The Saree is the national dress of Bangladeshi. Usually, girls and married women wear sarees. Unmarried girls also wear sarees on various family and social occasions. On Victory Day and Independence Day, Pahela Baishakh and Pahela Falgun, girls carry different colourful sarees. In Phalgun, usually, the Basanti colour saree and in Pahela Baisakh, the red and white colour saree is given more importance by girls.
Flowers on the heads and hands of the girls with the colourful saree are also eye-catching. Saree of own country is more famous among Bangladeshi women. The value of the Bangladeshi Saree exists outside the country as well. People make different types of sarees in this country. Especially Dhakai Jamdani, Dhakai Benarsi, Rajshahi silk, Tangail saree, Manipuri saree, katan saree, tasar silk, and cotton sarees are famous in Bangladesh.
1. Dhakai Jamdani:
Jamdani saree means brocade. Artisans make Jamdani sarees with carpus yarn. Dhaka is the original place origin of Jamdani. Jamdani is made by handloom. While weaving Jamdani, we create the design with another third thread. The jamdani saree is deemed the successor of the fine muslin fabric. Jamdani Sherwani was in vogue in 1700. Bangladesh received geographical indication (OTT) status for jamdani saree in 2016.
2. Rajshahi Silk:
Rajshahi silk stands out globally among sarees. People produce it with silk fibres. Weavers make Rajshahi Silk from incredibly delicate and soft fibres. That’s why the saree is so valuable. Fibre comes from mulberry silk. Rajshahi silk is very popular among girls. This silk saree is available in various colours and designs.
3. Tangail Saree:
Tangail saree is a cottage industry woven by weavers in the Tangail region of Bangladesh. Most of the houses here have handlooms. According to the 2013 survey, there are 60,000 handlooms in Tangail. Saree traders from different areas of the country collect sarees from the region. Weavers in the region have skills in Tangail saree. Tangail weaves various varieties of sarees, such as half silk, dangu saree, balu chari, cotton sarees and more. Tangail saree is appreciated all over the world.
4. Dhakai Benarsi:
Bangladeshi families can’t think of marriage without Dhakai Benarsi. The tradition of this saree with golden interlacing mora crafts manship is worldwide. Mirpur Benarsi village is the heart of Dhakai Benarsi. After the British partitioned India in 1947, Bihari weavers developed Benarsi village. Day by day, its value is increasing worldwide.
5. Manipuri:
The weavers of the Manipuri community in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh make this saree. Tourists have different indications towards the Manipuri saree due to its design and variety. Here, every family used to have waist loom weaving. Currently, the matter of weaving clothes on the waist loom has decreased. Regardless of the shade, Manipuri Sarees consistently feature dark-coloured sides. People always make Manipuri sarees from cotton fabric. For this reason, the popularity of this saree is very high.
6. Katan Saree:
The Katan saree is another variant of the Benarsi saree. Since the sultanate era, Bengali girls have cherished katan sarees. This saree uses silk thread as the raw material. This saree carries the identity of Bengali nationality. Katan sarees come in different varieties. Such as silkkatan, mirpurikatan, operakatan etc.
From the intricate Dhakai Jamdani to the globally recognized Rajshahi Silk, the cottage industry of Tangail sarees, the indispensable Dhakai Benarsi in weddings, the traditional Manipuri saree, to the cherished Katan saree, each holds a unique place in the hearts of Bangladeshi women. The vibrant colours, intricate designs, and rich history woven into these sarees reflect the essence of Bangladeshi tradition and craftsmanship. With their popularity transcending borders, these sarees not only contribute to the cultural identity of the nation but also serve as a testament to the artistry and skills of Bangladeshi weavers, preserving a heritage that continues to captivate hearts globally.
