Indian culture has given birth to many exotic weaving traditions. Paithani is one such craft tradition which dates to 200 BC.Paithani sari is named after the Paithan town in Aurangabad Maharashtra state where the sari is woven by hand. Paithani Saris give a very elegant look with royalty and style.Paithani is a hand-woven sari in gorgeous colors and intricate designs, a paithani sari is treasured as a valuable possession in every Maharashtrian family.
Paithani carrying cultural legacy of Maharashtra have special meaning in life of women who forms pillar of every family and society. It is the only textile, which unite entire elements of life in the form of blessings and protection to the wearer. Made from natural silk or cotton with precious metal of gold and silver, it gives the Midas touch. Particularly, the motifs that set Paithani above all other traditional fabric bear special significance of true Indian philosophy of living in harmony with nature and its elements.
Bangle-Peacock motif (Bangadi-Mor), where bangle represent completeness of woman being sign of Saubhagya, Peacock, bird of paradise indicate beauty, royalty, wisdom, wholeness, dignity, love and believed to be a guardian. Peacock also carries sense of energy that comes from its renewal of feathers every year. Its association with Goddess Sarswati represents benevolence, patience, kindness, compassion, and luck. In Muniya or Tota-Maina motif parrot is symbolized. Parrot is sign of love and passion. Red beak represents the red earth before the rain or unfulfilled desire and the green feathers represent the green earth after the rains or fulfilled desire, full of joy. Lotus or Kamal Pushpa is motif of close resemblance with Ajanta Caves located in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. It is the sign of rebirth, it closes in the evening and falls to the water, but in the morning, it opens lifting above the surface. It also represents essence of life apart from royalty, beauty and purity. Coconut border (Narali) was most common Paithani border until the end of 19th century. Coconut also known as Sriphal is fruit of gods. It symbolises complete usefulness, selfless service, prosperity and generosity. Coconut tree or Kalpvirshka is termed in Hindu mythology the tree that grants all wishes. Adding sense of beauty and aesthetics more motifs such as Asavali, geometrical figures, Amarvell and flowering wine were incorporated with passage of time.
Each Paithani is a dedicated and painstaking work of an artisan who incorporates his soul and heart in weaving every thread that binds all elements of life in the ‘one’ without which it is just another fabric. Passing love and care from mother to daughter for generations, Paithani achieved its place of most precious heirloom of every woman.
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