<p>Last month, when I told my friend that I was going on a trip to Hyderabad, her only request to me was to get her a Gadwal saree.<br /><br /></p>.<p> Her request prompted me to look for Gadwal sarees in the heritage city of Hyderabad, and also learn about its fascinating history.<br /><br />These handloom zari sarees, popularly known as Gadwal sarees, are the pride of Andhra Pradesh. <br /><br />Woven in traditional patterns by the master weavers of Gadwal in Mahbubnagar district, these sarees have a cotton body, embellished with silk pallus and borders in resplendent colours. This mix of cotton and silk has given rise to a new trend of sarees known as sico sarees, which are quite popular the world over.<br /><br />While the silk for the border and pallu is sourced from Bangalore, the gold and silver threads are sourced from Surat, I was told. The most fascinating feature of this saree is that it can be folded in such a way that it fits in a match box. No wonder, Gadwal sarees have been in great demand the world over since the 1930s. <br /><br />As the salesperson at the Gadwal outlet said, “People buy these sarees in dozens while going abroad as they make good gift options. Moreover, they’re light and easy to carry.”<br /><br />The patterns on the pallu and border, that represent South Indian culture, add to their timeless appeal. As also the contrasting colours of the body and the pallu/border. Looking at once opulent and elegant, these sarees can be worn to any function, big or small. <br /><br />The very fact that they are mostly woven out of cotton make them ideal to be worn in summer too.<br /><br />I soon found myself picking up one for each of my family members and friends. After all, they are easy to carry, ain't it?<br /></p>
<p>Last month, when I told my friend that I was going on a trip to Hyderabad, her only request to me was to get her a Gadwal saree.<br /><br /></p>.<p> Her request prompted me to look for Gadwal sarees in the heritage city of Hyderabad, and also learn about its fascinating history.<br /><br />These handloom zari sarees, popularly known as Gadwal sarees, are the pride of Andhra Pradesh. <br /><br />Woven in traditional patterns by the master weavers of Gadwal in Mahbubnagar district, these sarees have a cotton body, embellished with silk pallus and borders in resplendent colours. This mix of cotton and silk has given rise to a new trend of sarees known as sico sarees, which are quite popular the world over.<br /><br />While the silk for the border and pallu is sourced from Bangalore, the gold and silver threads are sourced from Surat, I was told. The most fascinating feature of this saree is that it can be folded in such a way that it fits in a match box. No wonder, Gadwal sarees have been in great demand the world over since the 1930s. <br /><br />As the salesperson at the Gadwal outlet said, “People buy these sarees in dozens while going abroad as they make good gift options. Moreover, they’re light and easy to carry.”<br /><br />The patterns on the pallu and border, that represent South Indian culture, add to their timeless appeal. As also the contrasting colours of the body and the pallu/border. Looking at once opulent and elegant, these sarees can be worn to any function, big or small. <br /><br />The very fact that they are mostly woven out of cotton make them ideal to be worn in summer too.<br /><br />I soon found myself picking up one for each of my family members and friends. After all, they are easy to carry, ain't it?<br /></p>