Kanchipuram is the place where every South Indian bride goes to buy her wedding saree. It is also the place where dreams are woven in threads of gold and colour. It is a sacred pilgrimage site that is a stone’s throw away from Chennai. It is arguably the most famous cluster in South India.
For me, visiting Kanchipuram was a throwback in time. I had gone to this temple town countless times with my mother and grandmother. I had walked up and down its lanes in search of the perfect wedding saree for my trousseau. My mother, mother-in-law and I spent days and weeks in this town, buying scores of sarees for weddings, births and other celebrations. Kanchi will forever be associated with auspiciousness.
What I didn’t know was how varied these weaves are and how intricately they are linked to this land. What I didn’t know was that there were weavers, designers and dyers who were steeped in this tradition. It has been a privilege getting to know them.
Welcome to the wonderful weaves of Kanchipuram.
