Mangalgiri Bottle Green Silk Cotton Saree Zari Stripes

A deep bottle green Mangalgiri saree threaded with fine silver zari pinstripes and a broad temple zari border light handloom silk cotton that carries from desk to dinner Handwoven on pit looms in the Mangalgiri Pedana cluster of Andhra Pradesh this saree runs fine silver vaira oosi needle thin zari stripes the length of a deep bottle green silk cotton body framed by a broad gopuram temple step zari border on both sides and a banded silver zari pallu Mangalgiri sarees carry a Geographical Indication GI No 180 granted 2013 and a 500 year pit loom lineage the tightly packed weave is what gives the cloth its quiet sheen How to spot the real handloom The gopuram zari border is woven into the cloth and reads clean on both faces the temple triangles are reversible where a powerloom or stuck on border shows only on the front The needle fine zari stripes are threads carried through the weave not a surface print tilt the saree and the silver lines catch light from within the cloth A slightly crisp dry silk cotton hand with tiny weft irregularities and a sheer self fringe is the pit loom signature unlike the flat uniform feel of a poly blend Wear it for Office days daytime functions and evening get togethers pair with the matching blouse piece oxidised silver jhumkas and a fresh flower bun