is designed in such a way that both sides of the saree can be worn. These saree shades are known in there local languagues. This particular saree which I am wearing is in Aamrak (golden) and Tapkeeree (deep brown) shade. The use of zari and kinari is also unique to the Maheshwari saree.
I bought this saree straight from the handloom weavers in Maheshwar back then. Close to the ghats of Narmada, there is ‘Maheshwari Weaving Centre’ where I saw bunkars weaving threads of love to make a saree which will be worn by someone like us.
Chanderi sarees are usually in traditional coin, flora art or peacocks patterns. They are known for their sheer texture, light weight and a glossy transparency.
This is my mother’s 23 years old timeless chanderi in traditional coin pattern. I take lot of care of this sarees as they are delicate and if not kept properly then get torn and damaged on the folds.
One very important difference in Chanderi and Maheshwari saree is that, Chanderi sarees have buti weaving all over and Maheshwari sarees have checks or stipes running (geometric motifs). However, with advancement in fashion trends these rules are not very strictly followed.
As I am excited and gearing for my next reunion with the family to different destination, I will be searching for some connection with my roots yet again.