World Saree Day Celebrates India’s Diverse Drapes and the Stories Woven Into Them

New Delhi, December 21: On World Saree Day today, India celebrates not just a garment but a living tradition that has travelled through centuries, regions and communities. The saree, a simple yet powerful length of cloth, has been part of Indian life since ancient times, with its roots traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. Worn across the country for weddings, festivals, rituals and even formal occasions, the saree reflects the cultural identity, climate and lifestyle of the people who wear it. More than the fabric itself, the way a saree is draped tells a story. Each region of India has developed its own unique draping style, shaped by geography, social customs and daily needs. On this day, the spotlight is on some well-known and lesser-known traditional drapes that highlight India’s rich textile heritage. From Karnataka comes the distinctive Coorgi or Kodagu drape, worn by Kodava women. In this style, all the pleats are tucked at the back, and the pallu is brought from behind over the shoulder and often tied at the front. Legend links this unusual drape to sage Agastya and the river Cauvery, while its design is also practical for movement in hilly terrain, making it ideal for life in the Western Ghats. The most recognisable saree drape in India is the Nivi style from Andhra Pradesh. With neat pleats at the front and the pallu resting over the left shoulder, this drape is now seen across the country. While its roots can be found in ancient sculptures, the modern version with a blouse and petticoat was popularised in the 19th century by Jnanadanandini Devi Tagore. Her adaptation helped Indian women move comfortably in public spaces during the colonial period while holding on to tradition. Kerala’s traditional Mundum Neriyathum reflects an older way of dressing, originally worn without a blouse. This two-piece attire includes a lower garment and an upper cloth with golden borders, draped gracefully over the shoulder. Closely linked to rituals and weddings, its history also carries memories of the Channar Revolt, when women fought for the right to wear the upper cloth, making it a symbol of dignity and social change. In Tamil Nadu, the Pin Kosuvam drape stands out for its back pleats and practical design. Often worn with thick cotton sarees and without a petticoat, this style was common among women engaged in farming and temple work. Though it faded over time, it is now being rediscovered for its comfort and quiet elegance. Bengal’s Atpoure drape, famously associated with white sarees with red borders worn during Durga Puja, features loose pleats at the front and a flowing pallu over the shoulder. This style, too, was shaped by Jnanadanandini Devi, who helped redefine the saree as a symbol of modern Indian womanhood during the Bengali Renaissance. Other drapes reflect tribal and rural life. The Halaki Vokkaliga drape from Karnataka uses a nine-yard saree worn without a blouse, designed for agricultural work and ease of movement. In Andhra Pradesh, the Kappulu drape, worn left to right with pleats at the back, is known for its graceful flow and everyday comfort, hinting at deep local traditions and outside influences. From Goa comes the Kunbi drape, worn by the Kunbi tribe. This short, knee-length, red-and-white checkered saree was designed for work in paddy fields. Once fading under colonial influence, it is now being revived as a symbol of Goan identity. On World Saree Day, these drapes remind us that the saree is not just clothing, but a story of India itself—woven with history, resilience and timeless beauty. World Saree Day Celebrates India’s Diverse Drapes and the Stories Woven Into Them On World Saree Day, India celebrates a garment that is more than just fabric. The saree is a part of everyday life, history and identity, with roots going back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. From weddings and festivals to rituals and formal events, this six-yard drape continues to connect generations across the country. What makes the saree truly special is how differently it is worn in every region. Each drape reflects local culture, climate and lifestyle. In Karnataka, the Coorgi or Kodagu drape stands out with its back pleats and pallu brought from behind and tied at the front. Linked to local legends and designed for hilly terrain, it blends myth with everyday comfort. The Nivi drape from Andhra Pradesh is the most familiar style seen across India today. With pleats at the front and the pallu over the left shoulder, it became popular in the 19th century when it was adapted with a blouse and petticoat, allowing women greater ease and confidence in public spaces. Kerala’s Mundum Neriyathum reflects an older tradition of dressing, using a lower cloth and an upper drape with golden borders. Beyond its elegance, it carries stories of social change, including the historic struggle of women for the right to wear the upper cloth. Tamil Nadu’s Pin Kosuvam drape, with pleats at the back, was once common among women working in fields and temples. Simple and practical, it is now being rediscovered for its beauty and comfort. Bengal’s Atpoure drape, often seen during Durga Puja, symbolises grace and modern tradition, shaped during the Bengali Renaissance. Tribal and rural drapes like the Halaki Vokkaliga style from Karnataka, the Kappulu drape from Andhra Pradesh, and the Kunbi drape from Goa show how sarees were designed for work, movement and life close to nature. Today, they remind us that the saree is not just worn—it is lived.