VIDARBHA TUSSAR HANDWOVEN | HANDPAINTED PENKALAMKARI

• Authentic Vidarbha Tussar Saree – Handwoven from 100% pure Vidarbha Tussar silk, known for its rich texture, natural golden sheen, and lightweight comfort.
• Handpainted Penkalamkari Art – Exquisite motifs meticulously drawn freehand using a kalam (pen) and natural dyes, depicting mythological tales, flora, and celestial beings.
• Silk Mark Certified – Officially certified pure Tussar silk—your assurance of authenticity, premium quality, and ethical sourcing.
• Ethically Crafted by Master Artisans – Made in collaboration with traditional weavers from Vidarbha (Maharashtra) and Kalamkari painters from Andhra Pradesh.
• Eco-Natural Dye Process – Uses plant-based, chemical-free dyes—safe for skin and the environment.
• Perfect for Weddings, Festivals & Cultural Events – Elegant, earthy, and deeply artistic—ideal for brides, pujas, receptions, or meaningful gifting.
• Includes Matching Handpainted Blouse Piece – Coordinating unstitched fabric with same Penkalamkari design for a complete traditional ensemble.
• One-of-a-Kind Heirloom – Each stroke is hand-drawn—no two sarees are identical, making it a true wearable masterpiece.

2. A Legacy of Craftsmanship (Short History)

The Vidarbha Tussar Handwoven with Handpainted Penkalamkari is a tribute to India’s diverse textile soul. Vidarbha Tussar, sourced from the forest-rich region of eastern Maharashtra, is a wild silk celebrated for its coarse elegance, organic texture, and spiritual warmth. For generations, tribal and rural weavers have woven this silk into sacred garments and ceremonial drapes.

Layered onto this handwoven base is Penkalamkari, a 3,000-year-old art form from Andhra Pradesh. Unlike block printing, Penkalamkari involves freehand drawing with a bamboo kalam (pen) using natural dyes derived from pomegranate, myrobalan, indigo, and iron acetate. Artisans spend days illustrating scenes from the Ramayana, Krishna Leela, and temple life—each line a meditation in devotion.

Saree Story with Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi bridges these two powerful traditions—Vidarbha’s handloom heritage and Andhra’s storytelling art—into one soulful creation. Founded by textile revivalist Shanmuga Priya and sustainable design advocate Azhagi, the brand empowers marginalized weavers and painters, ensuring their crafts survive in the modern world. Each saree is not just worn—it’s a living narrative of land, labor, and legacy.

3. Why Choose This?

✅ 100% Pure Vidarbha Tussar Silk, Silk Mark Certified – Guaranteed genuine, high-quality wild silk—no blends, no compromises.
✅ Original Handpainted Penkalamkari – Not machine-printed—each motif is hand-drawn with a pen, making your saree truly unique.
✅ Cultural & Story-Rich Design – Motifs inspired by Indian epics and nature—wearable art that connects you to tradition.
✅ Eco-Friendly & Skin-Safe – Natural dyes and chemical-free processes ensure gentle wear and environmental care.
✅ Empowers Rural Artisans – Supports weavers from Maharashtra and Kalamkari painters from Andhra with fair wages and dignity.
✅ Ideal for Brides & Heirlooms – A meaningful, sustainable choice for wedding trousseaus, anniversaries, or family heirlooms.
✅ Lightweight & Drapes Beautifully – Comfortable for long wear during summer events, temple rituals, or festive gatherings.
✅ Slow Fashion with Soul – A conscious alternative to fast fashion—crafted to be cherished, not discarded.

4. Wash & Care Instructions

• ✅ Hand Wash Only – Use cold water and mild silk-safe shampoo or gentle detergent. Gently swirl—do not rub, wring, or twist.
• ✅ Dry in Complete Shade – Always dry flat or hung in a cool, ventilated, shadowed area.
• ❌ Avoid Direct Sunlight – Natural dyes and silk fibers are sensitive—sun exposure may fade colors and weaken fabric.
• ✅ Iron on Low Heat – Use a cotton cloth barrier to protect the delicate Penkalamkari artwork and silk surface.
• 🛑 Do Not Soak or Bleach – Prevents color bleeding and damage to hand-drawn motifs.
• 📦 Store with Care – Fold neatly with cotton or acid-free tissue; avoid plastic. Use neem leaves or lavender sachets to deter moths.
• 🔍 Handle with Gentle Hands – Avoid sharp jewelry or rough surfaces that may smudge or scratch painted details.

Note: Slight variations in line work or color intensity are natural—this reflects the handmade essence and is a hallmark of authenticity and artistry.

FAQ

Q: What is Vidarbha Tussar silk?
A: Vidarbha Tussar is a wild silk from eastern Maharashtra, handwoven by tribal and rural weavers. Known for its natural golden hue, texture, and breathability, it’s a heritage fabric with deep cultural roots.

Q: What is Handpainted Penkalamkari?
A: Penkalamkari is a traditional Indian art where artisans use a bamboo kalam (pen) to draw intricate motifs—like deities, lotuses, and epics—using natural dyes. This saree features authentic freehand Kalamkari on pure Tussar silk.

Q: Is this saree made of real silk?
A: Yes. This is 100% Pure Vidarbha Tussar silk, certified with the official Silk Mark—ensuring genuine, high-quality silk with no synthetic blends.

Q: Are the colors on the saree natural?
A: Yes, the Kalamkari art uses eco-friendly, plant-based dyes derived from sources like pomegranate rind, indigo, and myrobalan, making it safe for skin and the environment.

Q: Can I wear this for a wedding?
A: Absolutely! Its rich texture, elegant drape, and timeless Kalamkari art make it a perfect choice for brides, wedding guests, or cultural ceremonies.

Q: How should I wash a handpainted Tussar silk saree?
A: Always hand shampoo wash in cold water, avoid wringing, and dry in complete shade. Do not expose to direct sunlight to protect the natural colors and silk fibers.

Q: Who makes these sarees?
A: Crafted by Vidarbha Tussar weavers (Maharashtra) and Kalamkari artists (Andhra Pradesh), in collaboration with Saree Story with Shanmuga Priya & Azhagi—a brand dedicated to reviving Indian handlooms and empowering artisans.

Q: Why is this saree special?
A: It combines rare handwoven Vidarbha Tussar silk with hand-drawn Penkalamkari art—each piece tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and conscious beauty. More than fashion, it’s a celebration of India’s living textile legacy.