One of the Classic products of an Indian Handicraft is the Parthiani. Someone said it is Poem of Silk & Gold & that is also known as “MAHAVASTRA”, “MAHA” means great/holy & “VASTRA” means cloth. The Holy cloth which is mainly used during Marriages, Poojas (Worships), Festivals & Other such functions. Paithani is the traditional Indian Maharashtrian hand woven Sari which is manufactured in Paithan & Yeola with the help of Pure silk & Golden Yarn called “Zari”(Optional-Long ago Zari was purely made up of gold but nowadays silver becomes  the best substitute for the gold means gold coated silver yarns are used as Zari), Paithan is situated in Maharashtra state Aurangabad district. Up to 17^th century Paithani weaving activities were limited to Paithan town after that, weaving activities were transferred to the Yeola the village in Nashik district of Maharashtra state. With the help of some local wealthy people of Yeola, The village became another main commercial center of Paithani Weaving.

History of Paithani

Long ago only Royal Family women wore these Royal saris as they were very costly. Royal families like    “CHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ” from 17^th century & “THE PESHWAS” from 18^th century. It is said that in 18^th century, Madhavrao Peshwa   specially impressed by this weaving art of Paithani sari as well as with the textiles. That’s why he encourages the weavers so that we can also say that, the 18^th century is the abetment or boosting period of this Handicraft. The Nizam of Hyderabad was also fascinated with this handicraft, his daughter in law Nilofer invented new Motifs to the border & Pallav designs. Later that Mughals introduced some new Motifs.

Indian Paithani Handloom Pure Silk Saree Buying Online

How To Identify Original Paithani

The original Paithani Sari is characterized by the borders of an oblique & square design having a Pallu with the Peacock which is made up of golden yarn called “Zari”. As it is hand woven that is soft & yarns are softly woven so that it is plain at its back side. And there is no duplication in one design.

How to identify Original Paithani saree

1. The back side of an original Paithani handloom saree will look exactly the same as the top.
2. Paithani sarees are handwoven, hence the design of each piece will be unique. (It may look similar)
3. The threads are made from natural dyes, obviously genuine handloom Paithanis will be available only in basic colors !
4. Paithani saree on a hand loom will be lot costlier than machine woven, due to long time needed to manufacture

Paithanis are plain & also available in spotted designs. These saris are single colored and also find in kaleidoscope colors this is called as Dhup-Chanv effect, means it give different color effect in light or sunlight and different color effect in shade. Kaleidoscopic color effect is achieved by the weavers this is weaving trick used by them, they choose couple of colors for weaving lengthwise while another is used width wise.

Paithani saris are categorized on three criteria that are Motifs, Colors & Weaving. These handlooom saris can cost from $100 to $4000 according to Pure Silk & Zari work border. Bridal saris are having precious Gems & Pearls on its border.  As it is costly everyone can’t afford it Semi Paithanis are also available in market.

Fame of Paithani

As this is 21^st century, still Paithani is famous. Now a days traditional & latest designs are available in market. The actresses “Vidya Balan”, “Sonam Kapoor” “Shraddha Kapoor” used these heirloom saris for red carpet as well as for global events & Designers like “Gaurang Shah”, “Neeta Lulla ” chose these saris for Ramp. It shows awareness towards this art & also affect of fame of the Paithani.

There is a Marathi Program on Marathi channel-Zee Marathi known as “Home Minister” is running successfully from 12 years just because of Paithani. In this program they conduct games for women & that winner participant will get “Tathastu Paithani ”.

How to Take Care of Paithani

• As these saris are hand-woven by Pure Silk & Zari do not wash it, dry clean only.
• Keep away from harsh sunlight because it will affect on its color & can also affect on silken threads.
• Wrap it in soft clean cotton cloth or in Mul.
• Do not put anything in it.

How to Wear Paithani sari

There are different styles available to wear Indian saris depends upon religion. It is hard to write about it but you will find lots videos regarding how to drape Paithani. One of them is available here for your reference.

Where to Buy Paithani

After Paithan & Yeola , Pune is main commercial center of Paithani. Here you will get traditional as well as latest Pathani in Tathastu Mall that is located in main market of Pune City.

In Mumbai, Nagpure Paithani store is famous.

In Hyderabad, Uppada Sarees Pvt. Ltd.  & Siri Collection is famous.

Online Buying of Paithani

As Paithani famous all over the world you can buy it online

Paithani sari comes with un-stitched Blouse, which is same hand woven, attached in running sari. Generally length of sari is 6.25 mtrs. Pair this sari with Indian traditional jewelry which will give you ethnic look.