This Deepavali, make room for the Kanjivaram saree

Deepavali offers an opportunity to rediscover the timeless beauty of the Kanjivaram saree, a symbol of South Indian heritage. Originating from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, this silk saree boasts rich colours, intricate designs, and gold or silver metallic thread work called zari. Dating back over 400 years, the Kanjivaram saree is crafted with painstaking care, requiring several weeks to complete from raw silk yarn to the final knot on the loom.

Two sisters, Suvitha and Jeevitha Rajasingam, are striving to keep this tradition alive through their boutique, Pattushastra, which they started in their home in 2012. With thousands of sarees sold over the past 14 years, the sisters cater to customers across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Canada. Though neither sister initially pursued textiles, their shared love for handloom sarees inspired them to learn more about the industry and collaborate with master weavers in India.

The Kanjivaram, often called the "Queen of Silks," is a testament to the skill of generations of weavers, each saree taking close to 50 hands to produce. Pattushastra sources its sarees directly from these master weavers, ensuring the continuation of this ancient craft. The sisters also experiment with modern colour combinations and designs to appeal to contemporary tastes.

Beyond its luxurious feel and styling possibilities, the Kanjivaram holds cultural significance, particularly for temple visits where the gold and silver elements are believed to absorb spiritual energy. Pattushastra aims to make this heritage accessible to future generations, encouraging women to rediscover the ease and comfort of a handloom saree in their everyday lives.