As the saying goes, “Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder,” only a true art enthusiast can truly appreciate the intricate beauty woven into a hand-painted Kalamkari saree. These sarees are a perfect fusion of grace, elegance, and profound artistry, with each piece showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. What makes these sarees so unique is the use of natural dyes and pens handcrafted by the artists themselves, transforming fabric into wearable art.

The word “Kalamkari” is derived from two Persian words: “Kalam,” meaning pen, and “Kari,” meaning craftsmanship. Originally, this referred to the meticulous hand-painting done on fabrics using a special pen, although the term has since evolved to include hand block printing. Kalamkari has ancient roots, with two distinct schools of craftsmanship emerging in India during the 16th and 17th centuries. Both styles originated in Andhra Pradesh—one near Tirupati, the other near Vijayawada—each developing its own unique identity.
The Srikalahasti style is defined by its use of the pen for both outlining and filling in colors. The art focuses primarily on mythological themes, depicting powerful scenes from Indian epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In contrast, the Machilipatnam style, influenced by Islamic art, features floral patterns and designs inspired by nature, such as flora and fauna, set against delicate fabric backgrounds. Despite their differences, both styles are known for their exquisite detail and use of vibrant, natural dyes. The skill and precision in creating these intricate designs have remained consistent through the ages.

Kalamkari art adorns a wide variety of fabrics, including silk, cotton, sico, and even modern materials like georgette, chiffon, and crepe silk. The use of vegetable dyes ensures that the colors are long-lasting and rich in tone. Common motifs include trees, creepers, flowers, leaves, and birds, as well as pictorial representations from ancient epics, folklore, and scenes of everyday life. These themes elevate Kalamkari sarees beyond mere clothing, making them a stunning display of tradition and originality.
In today’s fashion landscape, Andra’s classic Kalamkari sarees remain a symbol of timeless elegance and cultural heritage. Whether worn for special occasions or everyday elegance, these sarees continue to captivate with their unique blend of art and tradition.

The Ambani family celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with extra enthusiasm this year, marking Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s first festival as a married couple. The grand festivities at Antilla saw numerous Bollywood celebrities arriving in their finest traditional attire, transforming the religious occasion into a stunning fashion display. Let’s take a look at some of the standout outfits worn by these stars.

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan effortlessly stole the spotlight with their stunning ensembles. Kareena looked absolutely radiant in a red suit set by Sabyasachi, featuring a straight kurta with golden borders, a matching red churidar, and a beautifully embellished dupatta. She completed the look with a Sabyasachi clutch, statement golden earrings, and metallic heels. Her minimal makeup, a red bindi, and a sleek bun added the perfect finishing touches to her elegant appearance. Saif Ali Khan complemented Kareena’s look in a traditional red kurta paired with a classic white dhoti, creating a harmonious and stylish duo. Their coordinated outfits added an air of grandeur to the festive celebration.

Tamannaah Bhatia made a striking statement in a vibrant purple lehenga by Torani. The lehenga featured intricately embroidered panels in a mix of colors, giving it a vibrant and eye-catching look. She paired it with a short blouse, adorned with delicate floral embroidery, adding to the charm of the ensemble. Draped with a purple dupatta featuring carved borders and silver motifs, Tamannaah’s outfit was a perfect blend of traditional elegance and modern flair.

Ananya Panday turned heads at the Ganpati celebrations in a breathtaking golden saree by Tarun Tahiliani. The saree featured intricate silver embroidery throughout and was paired with a short choli. Its unique double pallu, elegantly draped over both shoulders, added a touch of sophistication to the ensemble.she accessorized with striking green and gold earrings and a matching necklace, perfectly complementing her look. She carried a silver purse and opted for rosy makeup with bold red lipstick, while her sleek, open hairstyle completed the look. Her ensemble was a true showstopper.

Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani made a glamorous entrance at the Ganpati celebrations. Kiara dazzled in an elegant ivory and gold Anarkali suit paired with a golden churidar. Her stunning outfit was adorned with exquisite gold jewelry, smokey eye makeup, a red bindi, and nude lips, enhancing her graceful appearance. She featured a beautifully blushed complexion and styled her hair in a center-parted bun, adding a classy touch to her look. Sidharth complemented his wife perfectly, looking dapper in a peach floral kurta paired with crisp white pants. Together, they formed a stylish and striking pair, bringing an extra touch of elegance and sophistication to the festive celebrations.

Sara Ali Khan made a vibrant and striking entrance at the Ganpati celebrations, accompanied by her brother Ibrahim, in a colorful lehenga designed by Mayyur Girotra. The skirt was a riot of colors, adorned with intricate golden prints, while her blouse added a contrasting pop of purple. She completed the ensemble with a gold dupatta, adding a luxurious touch to her festive look.Sara accessorized with a golden choker and matching earrings, perfectly complementing her outfit. Her makeup was radiant, featuring kohl-rimmed eyes, shimmering lips, a tiny bindi, and flushed red cheeks that tied the look together beautifully. She left her hair short and wavy, adding an extra dose of glamor to her festive appearance.

Shraddha Kapoor looked stunning in an eye-catching red sharara set at the Ganpati celebrations. The ensemble featured a short kurta paired with flared red pants and a matching dupatta, creating a beautifully coordinated look.Embracing minimalism, Shraddha skipped heavy accessories and opted for a subtle makeup look, allowing her natural beauty to shine through. She wore her hair loose, enhancing the simplicity and elegance of her style. Her understated approach made her stand out effortlessly, proving that sometimes less truly is more.

Sonam Kapoor wowed everyone at the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration in a bright crimson crushed silk lehenga. The outfit featured an ankle-length pleated skirt and a short choli with a cross-tied back, adorned with golden latkans. She completed her ensemble with a matching dupatta, accessorized with gold ornaments, and carried a chic gold box purse.Her makeup was flawless, featuring shiny nude lip gloss and a touch of blush on her cheeks. She opted for smoky eye shadow and applied traditional red alta, adding an Indian cultural flair. A playful crimped braid added a touch of fun, perfectly complementing her beauty and the festive look.

Kajol exuded elegance in a deep blue saree at the Ganesh Chaturthi celebration. Embracing minimalism, she kept her look understated by leaving her hair open and opting for an almost no-makeup look. This simplicity highlighted her natural beauty, making her effortlessly graceful and chic for the occasion.

Madhuri Dixit stole the show at the Ambani’s Ganpati celebration, dressed in a stunning traditional custom Patola weave sari. The sari, adorned with intricate work, showcased her timeless elegance and grace. Her choice of attire, rich in heritage and craftsmanship, perfectly complemented the festive occasion, making her one of the standout fashion icons of the evening.

Karan Johar was a standout at the grand, star-studded celebration, donning a sophisticated ensemble by Sabyasachi. He chose a rich green kurta paired with a matching overcoat, both adorned with intricate designs. His outfit added a touch of refined elegance to the festive occasion, showcasing his impeccable sense of style.

On Saturday, September 7, the Ambani family hosted their annual grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, where numerous Bollywood A-listers graced the event in luxurious ethnic ensembles. Among them, Sara Ali Khan made a striking appearance in a custom-made, multi-hued brocade silk lehenga by renowned Indian designer Mayyur Girotra. The stunning outfit not only showcased her impeccable style but also underscored her dedication to promoting Indian heritage through sustainable fashion.

The lehenga was a masterpiece, handcrafted from vintage brocade sarees, some of which had been preserved by the couturier for over fifty years.

On Instagram, the designer label shared insights into the creation, stating, “This exquisite lehenga, crafted from recycled brocade sarees dating back 50-60 years, exemplifies Mayyur Girotra’s passion for textile heritage. Over the years, Mayyur has curated a collection of rare sarees, fabrics, and intricate zari embroidery patchworks, transforming them into timeless designs. For this particular ensemble, our design house intricately wove together multicolored vintage brocade sarees to create a vibrant lehenga that captures the rich artistry and history of Indian textiles.”

Sara’s unique outfit featured a vibrant lehenga paired with a tissue silk dupatta adorned with delicate zardozi zari embroidery and a purple blouse detailed with golden patterns.

Her look was further elevated by a statement green and gold choker necklace, matching jhumkas, and a ring. The Murder Mubarak actress completed the ensemble with minimal makeup, opting for dewy skin, kohled eyes, glossy pink lips, and a chic, middle-parted half-up, half-down hairstyle.