HANDLOOM PENKALAMKARI X MANGALGIRI PATTU BORDER

Elevate your ethnic elegance with the Handloom Penkalamkari x Mangalagiri Pattu Border Saree—a harmonious fusion of storytelling artistry and timeless South Indian weaving.

• 🌸 Dual Heritage Craft: Features authentic Penkalamkari hand-painted motifs (a narrative art form from Andhra Pradesh) paired with a lustrous Mangalagiri silk-cotton border.
• 🧵 Pure Handloom Excellence: Woven on traditional looms by skilled artisans—each saree is one-of-a-kind.
• 💎 Luxurious Drape: Lightweight silk-cotton blend offers comfort for all-day wear with a graceful fall.
• 🎨 Natural Dyes: Penkalamkari motifs rendered in eco-friendly, vegetable-based dyes for lasting vibrancy and skin-friendly wear.
• 🪡 Ethically Crafted: Supports rural weaver communities and preserves India’s intangible textile heritage.
• 🎁 Perfect For: Festivals, weddings, receptions, or as a meaningful heirloom gift.

2. A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The Penkalamkari tradition—meaning “pen-work” in Telugu—dates back over 300 years to the temple towns of Andhra Pradesh. Originally used to narrate mythological tales on cloth for temple rituals, this art form blends Persian influences with Indian epics, rendered entirely by hand using bamboo pens and natural dyes.

Paired with Mangalagiri, a weaving hub near Vijayawada famed since the 19th century for its crisp, no-zari silk-cotton sarees with rich zari or pattu borders, this saree bridges two iconic Andhra crafts. The Saree Story x Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi collaboration revives these dying arts with contemporary relevance—honoring heritage while empowering artisan families.

3. Why Choose This?

✅ Authentic & Traceable: Each saree comes with artisan details and origin story—wear with pride and purpose.
✅ Sustainable Luxury: Made without synthetic dyes or power looms—gentle on skin and planet.
✅ Versatile Elegance: The subtle sheen of the Mangalagiri pattu border complements the earthy tones of Penkalamkari, making it suitable for both daytime and evening occasions.
✅ Support Women Artisans: Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi work directly with female weavers and kalamkari artists, ensuring fair wages and creative dignity.
✅ Unique Narrative Wear: Unlike mass-produced prints, your saree tells a story—literally and culturally.

4. Wash & Care Instructions

To preserve the beauty and longevity of your handcrafted saree:

• 🧼 Wash: Hand wash only using mild shampoo or gentle liquid soap in cold water.
• ☁️ Drying: Dry in shade—never expose directly to sunlight, as UV rays can fade natural dyes.
• 🔥 Ironing: Use low to medium heat; place a cotton cloth between iron and saree to protect motifs.
• 🧴 Storage: Store folded in muslin cloth; avoid plastic covers to prevent moisture buildup.
• ⚠️ Note: Slight color bleeding may occur in the first wash—this is natural with vegetable dyes and will stabilize.

FAQ:

Q: What is a Penkalamkari saree?
A: A Penkalamkari saree features hand-painted or hand-drawn motifs using natural dyes and bamboo pens, rooted in Andhra Pradesh’s temple art tradition. Each piece tells a mythological or cultural story.

Q: Is Mangalagiri saree suitable for summer?
A: Yes! Mangalagiri sarees are woven in a breathable silk-cotton blend, making them lightweight, sweat-absorbent, and ideal for warm climates or long events.

Q: How do I care for a hand-painted saree?
A: Always hand-wash with mild shampoo in cold water, dry in shade, and avoid direct sunlight to protect natural dyes and fabric integrity.

Q: Is this saree authentic and ethically made?
A: Absolutely. This saree is crafted by verified artisans in Andhra Pradesh through the Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi collective, ensuring fair wages, traditional techniques, and zero machine intervention.