Frequently Asked Questions - Paithani Saree

Q.1 What is the paithani saree?

Ans. Paithani sarees are hand-crafted with some of the finest silk materials. These sarees originate from Yeola– a small town in Maharashtra. They are characterized by an ornamental zari pallu and border, along with intricate weaving techniques and traditional paithani motifs. The main body of the saree is weaved by hand in looms, while the weaving process of the pallu and border is similar to the tapestry weaving technique. Moreover, Paithani sarees are usually embroidered with motifs of animals, birds, and deities.

Q.2 What is yeola paithani?

Ans. Yeola Paithani is a type of hand-woven saree that is made in the town of Yeola, located in the Nashik district of Maharashtra. It is known for its intricate gold and silver zari work and is one of the most expensive sarees available. The sarees are usually made with silk, and the weaving process is similar to the tapestry weaving technique. Yeola Paithani sarees are often adorned with motifs of animals, birds, and deities.

Q.3 What is pure paithani?

Ans. Yeola paithani is pure paithani. Pure Paithani includes both hand-woven silk saree and cotton saree weaved by weavers of yeola town that is characterized by its ornamental zari border and pallu. It is made of pure silk threads or pure cotton ( also known as cotton paithani ) and comes in bright shades. The unique weaving of the saree makes it look as if the designs have been inlaid into the fabric of the saree. The motifs are created by interlocking and tying the coloured threads to the warp of the loom. The pallu and border are woven in a tapestry style. Paithani sarees are differentiated based on the colours, weaving techniques and motifs. The more intricate the work of brocade, the more expensive the saree will be.

Q.4 What is semi paithani?

Ans. The term “semi-Paithani” has recently emerged in Maharashtra. It is a machine-made Paithani costing one-fourth of the price of its handloom cousin. An example of a semi-paithani saree is one made out of a combination of silk and other yarns or art silk only. Appreciated by many due to their unique structure and colour combination, semi-Paithanies are purely machine-made and come in various designs as compared to pure silk Paithani sarees. As semi-silk Paithani is mass-produced, it is more affordable than the handloom Paithani saree.

Q.5 What is kadiyal paithani?

Ans. Kadiyal Paithani is a type of hand-woven saree that uses three individual wefts for the lower and upper border and the base. This allows for any colour combination for the border and base, essentially providing contrast between the two. Kadiyal Paithani is more labour-intensive and expensive compared to regular single-weft Paithanis.

Q.6 What is maharani paithani?

Ans. Maharani Paithani is a type of hand-woven silk saree with a rich, ornamental Zari pallu and border. It is characterized by its intricate weaving technique and traditional motifs, making it one of the most expensive sarees available. The main body of the saree is weaved by hand in looms, while the weaving process of the pallu and border is similar to the tapestry weaving technique. Maharani Paithani sarees are often adorned with motifs of animals, birds, and deities.

Q.7 What is Muniya border in paithani?

Ans. Muniya border in Paithani is a type of hand-woven saree border that is characterized by its intricate weaving technique and traditional parrot motifs on the border. Muniya border is more labour-intensive and expensive compared to regular single-weft Paithanis. Single muniya, double muniya, and triple muniya paithani are one of the most loved paithani designs.

Q.8 What are paithani Accessories?

Ans. Paithani accessories are items that are used to complement the traditional Paithani saree. Some of the most popular accessories are Paithani bags and purses, Paithani bangles, and scarves, as well as Paithani stoles/ Dupatta. These accessories are typically made of the same fabric as the saree, so they match and complement the look of the saree.

Paithani accessories can be found in a variety of colours and designs, adding an extra touch of elegance to the saree. You can purchase paithani accessories paithani dupatta, and paithani bags online at shankaripaithani.com or the Shankari paithani outlet.

Q.9 Why are paithani sarees expensive?

Ans. Paithani sarees are expensive due to their unique weave, the time-consuming process of making them, the expensive materials used, and the labour involved in the making of the saree. The weave is over 2,000 years old, and it's usually done with the same technique as the Persian rug. The materials used to make paithani are very expensive, including pure silk and fine silver or golden colour Zari. Additionally, the process of making a Paithani sari can take time, ranging from a month to years. The more intricate the work of brocade, the more expensive the saree will be.

Q.10 Where to buy paithani in Maharashtra?

Ans. Paithani sarees are primarily woven in the town of Yeola in Maharashtra, India. However, you can also find Paithani sarees in several other cities and towns across Maharashtra. Some of the popular places to buy Paithani sarees in Maharashtra include:

Yeola, Dist. Nashik: This town is known for its Paithani sarees and is one of the best places to buy them. You can find several weaving centres and showrooms in Yeola that offer a wide range of Paithani sarees. Shankari Paithani is one of the best places to buy authentic paithani at Yeola, You can also find them online at https://shankaripaithani.com

You can also find paithani sarees in several shops and showrooms in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Aurangabad that offer a range of Paithani sarees.

When buying Paithani sarees, make sure to check the authenticity of the saree and the quality of the weaving. It is also important to compare prices and shop around before making a purchase.

Q.11 Where paithani sarees are made?

Ans. Paithani sarees are mainly made in the city of Paithani Yeola, Dist. Nashik in Maharashtra and Dharmavaram city in Andhra Pradesh, India. These sarees have a rich history and tradition, dating back to the 2nd century BC. The weaving is done by hand, and the raw materials used include silk, Zari, and natural dyes 

Q.12 How is the paithani saree made?

Ans. Making a Yeola Paithani involves 100% per cent manual techniques and no mechanical means are used to weave such fabulous art. The manufacturing of a Paithani sari is a long process. Firstly, the silk is sorted based on length, lustre, and strength. Then the material is bleached, dyed with brilliant shades, and left to dry. After that, the weaving process begins, where the weavers use a handloom to craft intricate designs. During this process, the Zari is added to the pallu and border.

Q.13 What is paithani silk made of?

Ans. Paithani sarees are made of a combination of Mulberry Silk yarn and Zari. Preferably, filature silk is used as warp and charkha silk are used as weft for the weaving process. Additionally, the weaving process of the pallu and border is similar to the tapestry weaving technique. Over the years, Paithani has evolved from a cotton base to a silk base. Silk is used in weft designs and borders, whereas cotton was used in the body of the fabric.

Q.14 what is paithani fabric?

Ans. Paithani fabric is a traditional saree fabric originating in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is made of mulberry silk and Zari, with an ornamental pallu and border. It is characterized by intricate weaving techniques and traditional motifs and is often embroidered with motifs of animals, birds and deities. Paithani fabric is more slippery compared to other types of silk sarees, although it is distinguishable from pure silk.

Q.15 What is the paithani border?

Ans. Paithani borders are characterized by an oblique square design. It is hand-woven using the finest silk yarns and Zari and is usually embroidered with motifs of animals, birds, and deities. The weaving process of the border is similar to the tapestry weaving technique and is done in a very intricate and delicate way. The borders are often adorned with small figures like the Narali and pankha, along with traditional motifs. Some of the most common paithani borders are Narali, Single Muniya, Triple Muniya border, Mor Popat border and Aswali border which has small flowers.

Q.16 How to drape a paithani saree? How to wear a paithani saree?

Ans. Wearing a Paithani sari is similar to wearing any other saree. To drape a Paithani saree, start by wearing a cotton petticoat. Then, take the plain end of the saree and tuck it on the right side of the waist. Bring the other end to form a circle to cover the petticoat entirely. After that, keep some loose fabric for the pleats and make approximately 6 to 8 pleats. Tuck the pleats into the petticoat and secure them with a safety pin. Then, drape the saree in a circle, making sure that the hem is outwards. Finally, drape the pallu over your left shoulder and secure it with safety pins. To complete the look, you can accessorize with jewellery and a maang tikka.

Q.17 How to style a paithani saree?

Ans. To style a Paithani saree, you can opt for a simple, solid-coloured blouse and minimal jewellery for a formal occasion. You can also go for a saree with a more subtle colour palette paired with a contrasting blouse for a more traditional look. You can also accessorize your outfit with gold jewellery, such as chandelier earrings, a statement necklace, and bangles. Additionally, you can opt for a bright dupatta to add a pop of colour to your look. For a modern touch, you can team your saree with a sleeveless blouse and statement accessories. Finally, you can opt for a heavy maang tikka and a pair of Kolhapur chappals to complete the look.

Q.18 Are paithani sarees heavy?

Ans. Yes, Paithani sarees are heavy due to the use of pure silk and zari thread work on the border and pallu. The added weight also contributes to the sari's luxurious feel. On average, a regular six-yard Paithani sari will weigh around 650-700 grams.

Q.19 How to identify a paithani saree?

Ans. There are several ways to identify a genuine Paithani saree.

• Test it from both sides: The Paithani saree woven on a simple old-style loom looks the same from the front and back.

• You can also identify it by its intricate designs and motifs. Paithani sarees usually have distinctive designs such as parrots, peacocks, and flowers.
• Additionally, you can also check the quality of the fabric to ensure that the saree is made of pure silk and zari.
• Moreover, you can look for the signature pallu featuring an intricate peacock motif or a golden zari fabric.
• Finally, you can check for the tell-tale signs of a hand-woven saree such as irregular borders, uneven pallu edges, and small knots.

Q.20 How to wash a paithani saree at home?

Ans. It is not recommended to wash handloom pure paithani saree at home. A paithani saree must be dry-cleaned.

Q.21 Where is the paithani saree famous?

Ans. Paithani sarees are most famous in the state of Maharashtra and the states of south India, The Paithani saree is a traditional hand-woven saree made with silk and is known for its intricate designs and gold or silver Zari work. It is usually adorned with motifs of animals, birds, and deities, and can be found in a variety of colours and styles. Paithani sarees are often worn during special occasions and festivals and are a popular choice for bridal wear. The sarees are also popular in other parts of India and can be found in many stores and online shops.