The breathtaking beauty of the Konjeeveram or Kanchipurram silks, has entitled the saris to act as the bride`s trousseau, not only in Karnataka, or South India, but in other parts of the country also. The dazzling design, bright hues and fine quality fabric-texture, have escalated the position of this A-class drapery, as one of the topmost feminine choices in India.

The Kanchipuram sari got its name, after the little temple town , called Kanchipuram, 76kms away from Chennai ( earlier called Madras) in Tamil Nadu. Kanchipuram silk is handwoven from mulberry silk thread, generated by the silkworms, feeding on mulberry leaves. In fact, the skilled artisans of Kanhipuram town, who are engaged in sericulture, rear the silkworms in cane baskets, filled with plenty of mulberry leaves as the food-provision.

Daily fresh mulberry leaves are fetched from the nearby mulberry plantation. These leaves are pieced into bits, and distributed evenly inside the basket. Gradually, with time, after many weeks, the worms start maturing. At this stage they are re-installed inside circular, baskets, with inner compartmental sections. Here the worms start ejecting thread-like secretion, which construct around themselves a semi-transparent cocoon. And from this cooon, silk-thread is derived. It is this numerous strands of silk tread, which consist of the silk fabric of Kanchipuram. The smooth, glazy and supple quality of the fabric, contribute to the dazzling aura, associated with the sari.

The vibrant shades of Kanchipuram saris, not only adhere to the traditional favourites, but the latest discoveries too, such as shot colours. By shot colours, it is referred to the recent times` art of bringing about a finish, wherein, two colours blend in each other, while simultaneously one is reflected in the other, making the appearance enchanting. For example, pink and a golden rust, if fused into one another, the one will come up with an unique shade amidst the other. This is an apt example of shot colour. The shot , i.e. the glimpse of one into another.

Pure Zari embroidery and patterns, happen to be the hallmark of Kanchipuram silk. By Zari, one means, a silver thread electro-plated with gold . The magnificent Zari is interleaved into the yarn, to weave diverse cultural motifs , and images of flora or fauna. While making Kanchipuram saris, three threads are conjoined together, to consist of the silk thread, used for weaving Kanchipuram saris.

The prices of these exclusive saris , start from Rs 1,500 and can even reach Rs 50,000, and above.The wedding saris , are decked with Zari adornments and meena work . The bridal saris , give the bride, the glory, that she is supposed to be invested with on her wedding day.

The majestic outlook of Kanchipuram saris, can best highlight the innate beauty of the Indian women.