A State-Wise Guide to Traditional Sarees

India is a land of many colours, traditions, and textile treasures. Among its most cherished legacies is the saree—an unstitched garment draped in countless regional styles. Each of India’s 28 states boasts its own weaving techniques, motifs, and fabrics, giving rise to sarees that are not just attire, but heirlooms of identity and history. From the golden threads of Banaras to the tribal weaves of Nagaland, every saree carries the essence of its soil.

In this guide, we take you through the most iconic sarees from every Indian state and tell you where you can buy them online—no matter where you are in the world.

1. West Bengal – Tant & Baluchari Sarees

Tant & Baluchari Sarees

  • Tant: These sarees are woven from cotton threads, making them ideal for the hot and humid climate of Bengal. Characterised by their lightness, breathability, and crisp finish, they often feature thick borders and floral motifs. Perfect for everyday wear and cultural celebrations.
  • Baluchari: Originating from the town of Baluchar in Murshidabad, these silk sarees are a symbol of aristocracy. The pallu and borders depict scenes from epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. These are traditionally worn during weddings and festivals. 

Where to Buy: Tantuja,adimohinimohankanjilal, [Bengal Handloom Websites]

2. Tamil Nadu – Kanjeevaram Sarees

Kanjeevaram Sarees

Kanjeevaram sarees are crafted in the town of Kanchipuram. Made from high-quality mulberry silk, they are known for their vibrant colours and contrasting borders adorned with temple, peacock, or mythological motifs. The heavy gold zari work and durability make them a preferred choice for bridal and festive wear. Where to Buy: kanchivml, singhanias

3. Maharashtra – Paithani Sarees

paithani saree.

Woven in the town of Paithan near Aurangabad, Paithani sarees are known for their lustrous silk fabric and intricate zari borders featuring peacocks, lotuses, and geometric patterns. These heirloom sarees are traditionally gifted to brides and are passed down through generations. Where to Buy: [Paithani Direct Sellers],karagiri, roopsangam

4. Odisha – Sambalpuri Sarees

Sambalpuri Sarees

Sambalpuri sarees are known for their intricate Ikat weaving technique, where the yarns are tie-dyed before weaving. Made of cotton or silk, these sarees feature traditional motifs like shankha (conch), chakra (wheel), and phula (flower), making them elegant and symbolic. Where to Buy: Utkalikaodisha, Priyaodisha

5. Assam – Muga & Mekhela Chador

Muga & Mekhela Chador

Muga silk is exclusive to Assam and is known for its natural golden sheen and extreme durability. The Mekhela Chador is the traditional Assamese attire worn like a saree, consisting of two or three pieces of cloth draped elegantly. It reflects the simplicity and grace of Assamese tradition. Where to Buy: Mugasilk, Sereki

6. Uttar Pradesh – Banarasi Sarees

Banarasi saree 

Woven in Varanasi, Banarasi sarees are famed for their rich silk, intricate brocade work, and Mughal-inspired designs. They feature motifs like floral vines, jhallar patterns, and kalga-bel. These sarees are often chosen for bridal trousseaus and festive occasions. Where to Buy: Sumangalbanaras, Zaribanaras

7. Gujarat – Patola Sarees

Gujarat – Patola Sarees

Patola sarees hail from Patan and are woven using the double Ikat technique, where both warp and weft threads are dyed before weaving. These sarees are extremely intricate, requiring months to complete, and are symbols of high craftsmanship and heritage. Where to Buy: Gujaratpatola, Karagiri

8. Andhra Pradesh – Pochampally Sarees

Andhra Pradesh – Pochampally Sarees

Pochampally sarees originate from the Bhoodan Pochampally region and are renowned for their distinct geometric patterns created using Ikat dyeing. Available in cotton, silk, or a blend, these sarees are known for their elegance and symmetrical beauty. Where to Buy: Pochampallysarees, Prashantisarees

9. Kerala – Kasavu Sarees

Kerala Kasavu Saree

Kasavu sarees are simple yet elegant with a white or off-white body and golden borders. Traditionally worn during festivals like Onam and Vishu, these sarees are made of fine cotton and symbolize purity and grace. Where to Buy: [Kerala Saree Online Stores], Kalyansilks , Keraloom

10. Madhya Pradesh – Chanderi & Maheshwari Sarees

Chanderi & Maheshwari Sarees

  • Chanderi: Originating from the town of Chanderi, these sarees are made from a blend of silk and cotton. Known for their lightweight and glossy texture, they often feature motifs like coins, peacocks, and floral art.
  • Maheshwari: These sarees are woven in Maheshwar and are known for their unique border designs and reversible pallu. They come in both cotton and silk varieties and are perfect for formal and casual wear alike. Where to Buy: Houseofelegance , Kalkifashion

11. Rajasthan – Leheriya & Bandhani Sarees

Rajasthan – Leheriya & Bandhani Sarees

  • Leheriya: Recognised by its wave-like patterns, Leheriya is a tie-dye technique that uses bright colours like red, yellow, and blue. Traditionally worn during festivals and monsoons.
  • Bandhani: Made using the bandhej (tie-dye) method, these sarees are dotted with small circular patterns and are a staple in Rajasthani weddings. Where to Buy: [Rajastani Handloom Stores], Zarijaipur , Geroojaipur

12. Punjab – Phulkari Sarees

Phulkari Sarees

Phulkari means “flower work” and is traditionally done with bright coloured silk threads on coarse cotton fabric. Although more common as dupattas, Phulkari work is now adapted to sarees for festive occasions. Where to Buy: Justphulkari , Amounee

13. Haryana – Resham Sarees

Resham Sarees

Simple yet elegant sarees made from fine cotton or silk threads. Resham sarees often come with delicate embroidery and soft hues, perfect for daily or casual ethnic wear. Where to Buy: [Local Haryana Handloom Stores], Theindiacrafthouse , Meenabazaar

14. Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Woollen Sarees

Kullu Woollen Sarees

Woven using pure wool, these sarees are warm and colourful, with geometric and striped patterns inspired by the region’s traditional shawls. Where to Buy: Amounee , Aurdikhao

15. Manipur – Moirang Phee Sarees

Moirang Phee Sarees

Moirang Phee sarees feature a unique temple-patterned border called ‘Moirang Phee Mayek’. They are typically made from cotton and silk blends, showcasing the pride of Manipuri handloom. Where to Buy: [Manipur Emporiums],Purbashree , Omnah

16. Tripura – Risa Sarees

Risa Sarees

These are handwoven sarees inspired by the traditional Risa cloth. They often come in vibrant shades with tribal motifs and are known for their texture and comfort. Where to Buy: Tapathi , 6yardsandmore

17. Jharkhand – Tussar Silk Sarees

Tussar Silk Sarees

Jharkhand is one of the largest producers of Tussar silk. These sarees are rich in texture and have a naturally dull gold sheen, making them suitable for formal and festive wear. Where to Buy: Nalli, Matkatus

18. Chhattisgarh – Kosa Silk Sarees

Kosa Silk Sarees

Kosa silk is a variant of Tussar silk and is known for its strength and soft texture. These sarees often have tribal prints and traditional zari borders. Where to Buy: Seerat.shop , Bharatsthali

19. Goa – Kunbi Sarees

Kunbi Sarees

Worn traditionally by the Kunbi tribe of Goa, these sarees are simple, checkered, and come in red or maroon hues. They represent the ethnic charm of the coastal state. Where to Buy: Cottonsdaily , Meesho

20. Nagaland – Ao Naga Inspired Sarees

Ao Naga Inspired Sarees

Modern sarees that take inspiration from the Ao Naga tribe’s shawls and textiles. Bold colours and tribal motifs make these sarees stand out as contemporary ethnic pieces. Where to Buy: Thesilkchamber , Dastakar

21. Telangana – Gadwal & Narayanpet Sarees

Gadwal & Narayanpet Sarees

  • Gadwal Sarees: Known for their lightweight weave and contrasting zari borders, Gadwal sarees are a combination of cotton body and silk pallu. These sarees are popular for their elegance and ease of draping, making them ideal for both casual and festive occasions.
  • Narayanpet Sarees: These sarees come with fine checks and temple borders, traditionally woven using cotton or silk. The sarees are affordable, durable, and comfortable, especially suited for daily wear and small functions. Where to Buy: Kanchivml , Prasannalakshmisilks

22. Mizoram – Puan Sarees

Puan Sarees

Puan sarees are handwoven textiles traditionally worn by the Mizo community. They are usually made from cotton and display striped patterns with bold color combinations. These sarees are draped in a unique way and are a cultural identity of the Mizos. Where to Buy: Thesilkchambe , Perniaspopupshop

23. Sikkim – Traditional Bhutia-Inspired Sarees

Traditional Bhutia-Inspired Sarees

While Sikkim does not have a dedicated saree, modern adaptations inspired by the Bhutia tribe’s dress use traditional patterns and bright fabrics. These sarees reflect a blend of cultural aesthetics and contemporary design. Where to Buy: Folkbazar

24. Arunachal Pradesh – Tribal Woven Sarees

Tribal Woven Sarees

Made by various tribes of Arunachal, these sarees incorporate bold colors, striped patterns, and geometric designs. They reflect tribal art and craftsmanship, typically woven from cotton and dyed with natural colors. Where to Buy: [Arunachal Tribal Crafts], Flipkart

25. Meghalaya – Eri Silk Sarees

Eri Silk Sarees

Known for their eco-friendly production, Eri silk sarees (also called Ahimsa silk) are produced without harming the silkworm. Woven mainly by women, these sarees are soft, warm, and often naturally dyed. Where to Buy: Purbashree , thesilkchamber

26. Mizoram – Hmar and Lai Tribal Sarees

Hmar and Lai Tribal Sarees

Apart from Puan, other Mizo communities like Hmar and Lai have their traditional handwoven designs that are adapted into sarees. These are rich in tribal symbolism and cultural pride. Where to Buy: Sujatra , Aadivasi

27. Ladakh – Woollen Stole-Inspired Sarees

Woollen Stole-Inspired Sarees

Though sarees aren’t traditional in Ladakh, woollen textiles inspired by the region’s stoles and shawls are now adapted into sarees for modern use. They are warm and ideal for winter ethnic wear. Where to Buy: Ladakhy

28. Uttarakhand – Ringaal & Cotton Handloom Sarees

Ringaal & Cotton Handloom Sarees.

Ringaal is a traditional craft of Uttarakhand using bamboo and handwoven cotton fabrics. Sarees inspired by this craft are often rustic and reflect the Himalayan culture with simple, earthy patterns and natural dyes. Cotton handloom sarees from Uttarakhand are lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for casual wear. Where to Buy: Bharatsthali , Gitagged

How to Ship These Sarees Internationally

Once you purchase these sarees online in India, you can use services like Forward Parcel to get them delivered anywhere in the world—including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and more.

  1. Sign up at Forward Parcel and get your free Indian shipping address.
  2. Use this address when shopping from Indian e-commerce sites.
  3. Forward Parcel receives your order, consolidates (if needed), and ships it internationally.

These sarees carry stories, heritage, and identity. Whether you’re buying for a wedding, festival, or just to feel closer to home—India’s traditional sarees are always worth it.

Start your saree shopping today, and bring a piece of India to your wardrobe—no matter where you are!

Shipping Calculator

Checkout the international shipping prices using our shipping calculator