The term Jamdani is of Persian origin, wherein Jam refers to ‘flowers,’ and Dani refers to ‘vase.’ The word symbolizes an exquisite weaving technique weavers use to embroider intricate designs on the finest fabrics. And since this technique first originated in Dacca (presently Dhaka, Bangladesh), this exquisite art of fine weaving is known to the whole world as Dhakai Jamdani.
This intricate weaving technique, deemed ‘thefinestandmostadvancedhand-weavingtechnique in the world,’ has been practiced for centuries in Bengal. Completing one Jamdani saree takes a lot of time and labor, which rightfully justifies the heavy price tag.
So, if you plan to buy Jamdani sarees online, you’re investing in the rich cultural tradition and outstanding craftsmanship skills passed down for generations! In this article, we’ve tried to offer you a detailed outlook on Dhakai Jamdani sarees, their unique characteristics, and the reasons why this traditional art form entices fashionistas around the world!
Dhakai Jamdani Sarees- What Makes Them So Unique?
Jamdani sarees in Kolkata are one of the most popular choices for festive and special occasions. But, have you ever thought about what makes these gorgeous six-yards so unique that even after a hefty price tag, people still choose to own a piece?
Well, here are some of the reasons-
Out And Out Comfort
In its earlier days, Jamdan sarees were made out of muslin. However, with its evolution, Jamdanis saw the usage of cotton, linen, and silk as well. The most interesting thing about these fabrics is their lightweight and breathable nature, which makes Jamdani sarees comfortable, especially for the summer.
Exceptional Designs
Jamdani sarees are well-known for their intricate and exceptional design patterns across the world! From interesting floral motifs to complex geometrical patterns, the designs seem to float on the backdrop, which adds to the visual aesthetic and vibrance of the saree!
Labour-Intensive Process
The exclusivity of Jamdani sarees lies in the fact that they are all hand-woven! Hence, it is very much obvious that the making of Jamdani sarees is a time-consuming, as well as a labor-intensive process. This is what makes each of the Jamdanispieces no less than a sheer work of art!
How Many Hours Does It Take to Weave a Single Jamdani Saree?
Since the entire attire is handwoven, it takes a considerable time for one single Jamdani saree to emerge from the loom!
An average day for a Jamdani weaver starts with about 100- 300 discontinuous weft threads spread out before them. The weaver has to pick the correct thread and interweave each of the wefts through a plethora of warp threads.
As complex as the procedure itself is, a single weaver is able to weave somewhere between a quarter and one inch of fabric! This means that if a single weaver works on a particular saree, it would take him/ her more than a year to complete that saree and make it ready for sale!
However, you must also remember, that the total time to weave a Jamdani saree depends on the complexity of the design. Owing to that, an average btakes anywhere between six months to three years to complete, given that a pair of weavers work on a single saree for 10 hours straight per day!
Common Motif Variations in Jamdani Sarees
Back in its initial days when Jamdani sarees were exclusive to the Dhaka region, geometric-shaped motifs were a common sight. But, as the art evolved, the usage of a variety of motifs started to become more common.
Currently, if you have decided on Jamdani saree online shopping, you can see an array of motif variations like-
- Butidar: Small flowers embroidered all over the saree.
- Jalar: Motifs that cover up the entire saree.
- Fulwar: Floral motifs woven in straight rows.
- Charkona: Rectangular motifs.
- Tercha: Diagonal patterns running all over the saree.
- Kalka: ‘Paisley’ or teardrop-shaped motifs.
- PannaHajar: Translating to ‘thousand emeralds,’ these are small and bright green motifs that run all over the saree.
Wrapping It Up
Dhakai Jamdani sarees are some of the most exquisite pieces of drapes that are loved across the world for their design, comfort, and unique weaving technique! And the best way for you to acquire a piece of this art is to visit the most reputed and best saree shops in Kolkata like Katha: A Tale of Weaves. These boutiques specialize in authentic drapes, and have an array of the best Bengali traditional sarees online that can make you spoilt for choices!
