A couple of days back I wore a unique 1000 Butta Saree – it’s a colour combination that I haven’t seen at all. Bought it at Chinnalampatti way back in 2016 when we visited the Co-optex weaving clusters courtesy Mr. Venkatesh Narasimhan, the then MD of Co-optex. We asked to meet with the weavers to figure out if ShikshaDaan can help their children to complete their education. Am happy that we continue to support a few students from the handloom weavers’ families every year since.
For a saree addict, going to a weaving cluster means being in saree heaven :):) and ofcourse buying sarees completes the experience. I bought this unique 1000 Butta Saree there. Mr. Venkatesh Narasimhan was trying to recreate the 1000 Butta magic on cotton. It was always woven on silk earlier.
Do read my blogpost – Three distinct weaves – 1000 buttas, A silk cotton and A Kota, that describes this saree.
The above picture is from July 2016 when I was trying out the greys :). This Ferozi blue and pink combination is unique. Haven’t seen this colour combination at all on a 1000 Butta.
A few years later, I bought a 1000 Butta saree for Amma from Co-optex which was a silk-cotton one in her favourite colour, green.
When Anu and Keshav visited us in 2022, they gifted me a beautiful silk-cotton 1000 Butta saree, from Co-optex. I wore it for the first time for our Guruvayur temple visit in 2023.
Ever since I knew about the 1000 Butta saree I always wanted one in pure Kanchi silk. Finally I did get one from Gopinath recently when we visited his place in Feb 2024. I wore it at Kotagiri when Krishnan and I spent a couple of days there.
The neckpiece that am wearing in the above pic is a gift from my cousin Rohini. It was the Karadiyan Nonbu day so I am also wearing the “Thirumangalya Saradu”, the yellow thread which is worn by married women. Will write specifically about Karadiyan Nonbu separately.
Motifs or Buttas on the 1000 Butta Sarees
– The term “butta” refers to the individual woven motifs that are often inspired by nature, temple architecture, or traditional patterns.
– The “Aayiram Butta” or 1000 Butta sarees feature a thousand motifs, usually the Rudraksha and Swan alternatively.
– The weaving technique used to create these sarees is called “korvai,” which involves interlocking the weft threads to create a raised effect on the fabric.
Our sarees have such amazing stories to tell …. and our weaving tradition is something that needs to be treasured and continued ! Request everyone who is reading the blog to include some handwoven fabrics into your wardrobe. You will help keep the weaver weaving and our weaving heritage alive.
To buy these 1000 butta sarees in silk contact Gopinath Silks and Sarees (Phone – 098946 65297); for the Silk-Cotton sarees, click on this link – Co-optex.
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I’ve just begun my sari journey (attempting to wear more saris to work), was so happy to stumble upon your blog! The pink and blue sari is absolutely gorgeous.
Welcome to the saree lovers gang Manasi – it’s a never ending affair 😊. There is so much to explore and so many weaves to wear. Have fun.