This Tamil Nadu Town Is Famous For Its Beautiful Hand-woven Banana Sarees

Hand-woven sarees are known for their rich colours, designs, and fine craftsmanship. In Tamil Nadu’s Aruppukottai town, sarees are in demand. The town is mostly known for its cotton business and other ventures as well. Aruppukottai is located in Virudhunagar district. Its traditional name was Sengattu Irukkai Edathuvali, and it is situated around 50 km from Madurai. There are several renowned saree shops in Aruppukottai that produce large numbers of cotton sarees, festive sarees, silk sarees and more. One of the well-known saree shops here is K S Sarees.

They have been selling sarees for almost 50 years. As per Subburaj, the owner of the shop, there are many varieties of sarees in Aruppukottai, but cotton sarees are in high demand. These cotton sarees are also referred to as banana fibre sarees. These are woven purely from banana pith (fibre). The first step in the weaving process is the creation of the yarn. In Tamil, it is also referred to as vaazhai naaru sarees. This yarn is created from banana fibres that are extracted from banana stems. Aruppukottai’s sarees are exported all over Tamil Nadu.

Sarees are available in several different colours and patterns here. In this shop, women work day in and out to make these sarees. The process of extracting the banana fibres is time-consuming, and then they are woven using dyed yarn. The banana fibre sarees usually have the look and feel of silk sarees and are available in contrasting colours. The minimalistic look is created using thread-woven buttas that have the feel of silk sarees. These sarees are also eco-friendly as they are made from organic plants and have environmental qualities that make them unique.

These sarees are also referred to as new-age sarees, as the fibres are 100% processable and there is no wastage when the saree is yarned out of its fabric. They are known to have a longer life than synthetic fibres. Other eco-friendly sarees like bamboo, linen, jute, wild silk, and others are also available in this region.

Banana cultivation is significantly high in the southern region, and it has become a pioneering choice among women for its simplicity when adorned.