It's safe to say that the city has begun the countdown to <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/ganeshotsav-2026-mumbaicha-raja-first-look-on-september-12-check-date-venue-how-to-reach-and-all-you-need-to-know-23647626" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">preparations to welcome Ganesha</a> 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.
<img title="Rohini Jog" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/sep/ganap-b_e.jpg" alt="Rohini Jog" width="1280" height="720" />Rohini Jog
According to Rohini Jog founder and owner of Craft Circle, the choice of saree often comes down to comfort and personal style. &ldquo;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,&rdquo; she explains.
She suggests interesting saree options&nbsp;
<h2>Festive shop-hop</h2>
&raquo;For delicate Chanderi drapes, explore handwoven sarees in elegant, understated styles. At Taneira Sarees, Turner Road, near Axis Bank, Bandra West. Call 8976876434
&raquo;For Maheshwari, Narayanpet and other handloom weaves. At Paaneri Exim Pvt Ltd, NC Kelkar Marg, Dadar West.&nbsp; Call 45000902 &nbsp; &raquo;For cotton Paithani and Mangalgiri, discover lighter options.&nbsp; At Ashtapad, Agarwal Mawwrket, Vile Parle East.&nbsp; Call 7900005443
&raquo;For handcrafted sarees and traditional textiles, browse artisan-led festive picks. At Craft Circle, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova.&nbsp; Call 9004352273
<h2>Upgrade your warbrobe&nbsp;</h2>
<img title="Cotton Paithani" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/sep/ganap-c_e.jpg" alt="Cotton Paithani" width="1280" height="720" />
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.
<img title="Chanderi" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/sep/ganap-d_e.jpg" alt="Chanderi" />
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.
<img title="Maheshwari" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/sep/ganap-e_e.jpg" alt="Maheshwari" width="1280" height="720" />
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.
<img title="Mangalgiri" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/sep/ganap-f_e.jpg" alt="Mangalgiri" width="1280" height="720" />
4. Mangalgiri: A <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/buzz/article/beyond-the-loom-aadyam-handwoven-brings-craft-music-and-storytelling-together-with-culturebeyondtextiles-a-platform-celebrating-india-s-living-heritage--9312" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">handwoven tradition from Andhra Pradesh</a>, 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.
<img title="Narayanpet" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/sep/ganap-g_e.jpg" alt="Narayanpet" width="1280" height="720" />
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.
<img title="Vidarbha Tussar" src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/sep/ganap-h_e.jpg" alt="Vidarbha Tussar" width="1280" height="720" />
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.

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