Silk Sarees Are Forever, But Only If You Care For Them The Right Way
Silk sarees are not just garments, they are timeless treasures in our wardrobe. Whether it's the grandeur of Banarasi silk, the regal elegance of Kanchipuram, the earthy charm of Assam silk, or the vibrant beauty of Bomkai — each weave carries centuries of tradition, heritage and craftsmanship.
These sarees often hold more than just aesthetic value. Some might be your very first silk saree, others may carry the soft scent of your grandmother's wardrobe, or perhaps a cherished piece from a special place or celebration. The memories stitched into them are endless. But while they lend us ageless grace and sentiment, they also demand delicate care in return.
Preserving these drapes may sound challenging, but with a little love, mindfulness, and a few simple maintenance tips, your favourite silk sarees can remain pristine for generations.
Dry Cleaning Is A Must
Avoid washing your silk sarees at home. Always opt for professional dry cleaning, especially for sarees with zari, embroidery or vibrant dyes.
Store It Right
Never wrap silk sarees in plastic. Instead, use breathable cotton or muslin cloth to cover them. This allows the fabric to breathe and protects it from moisture and dust.
Refold Every Few Months
To prevent permanent creasing or fabric wear, refold your silk sarees along different lines every few months.
Keep It Safe, But Skip the Naphthalene
Avoid mothballs or naphthalene, which can damage silk. Choose safer alternatives like neem leaves or silica gel pouches.
Iron with Care
Iron on a low heat setting, preferably on the reverse side. Use a thin cotton cloth on top if needed to avoid any direct heat damage.
Extra Care Tips For Silk Sarees You love:
Every Silk Saree Is Different
When it comes to maintaining a silk saree, understanding the fabric is the first step. For instance, mulberry silk—famous for its natural shine and soft texture needs to be handled with extra care. Even a slight stain or rough wash can dull its sheen. On the other hand, tussar silk, with its coarse and textured feel, is a bit more forgiving but still requires gentle handling. Then there's Kanjeevaram silk, the heavyweight queen of bridal sarees. Its rich weave and zari borders must be stored flat and properly folded to preserve its structure and prevent the zari from getting crushed or oxidised. And like these saree's the examples are countless.
Handle With Extra Care While Travelling
If you're travelling with a silk saree, especially for a wedding or festive occasion—rolling it instead of folding can help avoid stubborn creases. Wrap it in a soft cotton cloth or place it in a breathable garment bag to reduce friction and keep the weave safe. It's always best to carry your silk saree in hand luggage rather than checked baggage to protect it from being mishandled.
Draping
Even the way you wear your saree can affect its longevity. Using soft, well-fitted petticoats made from satin or cotton-silk blend can help reduce friction against the inner surface. And while safety pins may seem like a quick fix to secure pleats or the pallu, they often leave tiny holes or tear the delicate threads, especially in lighter silks. Instead, explore alternatives like saree shapewear or fabric-friendly pleat holders to keep everything in place without damaging the fabric.
A little attention to these details can go a long way in ensuring your silk sarees remain just as graceful and glorious as the first time you wore them.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
6 days ago
- The Hindu
Transboundary elephant raids: Farmers in Bhutan leave croplands fallow
GUWAHATI: Farmers in Bhutan and India tend to leave their croplands fallow, fearing raids by elephants driven out of their natural habitats owing to anthropogenic or human-caused activities. Data on farmers on the Indian side of the boundary between the two countries abandoning their fields is not available. A report in Trumpet, a quarterly journal of the Wildlife Institute of India, said 30% of their counterparts in Bhutan leave their land fallow, fearing crop damage. The report cites a 2024 study revealing the scale of the challenge in Bhutan's Sarpang Forest Division, where more than 40% of the households reported experiencing human-elephant conflicts (HEC). 'Alarmingly, 30% of farmers leave their land fallow, fearing crop damage. Elephants primarily raid maize and paddy, which are the most widely cultivated crops, but cash crops like areca nut, oranges, ginger, and cardamom have also been targeted. The cultivated area for maize and paddy was large as compared to other crops, resulting in the maximum incidence of crop raiding by elephants,' the report said. The authors of the report are Ugyen Tshering, an officer at Bhutan's Jomotsangkha Wildlife Sanctuary; Sonali Ghosh, the Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve; and Rupali Thakur and Anukul Nath of the Assam Forest Department. According to its national elephant survey in 2016, Bhutan has an estimated 678 elephants primarily inhabiting the southern foothills bordering Assam and West Bengal. While these animals are integral to the region's biodiversity, their presence increasingly comes at a cost to local communities, with HEC causing economic strain and social stress, particularly for farmers in southern Bhutan. Joint Assam-Meghalaya hydropower project opposed 'Farmers in Sarpang have observed a steady rise in elephant incursions, a trend likely driven by forest degradation and fragmentation, which push elephants into human-dominated areas. Yet, a significant number of conflict incidents remain unreported,' the report says. One of the factors behind under-reporting is said to be religious beliefs rooted in Bhutanese culture, which encourage compassion toward wildlife. 'Local communities in Sarpang have predominantly relied on traditional mitigation measures, including keeping night vigils, making fire, and beating drums. However, many farmers view electric fencing as the most effective solution,' the report says, pointing out that only 0.65% of the affected farmers in Sarpang could afford electric fences. Compared to their counterparts in Bhutan, more farmers in India – specifically Assam's Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) – are opting for electric or solar-powered fences and bio-fences, which involve growing 'elephant-repellent' cash crops such as lemon and chilli around rice and vegetable fields. The study attributes this to support from local governments and NGOs. Regional soft diplomacy HEC results in about 300 human and 200 elephant deaths in India every year, apart from damage to about 15,000 houses and 8-10 million hectares of crops. One of the major critical stretches is along the BTR-Bhutan border, more than 250 km long. During the late 1980s, present-day BTR experienced a severe socio-political crisis arising out of the Bodoland statehood movement, devastating the infrastructure of the region and causing large-scale destruction of the wildlife and its habitat, specifically the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve and the adjoining Manas Tiger Reserve. Asiatic wild dog returns to Assam's Kaziranga landscape The extent of the damage was evident from the eastern part of this landscape in 2009, when 14 people and 10 elephants died in conflicts. The study calls for promoting 'regional soft diplomacy by promoting multi-stakeholder groups such as the Trans-boundary Manas Conservation Area, a Bhutan-India collaborative initiative established in 2011 to address protected areas and biological corridors along the border between the two countries. The study advocates exploring and implementing a variety of community and household-based protection measures, including cooperative crop guarding and fencing. 'Creating awareness and educating communities on the importance of elephant conservation should be initiated by officials from protected areas and other environmental and educational agencies,' it says. It also underlines capacity building and law enforcement. 'The officials and local teams on both sides of the border can be jointly trained to enforce the law and also maintain relevant databases. Illegal activities that result in elephant mortality can be prevented by such joint enforcement,' the study says.
News18
6 days ago
- News18
Silk Sarees Are Forever, But Only If You Care For Them The Right Way
Preserving these drapes may sound challenging, but with a care, mindfulness, and a few simple maintenance tips, your favourite silk sarees can remain pristine for generations. Silk sarees are not just garments, they are timeless treasures in our wardrobe. Whether it's the grandeur of Banarasi silk, the regal elegance of Kanchipuram, the earthy charm of Assam silk, or the vibrant beauty of Bomkai — each weave carries centuries of tradition, heritage and craftsmanship. These sarees often hold more than just aesthetic value. Some might be your very first silk saree, others may carry the soft scent of your grandmother's wardrobe, or perhaps a cherished piece from a special place or celebration. The memories stitched into them are endless. But while they lend us ageless grace and sentiment, they also demand delicate care in return. Preserving these drapes may sound challenging, but with a little love, mindfulness, and a few simple maintenance tips, your favourite silk sarees can remain pristine for generations. Dry Cleaning Is A Must Avoid washing your silk sarees at home. Always opt for professional dry cleaning, especially for sarees with zari, embroidery or vibrant dyes. Store It Right Never wrap silk sarees in plastic. Instead, use breathable cotton or muslin cloth to cover them. This allows the fabric to breathe and protects it from moisture and dust. Refold Every Few Months To prevent permanent creasing or fabric wear, refold your silk sarees along different lines every few months. Keep It Safe, But Skip the Naphthalene Avoid mothballs or naphthalene, which can damage silk. Choose safer alternatives like neem leaves or silica gel pouches. Iron with Care Iron on a low heat setting, preferably on the reverse side. Use a thin cotton cloth on top if needed to avoid any direct heat damage. Extra Care Tips For Silk Sarees You love: Every Silk Saree Is Different When it comes to maintaining a silk saree, understanding the fabric is the first step. For instance, mulberry silk—famous for its natural shine and soft texture needs to be handled with extra care. Even a slight stain or rough wash can dull its sheen. On the other hand, tussar silk, with its coarse and textured feel, is a bit more forgiving but still requires gentle handling. Then there's Kanjeevaram silk, the heavyweight queen of bridal sarees. Its rich weave and zari borders must be stored flat and properly folded to preserve its structure and prevent the zari from getting crushed or oxidised. And like these saree's the examples are countless. Handle With Extra Care While Travelling If you're travelling with a silk saree, especially for a wedding or festive occasion—rolling it instead of folding can help avoid stubborn creases. Wrap it in a soft cotton cloth or place it in a breathable garment bag to reduce friction and keep the weave safe. It's always best to carry your silk saree in hand luggage rather than checked baggage to protect it from being mishandled. Draping Even the way you wear your saree can affect its longevity. Using soft, well-fitted petticoats made from satin or cotton-silk blend can help reduce friction against the inner surface. And while safety pins may seem like a quick fix to secure pleats or the pallu, they often leave tiny holes or tear the delicate threads, especially in lighter silks. Instead, explore alternatives like saree shapewear or fabric-friendly pleat holders to keep everything in place without damaging the fabric. A little attention to these details can go a long way in ensuring your silk sarees remain just as graceful and glorious as the first time you wore them.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- The Hindu
Indian ‘chai' at special event hosted by India at U.N. to mark International Tea Day
The aromas and flavours of popular Indian teas permeated the halls of the United Nations headquarters as India hosted a special event to commemorate International Tea Day to highlight the beverage's contribution in empowering communities and fostering inclusive economic growth. The Permanent Mission of India to the U.N. hosted the high-level event on Wednesday (May 21, 2025) on the theme 'Tea for Livelihoods, Tea for SDGs' to mark the International Tea Day, a celebration of the world's most consumed drink, after water. The event concluded with a special curated tea tasting experience where guests enjoyed a variety of Indian teas, including the famous Darjeeling tea, Masala chai, Assam and Nilgiri teas. India's Permanent Representative to the U.N. Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, Director of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) U.N. Liaison Office in New York Angelica Jacome, and representatives of Kenya, Sri Lanka and China, the other major tea producing countries, spoke on the occasion and highlighted the challenges faced by the tea growers, especially the small tea farmers. 'The story of tea in India is not merely one of trade and taste but also one of transformation. What began in the early 19th century from the misty hills of Assam to the slopes of Darjeeling and Nilgiris, India's tea industry has grown to become a cornerstone of rural employment, women's empowerment and export-led development,' Mr. Harish said at the houseful event attended by U.N. envoys, senior U.N. personnel and community members. The U.N. General Assembly in 2019 had proclaimed May 21 as International Tea Day following a proposal moved by India at the Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) Intergovernmental Group (IGG) on Tea in October 2015. The UNGA resolution recognised the long history and the cultural and economic significance of tea around the world, as well as the significant role it plays in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries. India is one of the largest producers and consumers of tea globally and the sector directly employs over 1.5 million workers, the majority of whom are women. It supports over 10 million livelihoods, including small landholder farmers and those engaged in allied industries. 'For many of these communities, tea is not merely a crop. It's a way of life, a source of dignity, opportunity and hope,' Mr. Harish said. He also pointed out the complex challenges faced by the tea industry. 'Climate change is disrupting growing conditions and then, there are rising input costs,' Mr. Harish said, adding that market volatility and structural inequities threaten the economic viability of small producers who are responsible for over 60% of global tea production. 'There's also an urgent need to improve working conditions and secure equitable returns, both for labourers and growers. Addressing these challenges requires not only policy action, but innovation and ability to think out of the box,' he said. Mr. Harish told the audience that the 1911-founded Tocklai Tea Research Institute in India has introduced the Tocklai good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices standard in 2022, the first ever sustainability certification crafted and adopted in India to usher in a climate resilient tea industry. 'It integrates good economic, agricultural practices and manufacturing practices and aligns the process with U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for transformational change in the Indian tea industry,' he said. Mr. Harish added that in India, technology — from AI-driven climate forecasting to drone-based crop management to blockchain — is also being harnessed increasingly to modernise the tea sector and the entire value chain. FAO's Ms. Jacome noted that despite tea's vital role in socioeconomic development, there are pressing challenges that must be addressed. These include climate change, limited market access and poor access to credit and technology, she said. 'Smallholder farmers are the backbone of the industry, and they're particularly vulnerable. Urgent actions are needed to strengthen their business models while also taking into account environmental and social factors,' she said. Indian tea industry worried about 288% jump in imports from Kenya Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the U.N. Ambassador Hoang Giang Dang said that in order to truly harness tea's potential for sustainable development, 'we must invest in smallholder resilience, promote inclusive business models, create favorable conditions for labour and ensure environmental sustainability across value chains'. Vithanage Chatura Jeevake Perera, Charge d'Affaires of Sri Lanka, said it is imperative to acknowledge women's contribution in Sri Lanka's tea industry as it 'could be identified as one of Sri Lanka's prominent production segments, with a higher percentage of women being employed.' It is estimated that in the four major tea producing countries — India, China, Kenya and Sri Lanka — around 9 million tea farmers are smallholders. Kenya's Permanent Representative to the U.N. Ambassador Erastus Ekitela Lokaale said as climate change increasingly disrupts traditional agricultural systems, the resilience of Kenya's tea sector is also being tested. 'In response, the Kenyan tea sector is progressively integrating climate-smart farming, enhanced agroforestry and community-based land use models. These innovations are vital to ensuring sustainability whilst safeguarding our natural resources.' He added that at the global level, Kenya 'welcomes ongoing efforts to promote fair trade, equitable pricing and mutual learning among tea producing countries, and this is clearly happening here today,' referring to the event hosted by India. Counsellor in the Permanent Mission of China to the U.N. Liu Liquin said tea can be a bond between different cultures and civilisations. 'We believe that tea and, together with it, the cultural exchanges, could be very good catalyst for people to people exchanges and the peaceful coexistence among different states.' He said China is dedicated to working with other fellow member states to make full use of the tea industry and relevant opportunities to 'boost this kind of mutual understanding', to strengthen international partnership and accelerate implementation of SDGs. Later in the day, China also hosted an event at the U.N. Headquarters to commemorate the day.
