Gara Embroidery Saris - The Prized Posessions

 

 

Gara Saris

Gara saris are known for their exquisite, intricate work. Parsi traders, who used to trade with China introduced gara in India. The traditional Chinese garas had embroidered borders on all the four sides and hence they were very heavy to wear. The popular colors were purple and violet. Gradually craftsmen in Gujarat manged to duplicate the embroidery and regional technique called Surat Gara marked by net and French knots was introduced. Colors like red, blue, and white became vogue in Garas.

Gara Technique

Design is drawn on the paper followed by formation of sample color. Craftsmen studies design and traces it on the sari. Making of gara saris is an elaborate process it takes 2- 8 months for the hand embroidered gara sari creation to emerge.

Interesting aspect of the designs of the Gara creation is the craftsman who specializes in a particular motif continues to draw that motif itself so that there is uniformity and specialization in the work.