01 September,2026 10:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani Gabhare
Women wear colourful traditional sarees on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Pics Courtesy/paaneri @rashmika_mandanna, @nayanthara, tareina.com
It's safe to say that the city has begun the countdown to preparations to welcome Ganesha to their homes or neighbourhood pandals. While Paithani, Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees have long been go-to choices for festivities, lighter, handwoven alternatives are making a case for themselves.
According to Rohini Jog founder and owner of Craft Circle, the choice of saree often comes down to comfort and personal style. "Cotton Paithanis are preferred for Ganesh Chaturthi over silk Paithanis, which fall in the same category as Kanjivaram or Banarasi, and could possibly appear as too ornate for the occasion," she explains.
She suggests interesting saree options
»For delicate Chanderi drapes, explore handwoven sarees in elegant, understated styles.
At Taneira Sarees, Turner Road, near Axis Bank, Bandra West. Call 8976876434
»For Maheshwari, Narayanpet and other handloom weaves.
At Paaneri Exim Pvt Ltd, NC Kelkar Marg, Dadar West.
Call 45000902
»For cotton Paithani and Mangalgiri, discover lighter options.
At Ashtapad, Agarwal Mawwrket, Vile Parle East.
Call 7900005443
»For handcrafted sarees and traditional textiles, browse artisan-led festive picks.
At Craft Circle, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova.
Call 9004352273
1. Cotton Paithani: Cotton Paithanis offer a lighter way to dress while retaining the familiar Paithani design language, including peacocks and muniya motifs. They are also more versatile than silk.
2. Chanderi: Sharing its name with the town itself, Chanderi in Madhya Pradesh, is known for its ethereal transparency, feather-light feel and delicate texture. Traditionally enjoying royal patronage, the weave ranges from understated styles to elaborate motifs, with pastel shades lending it a delicate appeal.
3. Maheshwari: Originating in Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, Maheshwari is a slightly stronger weave than Chanderi, with a restrained design vocabulary. Its motifs often echo the landscape around the town, including ripples of the River Narmada , while its balanced structure gives it a neat look.
4. Mangalgiri: A handwoven tradition from Andhra Pradesh, Mangalgiri is suited to those looking for a simpler drape. Traditionally woven in cotton, its understated character makes it an alternative to heavily embellished sarees.
5. Narayanpet: The traditional weave from Narayanpet, Telangana, brings another lightweight option, with contrasting borders and pallus featuring rich zari or temple-inspired gopuram designs. Its clean, classic identity works well when dressing up without going over the top.
6. Vidarbha Tussar: Known for its raw, chic look, Vidarbha Tussar brings an earthy character to dressing. Its understated texture makes it suitable for a corporate setting or an intimate, home-based celebration, allowing you to embrace tradition without looking overly ornate.
