Kanchee

Officially Kancheepuram.

My previous visit to Kanchee was as a teenager. The plan for the big family outing was to give us a spiritual treat in the city of thousand temples. The intention backfired for the few of us due to the very obvious reason of too much too early ;). In the evening I never really got it straight the numerous deities names and their significance that I had visited. The only highlight that I could recollect was a very delicious simple lunch (yea.. grub always comes first) in one of the kanchee mutts.

The visit last weekend was in direct contrast. The aim was only shopping! :D. Having been ignorant of the myriad intricacies of saree shopping (even in its basic and simplistic form) for most part of my life, the hunt for silk sarees  could be called an "educational" experience. 

If its major shopping, its always best to plan the number and the budget (I know.. it would hardly be shopping then ;)). But our sales man was good. Really good!. He patiently showed all the different designs in our price range and slowly his assistant will bring in another set of sarees in a slightly higher range. You would obviously like the higher priced design, shine etc.  The strategy continues till you end up comparing a 5K saree with a 55k one in a matter of 2 hours. The experience!.. you get totally pulled into the magic he weaves if you are not careful :D.. Unfortunately he underestimated the eccentricity level of our family. We discussed, commented and majorly enjoyed looking through all the designs. In between Dad would comment to salesman, "You are doing a very good job. We would buy this (pointing to a 25K one) just to make you happy". Finally we wrapped up the drama as we were getting hungry. Paid for the 4 sarees we initially selected in the first half-an hour of shopping. [Evil Grin :D].

We also visited a family who have been into hand weaving for the past four generations. Had a demo and some insight into their lives about following the traditional approach these many years. The saree I bought there gets to the pooja room of the family. Home ministry prays and puts aashirwad on it. Blesses and gives me the saree. [Grass itching :D]

Learnt...

• You have original zari silk sarees costing from 10K. The sellers are very open about whether it is original or not. 
• Any saree can be tested for its original zari for 50Rs. (Testing my fav :D)
• Trend for buying the original hand weaved ones have reduced. Not much talent either to take forward the traditional methods.
• The artistic you can buy a silk and put your own design in them. Back bending work on the design gets done in 15 days by 2 people on an average.
• Technical terms for buying.. hand loom, printed, crepe, tussar silks, silk cotton, Samudrika, Parampara, Vastrakala blah blah blah.. As I said earlier I got educated ;)

PS: Pictures.. ahem.. yes.. soon :D