Kandangi Saree

The Kandangi saree is a coarse, rustic cotton saree traditionally woven in the Chettinad and Karaikudi region of Sivaganga district, long associated with the women of the Chettiar community. It is easily recognised by its bold, contrasting borders, broad checks and stripes and earthy colours such as brick red, mustard and black, woven from thick, hard-wearing cotton yarn. The saree is comparatively wide-bordered and durable, made for everyday wear in the region's hot, dry climate, and was traditionally draped in a distinctive shorter style. Woven on handlooms by weaver families of the area, it fell out of wider use before being revived through renewed interest in handloom and heritage textiles. Today the Kandangi saree supports local weavers and is valued for its bold, understated aesthetic and its link to Chettinad culture.