In India, not all plates serve a sumptuous meal. Some serve a beautiful saree, sometimes accompanied by a piece of jewellery, some flowers, a pair of betel leaves, kumkum, and other auspicious items. 

This traditional platter called the Thamboolam is a cherished gift-giving custom rooted in the fabric of Indian culture. It's a sacred gesture transcending a casual exchange or mere formality; it’s a beautiful ritual woven with love, intention, and tradition.

Whether it is a festival, a wedding, or a milestone, this cultural symbol makes its way into the celebration, conveying hearty wishes and strengthening bonds between people, families, and communities. And a saree is the heart of this gifting tradition.

The Cultural Significance of Gifting Sarees

A saree is not just any garment. Each saree tells a story and holds a lot of memories, emotions, and blessings. Everything from the intricate motifs to the fabric textures and the style of drape symbolises culture and has a deep meaning. That’s why gifting a saree is immensely special.

When a bride gets gifted a saree, it is more than an outfit. It’s a blessing she will carry lifelong as she steps into this new journey, each fold and pleat representing the many layers of life and the beauty of tradition.

Moreover, in India, sarees are a reflection of our cultural diversity and heritage. And, gifting one is a way of honouring one's roots and heritage. Different regions boast unique weaving techniques, fabrics, designs, and draping styles. Think of the Kanchipuram pattu sarees from Tamil Nadu or the Kodagu drape from Karnataka.

No wonder sarees make for a timeless gift. They are held dearly for years together and passed down as family heirlooms, wrapped with care, reverence, and love.

Saree Gifting in Celebrations & Rituals

Celebrations are always an excuse to pick a new outfit for ourselves and to gift our loved ones. In our country, this often translates to a saree haul. Saree shopping is an event by itself where the whole family gathers at their favourite silk saree showroom, trying different pattus and choosing for one another. Here are some of those special occasions:

Weddings & Pre-Wedding Rituals

If there’s a wedding in the house, you know there’s going to be a series of events and rituals, each with its own significance, each with its own set of gifts. And, sarees make a big part of the gifts.

The bride receives sarees from her parents and in-laws as a form of their love and blessing for her to lead a harmonious, prosperous marriage. It’s often a bright red Kanchipuram pattu with heavy and exquisite zari work, to mirror prosperity, fertility, and marital bliss.

It is also common for the bride and groom’s families to invite their relatives to the wedding with sarees and veshtis, as a mark of respect and tradition. Even wedding guests and attendees receive Thamboolam bags, each with a blouse piece, coconut, sweets, savouries, and sometimes even a saree and shirt material.

Varalakshmi Vratham & Navratri Golu

During festivities like Varalakshmi Vratham and Navratri, women adorn vibrant sarees and also gift them to other women who join the after-puja celebrations and golu. Though it is customary, the saree gifting goes beyond just a material keepsake; it’s passed within friends and family circles, to deepen connections and foster sisterhood.

These gifts emanate the festive spirit, celebrate community, and make the celebration an experience of shared joy and goodwill. Next time, gift that cheery yellow pattu with brocade zari to Padmini Aunty and notice the sparkle in her eyes. You’ll know how much it meant to her when your favourite achchu murukus find their way home.

Milestone Moments

Leaving rituals, traditions, and festivals aside, sarees as gifts have paved their way into the modern day as traditional gifts for new-age celebrations. From birthdays to anniversaries and graduations to the first day at work, sarees are a part of every core memory.

Don’t you think a bottle green banarasi kattan silk with elephant motifs on the border will make for a memorable 21st birthday gift for your sister or daughter who’s just about to explore womanhood in all its glory? We do.

Choosing the Right Saree for Gifting

Selecting a saree as a gift involves dabbling with a lot of considerations like the occasion, choice of fabric, colour options, and more, along with having an understanding of the recipient’s taste.

Lightweight weaves like organza silks, linens, fancy cottons, and soft silks, that exude elegance and class without compromising on comfort, are often the top picks for personal milestones and contemporary gifting. Lustrous and rich kanchipurams in radiant pinks and dark purples make for perfect wedding and puja gifts, emanating dignity, reverence, and prosperity. Needless to say, there’s a saree for every woman, and you will never run out of gifting options.

Wrapping Up

Gifting is a thoughtful gesture, and a saree in this equation only makes the act more beautiful. Hence, we at Tulsi Madras have artfully curated collections of sarees catering to every style, taste, and budget, for you to pick and choose from. Explore our unique range of sarees now and make every gift truly unforgettable.