This Deepavali, make room for the Kanjivaram saree

Deepavali, the festival of lights, offers the perfect opportunity to showcase the beauty and versatility of the Kanjivaram saree. This exquisite silk garment, originating from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, is often referred to as the "Queen of Silks" due to its rich colors, intricate designs, and gold or silver metallic thread work called zari. Dating back over 400 years, the Kanjivaram saree is a testament to the painstaking craftsmanship of generations of skilled weavers.

Two sisters, Suvitha and Jeevitha Rajasingam, are dedicated to preserving this timeless tradition. Raising their family in Sentul, the pair started their boutique Pattushastra in 2012, selling Kanjivaram sarees to customers across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Canada. Their clientele extends beyond the Indian community, attracting Malay and Chinese customers as well.

Neither sister had a background in textiles before their shared love for handloom sarees inspired them to learn more about the industry. Suvitha, who spent 15 years as a lecturer at a private university, and Jeevitha, who pursued her medical education, found their passion for handloom sarees when their grandmother gifted them a Kanjivaram saree. This love affair with the traditional garment led them to collaborate with master weavers and recreate their grandmother's saree design, which remains part of their collection.

The sisters emphasize the unique qualities of an authentic Kanjivaram saree, such as its movement, sheen, comfort, and imperfections that distinguish it from cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. They source their sarees directly from master weavers in India, traveling to meet them and oversee the weaving process to ensure the highest quality. Pattushastra also features an Artisan Room showcasing hand-painted and handloom cotton sarees made by single mothers and unemployed women from low-income communities in Kolkata.

Jeevitha highlights the spiritual significance of a pure silk Kanjivaram saree, noting that the real gold and silver elements are designed to absorb the temple's spiritual energy, making it an ideal choice for temple visits on special occasions. The sisters hope to encourage women to rediscover the comfort and ease of wearing a saree, whether it be through wearing a cherished family heirloom or purchasing a handloom saree for themselves.

This Deepavali, they urge everyone to embrace the timeless beauty and cultural significance of the Kanjivaram saree.