From the traditional to the trendy, classic to the classy and rural to the ramp, the time-tested Indian attire, sari has been on a roller coaster over the decades. It is interesting, if not paradoxical to note that the sari, used and worn in different forms for centuries, has now come to be identified with ‘fashion’ among the youth. The sari is probably the only Indian costume to be associated with ethnicity and modernity at the same time. Three cheers!!!

The venerated sari has been an integral part of womanhood in India, and has made its presence in every auspicious occasion, be it marriage, a house warming ceremony or a puja to appease the Goddesses.

Styles of Wearing Sari
Each community in India may have a unique way of adorning the sari, according to the culture followed. This article attempts to showcase some popular modes of draping the sari.

The Basic Style
Tuck the inner edge of the sari neatly into the petticoat, a must under-garment. Drape around toward the left. Gather the pleats of the sari evenly and fold them into the petticoat, slightly (not too much) toward the left. Now, turn around to your right and bring the top edge of the sari to your front. Gather the pallu and gracefully slant it along the bust.

The Tamil Style
The “right way”, in most orthodox Tamilian Brahmin households, dictates that for important ceremonies – like weddings and death anniversaries – the woman of the house must wear the nine-yard sari draped in the complex manner that has been handed down through generations.

The Bengali Style
This drape is much easier with two large pleats in front and the pallu wrapped twice around the top. Traditionally the pallu end was weighed down with a house key – usually of the heavy skeleton variety. This drape looks most authentic with Bengali handloomed sarees

The Gujarati Style
The Gujarati style of wearing a sari requires the pallu to be draped artistically in the front rather than over the shoulder. Saris with eye-catching magnificent pallus are best worn in this style.