Garad sarees are one of the many special weaves of Bengal, woven in the Murshidabad district. They are popularly known as the Lal-Par saree of Bengal due to the staple colour combo of red and white. These are fine, pure silk sarees whose texture resembles tissue paper. They are lightweight and easy to carry.
The Garad stands as a symbol of purity because of its very nature and not just its physical appearance. ”Garad” means white which is considered as the colour of purity in Indian mythology since time immemorial.
Garad sarees are woven with mulberry silk whose yarns are not dyed in colours. They bear the natural white or off-white colour that retains the purity of the fabric.
History of Garad Sarees
Due to its symbolic characteristic of purity, Garad sarees have always been given sacred importance. In ancient times, kings and zamindars used to drape themselves in these sarees while performing religious customs and rituals. Even today, in the wardrobes of women from the Bengali community, a white Garad saree with a red border holds a place of significance. The women even avoid stitching a fall onto this saree to preserve their sacred nature.
What is the Usage significance of Garad Sarees?
Women are seen adorned in this saree during the community’s most auspicious festival (the Durga Puja) while offering prayers to the Goddess.
What is the weaving process of the Garad Sarees?
- These sarees are mostly woven in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal and this area has a distinct style of weaving the yarns. They weave them so closely together that it imparts a particular texture and structure to the fabric.
- They are woven in pure Mulberry or Tussar silk threads in their natural, undyed form. They are easy to drape and hold great shape due to their lightweight body and elegant stiffness.
- The distinctive feature of this saree is its border. The border is offset in either red or maroon with a simple pattern. The pallu of this saree is striped while across the length of the saree small floral or paisley motifs are scattered throughout, making it feminine and graceful.
- However, with the changing times and demands of modern customers, these sarees are now available in different coloured borders as well.
What are Korial a.k.a Garad-Korial Sarees?
Korial, also known as Garad Korial, is a more elaborate version of the Garad saree. The word from where the saree derives its name, Kora, means plain, blank, or spotless. Korial sarees are very much similar to Garad sarees but with subtle differences.
- The off-white silk base of the Korial sarees is more glossy due to the complexity of its weave.
- The border and the pallu of this saree are more ornamental. They carry more elaborate and intricate motifs on them. They have heavy gold or silver coloured embellishments like that of Banarasi saree on the border and pallu.
- As compared to Garad sarees, Korial sarees have a slightly darker red coloured border.
Usage
- Korial saree is like a cousin of the Garad saree and thus is preferred in Durga puja by the Bengali women, especially for the Sindoor Khela ritual.
- Due to its richness, Korial makes for a perfect choice for weddings, especially for the accompaniment of the bride.
What is the Current Scenario of the Garad Sarees?
- In the last few decades, there has been a rise in the popularity of the Garad and the Garad-Korial as the celebrities choose to adorn them at auspicious ceremonies, especially Durga Puja.
- Many famous designers, such as Neeta Lulla, have experimented and introduced more creative versions of the Garad to the world through the fashion runways.
- Nowadays, it is becoming a huge trend to have the classic Garad with borders bearing different colours besides red and maroon. This trend has made this style of saree appeal to the younger generation. It is a definite factor in ensuring the longevity of this craft and this weave.