Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

Now a sandalwood saree!

- PHOTO: RAJU V.

SMELLS GOOD: TV anchor Chitralekha launching the sandalwood saree in Vijayawada on Friday.

VIJAYAWADA: Women wearing silk sarees with gold ‘zari’ for weddings and parties seems to be a passé now. Here is a chance to express one’s own identity and fill the environs with the sweet scent of sandalwood, courtesy the new ‘sandalwood saree’ that has hit the market.

The saree, introduced by Babu Textlies in the city on Friday, is a connoisseur’s delight, as it carries embellishments, temple border, meena work, neatly knitted beads and crystals, and of course, ‘butas’ made of sandalwood.

The saree has 300 to 400 butas, both small and big, weighing around 400 grams. And, the sandalwood used in the making of the saree carries with it “a certificate from Lepakshi Handicrafts,” said A.S. Kumar, proprietor of Babu Textiles, who claimed this was the first time such a saree was being released into the State. It has princely price tag of Rs. 40,000.

He asserted that the saree would continue to emanate sandalwood fragrance for at least two years. Thereafter, a little polish would be enough to enhance the life of its elements. Its colour would not fade, and it comes with a guarantee of two years.

The weavers of Dharmavaram had taken almost three months to bring out this “innovative” saree, which passed through “24 quality parameter checks.”

“You don’t need to use perfumes. The saree has been ingeniously weaved with sandalwood pieces, which radiate most natural scent,” said TV anchor and up and coming actor Chitralekha, who unveiled it.

But, the saree is not for ready for cash and carry. One has to place an order, as the Sravana Maasam, which is auspicious month for weddings, is fast approaching. The saree would be on display for the next 10 to 15 days, and the shop owners have kept only five pieces ready for the ensuing wedding season.

“The sandalwood work can be replicated on pattu langa and pavada as well. More so, the sandalwood saree can be made using any model of customer’s choice,” said Mr. Kumar.

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