Saree is the traditional attire in India. It does not only symbolize attire but Indian culture, elegance, and grace. According to Indian actress Priyanka Chopra, "The saree is a garment that makes me feel like a goddess." Designer Tarun Tahiliani referred to the saree as "a canvas of creativity, a symbol of tradition, and the mirror of the soul or a reflection of the wearer's personality."
The saree industry has immense value for India, providing several artisans, weavers, and small business owners with jobs. It has a very long historical background and forms the significant portion of India's textile sector.
This industry is treasured because it provides employment to millions of people, contributes to the economy of India, showcases India's rich cultural heritage and its diversity, and provides an opportunity for artisans and weavers to come forward with their talent.
The next blog shall deal with the biggest saree industry in India, its history, its importance, and the kinds of sarees which can be made over there.
The Largest Saree Industry in India: Surat, Gujarat
It is the largest hub of the saree industry in India and the key city of the state of Gujarat. Beginning in the 17teenth century, Surat was very famous for its cotton and silk production. The years went by, and slowly the city emerged as a foremost synthetic fabric and saree manufacturer.
The saree industry in Surat picked up in the 1950s when weavers migrated from different parts of India to this city in quest of better jobs. Today, it crossed the record of over 1 million power looms and 10,000 saree manufacturing units, churning out a collective 10 million sarees on a daily basis.
What has really backed Surat to the top of the market of saree-making? Of these, some are:
- Its fine geographical location
- A skilled workforce
- Easy access to raw materials
- Innovative techniques of manufacturing
The saree industry in Surat has remained at par with the continuous market trends because it has moved on to adopt new technologies and designs. Therefore, Surat is not only a main hub for saree lovers but also for traders, thus earning its reputability of being the largest saree industry hub in India.
Sarees Produced in Surat:
Surat has gained a lot of fame in making various types of sarees which can suit every taste and liking. This city manufacturers produce sarees of cotton, silk, georgette, chiffon, polyester and nylon. Sarees from this city are popular owing to their unique designs and patterns, such as
Bandhani Sarees
- Characterized by intricate tie-and-dye designs that create unique patterns and motifs.
- Tie-and-dye technique involves resisting small parts of the cloth by binding it with thread or yarn to resist dyeing and forms distinct dots, stripes, or shapes.
- The material used to make them can either be cotton, silk, or any fabric that combines both.
- It comprises mainly bright colors such as red, blue, green, and yellow.
- Bandhani sarees depict the rich Indian heritage of craftsmanship and are mostly worn on special occasions.
Ajrak Sarees
- Characterized by the conventional block-printed designs portraying geometric patterns, floral motifs, and abstract shapes.
- Block printing technique makes use of wooden blocks, which are carved with the design, to stamp the pattern in the fabric
- Usually made from cotton or cotton-silk blend
- Ajrak sarees have bold, contrasting colors with intricate designs
- Originated in the Sind province of Pakistan but now very popular in India and worldwide
Katan Sarees
- Made of pure silk; also called for its lustrous feel and softness
- They come enriched with intricate embroidery, including zari, zardozi, and other traditional techniques.
- One finds floral patterns, foliage, and geometrical shapes in the embroidery.
- Katan sarees spell opulence and sophistication and find great uses at formal events and weddings.
- Available in rich jewel tones and subtle pastels, these sarees are sure to impress.
Gharchola Sarees
- Characterized by bright colors and geometric patterns, often featuring chevrons, triangles, and squares
- Made from cotton or a cotton-silk blend
- Gharchola sarees are known for their bold, eye-catching designs and vibrant color combinations
- Originated in the Gujarat region of India, where they are still handwoven by skilled artisans
- Suitable for casual and formal occasions, depending on the color and design
Lehariya Sarees
- Distinguished by diagonal stripes, creating a dynamic and modern look
- Made from cotton or a cotton-silk blend
- Lehariya sarees often feature a gradient effect, with colors transitioning from light to dark
- Available in a range of colors, including soft pastels and bold brights
- Originated in the Rajasthan region of India, where they are still handwoven using traditional techniques
- Suitable for casual and formal occasions, depending on the color and design.
This become almost their signature. Equally famous are the innovative designs of Surat saree makers, with their mixing of traditional techniques and modern styles. They come out with sarees for daily wear and even wedding sarees. Quality, durability, and affordable prices make the Surat sarees everyone's favorite among women.
The Manufacturing Process
The whole procedure of manufacturing a saree at Surat is highly complicated and labor-intensive, ranging from the sourcing of raw materials to the ultimate finishing. First and foremost among the necessities is sourcing high-quality raw material in the form of silk, cotton, and polyester fabrics, threads, zari, and other embellishments. Then, these fabrics will be dyed and printed with intricate designs by using advanced technology and the traditional technique of hand-block printing and screen printing. Then the fabrics are cut and stitched properly to create the body, border, and pallu of the saree. Later, the saree is embellished with detailed embroidery, zardosi, and other forms of fine needlework by expert craftspeople. Further, the saree is washed, ironed, and finished delicately to give it a luster. Lastly, it undergoes quality checking and then gets packed for distribution to selling agents and customers. Be it in the process of conceptualization or at the end, while putting all the threads together, this involves the toil of artisans who tirelessly work to make the finished masterpiece of craftsmanship and beauty in each saree. The manufacturing process of a saree in Surat, therefore, personifies the rich textile heritage of this city, which has, very appropriately, acquired the name of being a 'saree hub of excellence'.
Famous saree shops in surat
1. Ajmera Fashions: Ajmera Fashions, a legend over 50 years old, was created as the mecca of saree lovers. Through its priceless collection of exclusive sarees, it brings together the finest fabrics, intricate designs, and flawless execution in an unbeatable range. Bridal sarees are especially an ace up the sleeve for Ajmera Fashions. Brides from across the country reach this place particularly for jaw-dropping wedding trousseau ensembles.
2. Kanak Sarees: Located in the heart of the Surat textile market, Kanak Sarees is another hotspot among saree enthusiasts. It can boast of stocking quite a large number of sarees in various fabrics, designs, and price ranges to suit every style and budget.
3. Roop Sarees: With traditional and contemporary designs, intricately crafted and done in superior fabrics, this is a favorite of many saree enthusiasts. Be it graceful day wear, lavish bridal wear, or chic party wear sarees, their inventory hosts them all in magnificent style.
Economic Impact of the Saree Industry in Surat
The saree industry is one of the major economic hubs in Surat, and it contributes drastically to the textile industry of India. Some major features have been discussed hereafter:
Contribution to the Indian textile industry:
- Without a doubt, Surat is certainly one of the biggest textile hubs across India; it accounts for more than 40% of the production of synthetic fabrics in the country.
- On the whole, the annual turnover of the saree industry in Surat amounts to above ₹50,000 crores and generates massive revenues.
Employment given by this industry:
- The saree industry in Surat employs more than 500,000 people, either directly or indirectly.
- It consists of highly skilled artisans, weavers, and workers engaged in the production process of the sarees from the manufacture of fabrics to embroidery and finishing.
The export markets for Surat sarees include:
- The saree from Surat is exported to quite a good number of nations, particularly the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.
- Surat sarees have an export market of about ₹10,000 crores annually.
- The quality, design, and affordability of the product have made Surat sarees very popular all over the world, and thus these sarees have emerged as a major contributor toward the overall textile exports from India.
Why choose us
One of the top popular clothing manufacturing companies in Surat, we proudly say that our city is the largest producer of sarees in India. Our city has perfected the art of textiles since generations, and we are proud to be a part of this rich legacy. At Ajmera Fashions, it's all about quality and attention to detail. We deal in a wide range of sarees, catering to different tastes, occasions, and budgets. Our team of skilled artisans and designers bring together traditional techniques and modern style in such a way that truly makes the saree stand apart.
Interest in traditional wear, coupled with innovative designs, is bound to bring positive growth in the saree industry. We are excited about leading this growth with very strong roots in the textile heritage of Surat. With an increasing demand for good quality sarees, a focus on sustainability, and a global market at the fingertips, there is a lot of hope from this sector in the future. By going in for Ajmera Fashions, you are not only getting amazing sarees but also supporting rich textile history and its future growth in Surat.
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