Plain, fusion silks rule this Ugadi

The city is busy shopping for Ugadi, and the purchases include traditional attire.

The traditional sari is undergoing a transformation. While Kanjeevaram and pure silk saris are popular, 'dhoti saris' and the ready-made variety have caught the fancy of younger women.

Neetha and her mother Chandra Rajendran, who run Sakhi, say 'fusion silk saris' are catching on. "Kalamkari and Banarasi silk saris are fast-moving. Most women now give their old silk sari a twist by matching it with trendy blouses in Indo-Western cuts. They are looking at contemporising traditional weaves," explains Chandra. Dhoti saris come in lycra, georgette and tie-dye styles. "They can also be customised," says Neetha.

While dhoti saris start at Rs 8,000, fusion silk saris are priced between Rs 8,000 and 15,000. Raw silk saris start at Rs 3,500.

Sales peak in the days leading to the festival and a few days after as well.

It's not just the shops in Chickpet, KR Market and Majestic that offer Ugadi prices, but also stores on 'Cantonment areas' such as MG Road, Brigade Road and Commercial Street.

Abhishek Govardhan, partner at Vijayalakshmi Silks, says silver zari has largely replaced gold on saris.

"Hand-woven and handloom saris are more popular than embroidered ones. The high border and bright contrast on saris are new favourites among our shoppers," he says.

Saris with animal prints and mango designs are a rage this season, he says.

Roopal Chaudhary, who runs a garment business in Chickpet, has brought saris from Chennai and Andhra Pradesh for the season."Many of our customers come for plain silk saris and get embroidery done on them later.

"Hand-woven and handloom saris are more popular than embroidered ones. The high border and bright contrast on saris are new favourites among our  shoppers." Abhishek Govardhan

Saris with mango and peacock designs and broad gold zari are moving fast this season," says Rajanna.