Celebrating Bengal’s GI tagged weaves

Earlier this month, three varieties of Bengal handloom saris – Tangail from Nadia and Purba Bardhaman, Korial and Gorod from Murshidabad and Birbhum – were added to the list of GI tagged products from Bengal. Three leading women from the city, who effortlessly make the six yards of elegance look stunning, take this opportunity to style these intricate weaves in an exclusive shoot with CT.
Magical Tangail
Weaved with fine yarns, the Tangail sari is native to Fulia, a town in Nadia.Dr Rupali Basu has draped a black & beige silk variety, that stands out because Tangail is usually woven with cotton . It has been paired with a lace blouse, with bobby sleeves to give the look a fashionable yet contemporary touch to the traditional look.

Tangail enhances confidence, is comfortable and can also be styled for any occasion. I hope the legacy of these saris are carried on
– Dr Rupali Basu
I’m wearing my boro pishi’s sari and have paired it with a cream jacket. I’ve wrapped the pallu like a scarf– Esha Dutta
This Korial Benarasi has gold & silver threads weaved in it. I bought this sari almost a decade back and is a favourite– Gargee RoyChowdhury
The grace of Gorod
Gorod is identified by its cream coloured base and red border, and is traditionally associated with auspicious occasions. The word ‘Gorod’ refers to undyed silk and has gold buti motifs and elaborate pallus. It’s usually paired with gold pasha earrings, sitahaar and thick gold balas. One can tie their hair neatly into a khopa and married women usually apply sindoor to complete the look.

The classy Korial
The term Korial has been derived from the word Kora, meaning blank. They’re usually classified into two types namely the Gorod-Korial, a refined version of Gorod saris and the Korial-Benarasi, embellished with heavy gold and silver motifs, inspired by Benarasi brocade technique.

A geographical indication (GI) tag is used on products that have a specific geographical origin or possess qualities typical to its origin
On January 4, 2024, it was announced that Tangail from Nadia & Purba Bardhaman, as well as Korial and Gorod from Murshidabad have been added to the list of GI tagged products
Other items such as Sundarban’s natural honey, Jalpaiguri’s Kalo Nunia rice were also recognised with GI tags
A total of 27 items from Bengal have received the GI tag
I think a woman looks elegant, yet sensuous in a sari. My love for saris is known and I was elated to know that three more saris were added to the list. Kudos to Bengal’s artisans and their skills- Gargee RoyChowdhury