Sunday, 29 May 2011

White Silk Dhoti - Salem Sourashtra Weavers


Over the ages, India has conjured up different images at different times, but one constant through the centuries has been its textiles and one region, which has always been in the picture in this regard, has been Tamil Nadu. Uraiyur/Karur and Madurai, situated close to the cotton fields, were major centres of weaving. They still are the most prominent centers for the exquisite weaving products. Tanjavour is well known for its cotton weaving with several centres around the state. Cotton has long been the mainstay of the textiles of Tamil Nadu and one sees a wide range here. Madurai specialise in Sarees especially sungudi and cotton sarees.  And Salem specialise in fine gold-bordered Dhotis.
    The White Silk dhoti ( VENPATTU VESHTI) produced by handloom weavers of sourashtra community is unique.  It  produced only at Salem.  Thus " White silk dhoti " creates a textile orinted identification to Salem District Tamil Nadu.  Traditionally Sourashtra weavers engaged in production of pure silk dhoti varities in town area of Salem district, Tamil nadu.
 
The Dhoti is the original and timeless garment of men's wear in India. A rectangular piece of unswitched cloth, it is wrapped in a simple manner about the waist and legs. It is usually white or cream in color, although colourful hues are often used to create more vivid ensembles.

Description: Tradition comes to life with this majestic pure silk OR artsilk dhoti with zari border. Best Ethnic wear for traditional functions, weddings or special occasions.
 Its approximate size :
  Length
 3.6 meters(4 yards)
  Width
 48 inches / 121 cms
  Fabric
 Pure silk / Artsilk / Pure silk & Art silk mixed
  Colour
 Cream/White


The MayilKan variety is very sutable for wedding and special occassions.  Dhoti and Angavastram weared on religious and wedding occassions.

The highest number of dhoti wearers are found in the western states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Dhoti wearers are predominant in the states of Tamilnadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, West Bengal and Orissa too. In the northern parts of Gujarat and southern parts of Rajasthan the dhoti is worn with a short kurta called kediya on top. In northern India and West Bengal, the garment is worn with a kurta on top, the combination known simply as dhoti kurta. In Tamil Nadu, it is worn with an angavastram (another unstitched cloth draped over the shoulders) or else with a chokka (shirt) in Andhra Pradesh or jubba (a local version of kurta).

Mahatma Gandhi in Dhoti

Actor Rajnikanth in dhoti
Actor Ajit in Dhoti

Amitab bachan in dhoti
Co-operative weavers societies lik Salem-pattu Co-op society, Rajaganapathi pattu Co-op society, Sourashtra pattu Co-op society, Super pattu Co-op society and many Individuals are producing these white silk dhoti.