Month: March 2019

Saree – the most graceful attire that enhances the beauty of a woman. No matter how modern we tend to be, we all would have tried wearing a saree. Saree is the only attire that gives an elegant and charming look to a girl, which no other outfit gives us.

But Do you know to drape a perfect saree without any flaws? If your answer is No, Then this blog is for you… In this blog, we are going to let you in on the secrets of draping a perfect saree and different styles of saree draping.

The first and foremost thing is the petticoat. Choose the right petticoat based on your saree type. Though it stays behind the saree, it plays a vital role for a perfect saree.

These petticoats come in different fabrics like cotton, silk, satin, shimmer satin, embroidered, and Crepe. You can also wear petticoats like Mermaid cut petticoats (commonly known as Shapewear), and Can-cans petticoats based on your need.

 

Do you know which petticoat is best for saree? Based on the saree fabric, the petticoat varies.

For cotton and handloom silk sarees, cotton petticoats are a wise choice. 

Silk petticoats are most comfortable in the winter season, and they can be paired with heavy silk sarees.

Satin petticoats are generally smooth, so chiffon and georgette sarees look good with them.

If your saree is a crepe type, then crepe petticoats are the best choice, as they will not change the flow and shape of the saree.

Avoid mermaid petticoat for silk sarees as it will make walking difficult.

Next, when you wear the petticoat, make sure that there are no wrinkles in the front.

If you want to make your petticoat stay tight on the waist, then make sure that the drawstring is in cotton, no matter what the petticoat fabric is!

Here is the answer to the commonly asked question where to wear the petticoat! Below or above the navel?

Wear it just below the navel to make it look better and comfortable. This will help the saree to cover the contours in your body and elongate your frame.

Next comes the pleating of saree. If you pleat the saree well, then half the battle is won.

Based on your body type, adjust the pleat. A maximum of 6 pleats in the pallu gives an elegant look to any body type.

Each pleat of the pallu can be 4 to 5 inches wide to attain the 6 pleats. If you’re a beginner, then pin your pleats to align it right and stiff.

Do you know how many pins are required to drape a saree? For a beginner, a maximum of 5 pins is required. More pins will kill the shape and look of the saree.

So try to avoid more pins while draping and avoid using silver pins for all kinds of saree. Go for saree colored pins to avoid making the saree look odd.

Use pins in such a way that they are draped inside the saree, especially for netted and georgette fabrics.

When it comes to front pleating of the saree, it depends on your comfort level.

For a perfect shape, pleat the sari nice and sleek, and pin it in again. This will also make you look taller.

And here comes an important point! While tugging the pleats in the waist, make sure you flatten the pallu inside. Else it gives a fluffy look to your tummy.

If you want to hide the extra pounds in your body, then printed saree is the right choice.

This will give your body a toned-down look, with everyone’s interest on the saree, taking their attention away from the extra pounds.

Oh, and how could we forget? If you want to make your silk saree pleats stiff and stable, try out this trick!

After pleating the saree, use your hair straightener to iron your pleats. This will give them a neat finish.

Medium heat is enough to iron the saree, so unplug the straightener before ironing.

If you want to look slim and tall in saree, then follow the below tips.

Choose light fabrics like crepe, georgette, chiffon or satin as these will give you a light and airy look.

Go for elongated and smaller prints that scantily roll out across the saree, as this will make you look slimmer and taller.

Another important tip to note is, opt for subtle borders, as it flows along your frame and makes you look slim.

Also, avoid wearing Heavy border and stiff fabric sarees as these will give you a wider look. Another way is to opt for an elbow sleeve or long sleeve blouses,  as they give you an illusion of a taller frame.

Follow all these tips to look slim and taller in saree.

Now let’s look at some general Do’s and Don’ts you need to keep in mind while draping a saree.

Never go for flat footwear as it will ruin your saree and make walking difficult.

Rather, go for pointed heels that look good with your saree.

Also, it is advisable to wear footwear before draping the saree. This adjusts the height of the sari to the added height of the footwear, and will give a perfect finish to your saree.

This is the common mistake that many of us do! Pleating the pallu.

If you are opting for smaller pleats, – let’s say, 6 pleats, then make sure that the pleats flow over and cover the blouse completely. Else it gives an awful look to your entire outfit.

For a better look, you can opt for a waist belt that suits the saree. This will help the saree pleats to stay stable and avoid misconception.

Other than that, wearing a waist belt is one of the trending styles, so try it out!

You can also wear thin elastic belts while opting for a 9 yards madisar saree! What we mean is, wear the belt before draping the saree as this will help to keep the pleats stable.

If you wish to make the blouse the statement piece, then go ahead with plain or sheer type saree to highlight that.

Some of the latest blouse designs are jacket type blouse, collared blouse and as mentioned earlier, waist belt blouse designs.

Blouses play a vital role in saree. Choose the right blouse based on your body type.

If you have a broad shoulder, then boat neck blouses with elbow sleeves will go well.

If your arms are flabby, then deep back neck with long sleeves would work out well.

For skinny arms, puff sleeves suit well.

If you have a larger bust, then you can go for a deep back neck and plain in the front.

High neck or Chinese collar will suit well for long necked people.

Other than this, the colour of the blouse is the key factor.

Rather than going for a blouse of the same shade, blouses of contrasting colours would give you a classic and graceful look.

Avoid wearing blouses too low as it is an insult to the whole outfit. And do not be so covered up that it doesn’t make sense at all. Create your perfect look with right blouse.

If you are going to wear a netted or chiffon saree, then allow your pallus to fall freely from the shoulder.

Make sure that you keep the look soft by opting for right accessories and blouse.

To manage the floating pallu in a get-together, and while eating in a buffet, you can raise the pallu till the elbow and pin it. This will help you to carry the saree in a comfortable way.

Saree has poise on its own. So, it’s always better to carry a small bag or clutch. On the other hand, carrying saree is itself a big task, so avoid loading yourself with extra stuff.

Above all, it is very important to have patience and leisure time to drape a saree. A hurried draping will definitely result in a messy look.

Maintaining a saree is more difficult than draping it right? Here we have some tips for you!

If your wardrobe is a large and spacious one, then you can hang the sarees in hangers.

This will help you to get rid of a messy wardrobe and also maintain your saree’s life!

For heavy designer sarees and silk sarees, you can use saree bags. This is one of the best ways to maintain your saree. You can also use this bag for long travels!

Added to this, if you want your saree to last long, Then avoid normal soap wash. Instead, you can go for a shampoo wash, by just soaking your saree in shampoo water for 20 minutes and drain it out.

You can try this method for all kinds of outfits like kurtas and shirts.

For cotton and art silk sarees, laundering is the best choice. And don’t even imagine washing your silk saree! A gentle iron is all that is needed for a silk saree after every use.

Likewise, it is important to choose the right accessories and hairdos to attain a perfect look for your saree.

Very heavy jewellery will not look good all the time. Overworked accessories will kill the look of the saree. So, go for a few statement pieces like bajuband, chandelier danglers, grand chokers, etc.,

Also, make sure you have the right hairdo that enhances your outfit.

If you are adorning a silk saree, then traditional pleat with flowers will suit well.

Other than that, you can go for a high bun hairstyle which is the latest trend today.

Follow all these tips to drape a perfect saree and let us know how it went!

Okay, How do you check if your silk saree is made of pure silk? Here are some simple methods for you.

Silk Burn Test– Take a few silk threads from the warp and burn them from the ends. When the thread stops burning, a very tiny ash ball might be left over.

Rub the ball with your fingers and smell the powdered ash. If it is pure silk, then it will smell like burnt hair.

Artificial silk will neither produce an ash ball nor smell like burnt hair. The smell would be similar to that of burning plastic with black smoke.

Zari test–  To check whether the zari is genuine or not, scratch a small end of the zari from the pallu and scratch it against a stone. A real zari will reveal reddish silk!

So, try this method and check whether you have bought a pure silk saree or not! If possible, try it before buying.

Are you bored of regular saree draping style? Then try out this cancan style saree draping.

This is one of the new styles trending with youngsters now. If you love to wear flared outfits then it is the right choice.

If you cannot afford a cancan petticoat then opt for a good fashion designer and convert your old silk sarees into a cancan petticoat.

This will give a rich look as well as a big satisfaction that you have used your old silk saree well.

Indian women are so talented, that they carry themselves comfortably in whatever they do, like riding a bike, wearing sarees to work, etc.,

Even many inspiring women like Mother Teresa, Ex-Chief Minister Jayalalitha, and even freedom fighters like Rani Lakshmi Bhai, and Sarojini Naidu have carries themselves in saree.

This shows that saree has been a part of our life in all aspects.

If you are looking for a professional saree draping course or class, then attend TBG’s Fashionista saree draping workshop and explore the new techniques.

India is indeed a land of difference with variations- it is the land of erotic temple sculptures and Kamasutra, and at the same time, it is the land where” Virginity of a woman” and “purity” are kept in the same physical balance and given a great deal of importance.

In the epic Mahabharata, Draupadi had five husbands. However, she was considered the purest woman in the world and praised by all. This is because she had a special boon. She has to spend a year with each of her husbands and at the end of every year, she gets into the Agni fire and become a virgin again. This shows the obsession of Indian men with virgins.

Let us take a look at the history and why Indians tend to make a big deal out of the concepts of virginity.

Vedic India

In ancient times, sex was not considered a taboo topic, and it also seems that the concept of a woman’s hymen being intact was not considered to be the measure of “purity”. People on those days where quite open-minded with regard to sex, with various instances in the Mahabharata characters indulging sex in open, incest, and so on.

Even in the same epic Mahabharata’s Adiparva states that ” if an unmarried woman expresses her desire to have sex, it must be fulfilled.”

Medieval India

The middle age India had something of double standards towards virginity. Especially, the thoughts varied with regards to empires and sultanates that ruled from Captial India (Delhi).

It was considered that as a sign of a king’s virility to have a large harem, with that his wives had to be virgins at the time of marriage unless they were widows. On the other hand, the slave women who were inducted into the harem need not be necessarily virgins. In fact, the reputation for sexual expertise given by previous landlords increased their value.

Modern India

The view of virginity has arguably the most conservative even in modern India, it is directly linked to the moral values and principles. Even today, we can see various news cropping up about “virginity tests” of women conducted in different parts of India.

Did you know? there are different types of virginity tests that women are undergone even today. Some of them are listed here.

Purity by water

In certain communities to certify a woman is a virgin, their make woman holds her breath underwater while a person walks a hundred steps. This practice was later denied by The International Rehabilitation Centre for torture victims  by describing the act as a “gross violation of women’s rights and one that may amount to ill-treatment and torture under international law.”

Agni Pariksha

Next comes the agni pariksha, in this test, the woman has to carry a red-hot iron pot in hand and walk on a fire mat. If she fails to complete the task or leave it in mid-way then she is considered impure. The failed woman are forced to disclose

Blood Stain in Bed-sheet

This is a commonly known test to find out whether a bride is a virgin or not. On the day of marriage first night, a white sheet or thread is placed on the bed, when the newly wed couple consummates their marriage life. The next day morning, the family elders locate the traces of blood on it. If they find the blood-stains then it is proved that the girl was a virgin.

And the list goes on… If a woman fails to clear any of these tests then she is considered to be impure and obliged to announce the person name with whom she had a pre-marital sexual relationship. And the in-laws have to decide whether the bride can be in their family or not.

As this kind of virginity tests reduces the women dignity and hurts they self-respect, these practices are reducing gradually. Even though the attitude of the current generation towards virginity is slowly changing, there are several women in urban areas undergo-“rehymentation”( a reconstruction surgery for restoration of the hymen- after a failure of a love affair), so that they will stay “pure” in the eyes of their husband.

A girl is considered to be virgin only if her hymen is intact, but in research says that hymen is extremely sensitive that it can be broken while dancing, playing sports, sitting astride on two-wheelers etc.?

With the rise of sex education in early ages, Indian youngsters are developing an open mindset towards sex and started considering that virginity alone is not a necessary quality of their spouse.

Today it is no more a taboo topic and people are coming forward with optimistic opinions. With that, we would like to share the story of how men are obsessed with women’s virginity? in her words.” Hi, I’m Shalini, Software Engineer by profession. I have been brought up from a contemporary family and my parents are broad minded in their thoughts. One fine day, my parents came up with a marriage proposal and arranged for a get-together. The groom and the family members came and all things were fine. Succeeding all the formal talks of both the family members, we were allowed to have a private talk. After minutes of silence, he opened up with a question “Are you still a virgin?” I was like “Does it matter?”. He said that “a woman’s purity is based on her virginity and I want a virgin wife”. Though the horoscope match was good, our thoughts did not match, so I decided to call off the marriage.

She also stated that Virginity is the first morality demanded from an unmarried woman in India.

On the other hand, many Bollywood celebrities have boldly disclosed their extramarital affairs and when the age their lost they virginity.

First comes Ranveer Singh who once claimed in an interview that he was 12 years old when he lost his virginity. He is the first A-list actor in Bollywood to endorse a condom brand and it is also stated that he always carries a condom in his wallet.

According to reports, Salman Khan has been in a serious relationship with Katrina Kaif but it ended in 2010. Kaif also admitted this in an interview in 2011. Somy Ali and Sangeeta Bijlani were also in a relationship with Khan.

Other than this, actresses like Deepika Padukone, Nargis Fakhri, Sonam Kapoor, Twinkle Khanna has given an open statement about their sexual affairs and thoughts towards virginity.

Though this generation is developing an open-mindset towards virginity and sexual affairs, this situation needs to gradually reach a point where people understand that it is an individual choice to remain a “virgin” or not and it is not a symbol of identification of a girl’s character and purity. Comment below your suggestions and opinion on women virginity in India.

The Thaali is one of the most sacred customs of a Hindu wedding. While we call it the ‘Thirumangalyam’ in South India, it is known as the Mangalsutra in the North. Unlike other ornaments, thaali is of great ceremonial significance. The holy thread symbolizes the real meaning of a Hindu marriage. 

So what does the thaali stand for? The Thirumangalyam is a mark of love, respect, and dignity and is presented to the wife by her husband at the auspicious hour of the marriage day. But do we know where this thaali custom originated? Let’s take a look.

In the 11th century, the poet Katchiyappa Sivachariar mentioned thaali for the first time in his book Kanthapuram! Later, in 12th-century poetry, Seikizhar and Kamban mentioned about thirumangalyam in the historical book Periyapuranam. Since then, the thaali ceremony was believed to have come into practice.

In North India, the Mangalsutra is in the form of a black and gold beaded necklace. Do you see this gold part of the chain? This represents Goddess Parvati, and the black beads symbolize Lord Shiva. 

Before this tradition started, women wore a kungumam on their forehead and men wore rings on the toe.

In early times, thaali was worn only by Hindus and later converted Christians started wearing thaali. It is also believed that thaali depicts the union of the husband and the wife and also protects them from evil. Thaali is generally worn with a gold chain commonly known as saradu or “manja kayiru”

In most circumstance, the thaali is brought from the groom’s side. Now let’s take a look at the different elements of the Thaali and what they mean! As per the customs, the thaali includes gold coins, gold roundels, corals, and bottu.

They may also include motifs like the moon, sun, Shiva lingam, Goddess Meenakshi, Thulasi, etc. as part of the design.

If you’re wondering how heavy it is, a thaali generally, thaali weighs between 4 to 8 grams which are made of 22 karats or 18 karat gold. 

So what do people who cannot afford gold do? In such cases, the groom ties a  turmeric thaali which is tied to the Manja Kayiru and considered as a Thirumangalyam.

The irony is that the mangalyam should be worn in such a way that it should not be visible.

You may also like: Different Marriage Customs in India- All Culture and Religions 

India is a land of diversity and this is very true in the case of the Thaali designs as well! Let’s take a look at the varied Thaali designs from region to region.

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thaali- This design includes Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi.

Bottu Thaali- As you can see, the circular shaped gold design resembles the bindi placed in the forehead, giving it it’s name. This type of thaali is worn in Andhra Pradesh, along with coral and black beads.

Shivlinga Thaali- The worshippers of Lord Shiva, commonly known as Iyers, wore this type of thaali.

Thenkalai Namam Symbol Thaali- Iyengars, the worshipers of Lord Vishnu, wore this as Tamil was very important to them. The thaali has a Vishnu design embedded with a “W” cut in the bottom.

Annalakshmi Thaali is a grand Lakshmi thaali with parrots or peacock design border. This type of thaali is worn in Sivagangai, Madurai, Theni districts of Tamil Nadu.

Vadakalai Namam Thaali with Conch & Chakra- Worshipers of Lord Vishnu with Sudarshan Chakra. This Mangalyam design has Conch and Chakra with two “M” cut in the thaali.

Tulsi Sun Moon Thaali- Tulsi plant with Sun & Moon

Nagarathar Thaali- Take a look at this grand ornament. This Kalatheru is the most elaborate, with 34 pieces of gold.

Added on to it, the thaali also varies based on the community and region. For say, Sokar Meenakshi set comes with thaali, two pieces of pavalam, two plain kulaai and two pieces of Lakshmi kasu.

Gounder Mangalyam set comes with thaali, two pieces of pavalam, two plain kulaai, two pieces of Lakshmi kasu, and two pieces of plain mani.

Karur Mangalyam set is designed with thaali, two pieces of plain kulaai, two pieces of vaalai poo, and two pieces of engraved mani.

And if you’re wondering if we left out any, here’s a list for you!

Aruvai Annam Mangalyam set

Oosi pottu mangalyam set

Floral Andhra Pottu set

Plain Pottu mangalyam set

Saiva Pillai thaali

Chettiar thaali set

And the list goes on…

Here’s an interesting twist to the tradition.  The traditional thirumangalyam did not have stones studded in it, but now young brides are opting for diamond studded thaali for their wedding. This is in line with the changing social norm surrounding the wearing of thaali.

Oh, and here’s an answer to the question we’ve all asked at some point. What is significance of tying 3 knots in Tamil marriage?

The first knot symbolizes “Urimai” known as power a husband gives his wife.

The second knot resembles “ Uravu” which strengthens the relationship of the bride’s and groom’s family.

The third knot symbolizes the society-that the brides are an important member of the groom’s family.

The meaning of these three knots differs from state to state. In Tamil Nadu, each knot has a unique meaning. Let me explain it in Tamil to make it more meaning full.

Mudhal mudichu iraivan, Devarkal, matrum Vinnavarkal satciyaga Katha paduvathu.

Munnorkalin satciyaga katha paduvathu rettam mudichu.

Munram mudichu pettrorkal, Thirumanathirku varugai thanthavargal satchiyaga Katha paduvathu.

After 3 months of the marriage, the yellow knot “Manja Kayiru” is changed to the gold chain. This festivity is called the “Thaali pirichu korkum” ceremony.

In this ceremony, the elderly family members do rituals and change the thaali from yellow knot to gold saradu.

In some communities, they don’t tie the thaali in the wedding, and instead, the groom puts a gold chain on the bride’s neck. There are different types of thaali saradu which also differs based on the community. Some of the saradu collections are listed here…

Traditional Surreal

Spell Binding

Stupendous Kodi

Heavy Rope chain

Roja Kodi Saradu

In recent times, women wear mugapu with the thaali saradu.

Three-tier mugapu is one of the latest design worn by many young women

Other than that, tri-color mugapu, Floral motif mugapu, spiral & ball mugapu, big pendant mugapu, oval shape mugapu, and Navaratha mugapu are the most preferred designs.

Did you know that the Thaali has health benefits too?

Thaali is believed to regularize a women’s blood circulation and control the pressure level.

It is also stated that when gold comes in direct contact with the skin, the medicinal benefits occur.

In the present time, wearing of thirumangalyam has eventually reduced.

Modernization has caused many women to not wear it on a daily basis, and for some, it is more of a fashion statement than a symbol of marriage.

However, it is impossible to deny its power and importance even today, and the Thaali still remains the most sacred ritual in a Hindu wedding.