Paithani Sarees

The Paithani saree is Maharashtra's best-known silk, named after Paithan in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district and recognised with a Geographical Indication tag in 2010. Today most Paithanis are woven around Yeola in Nashik. What sets the weave apart is the pallu and border: dense, multi-coloured motifs worked so that the colour changes happen in the thread itself.

This collection brings together our Paithani and Paithani-inspired sarees — from soft silk for weddings to lighter cotton-silk weaves for regular festive wear. Each product page states the fabric and weave so you know exactly which style you are buying.

Paithani motifs and what they mean

Muniya Paithani (parrot motif)

Muniya means a small parrot. Traditionally woven in leaf green, the parrot appears on the border or scattered as bootis, and is associated with love and good fortune. A single Muniya border carries one row of parrots — a lighter, more everyday look. Shop the Muniya Paithani soft silk saree and the Single Muniya Paithani saree.

Lotus Paithani (kamal motif)

The lotus is one of the most colourful Paithani motifs — classic lotus brocade uses seven or eight colours in a single flower. It symbolises purity and is a favourite for pujas and weddings. See the Peacock Lotus Paithani saree and the Lotus Border soft silk saree.

Peacock Paithani (mor motif)

The peacock is the signature Paithani pallu. Variants include morbangdi — a peacock inside a bangle shape. A peacock pallu is the most recognisable bridal choice in Maharashtrian weddings. Explore the Paithani saree with peacock border.

Chandrakor and Kalanjali Paithani

Chandrakor is Marathi for the crescent moon; small crescent bootis are scattered across the body. Our Kalanjali-pattern pieces pair these with a rich pallu — see the Chandrakor Kalanjali and Crystal Kalanjali sarees.

Other weaves in this collection

• Gadwal Paithani — light cotton-silk body with a contrasting silk border.
• Kadiyal — border and body in contrasting colours, interlocked at the join.
• Narayanpeth — motifs scattered across the body (Traditional Narayanpeeth Paithani).
• Nauvari — the nine-yard Maharashtrian drape (Nauwari Paithani).
• Brocade — zari butta carried along the full length.

How to tell a handwoven Paithani from a printed or powerloom one

1. Turn it over. On a handwoven pallu the motif is clearly visible on the reverse.
2. Check the border join. An interlocked (kadiyal) join shows a crisp colour change on both sides.
3. Look at the zari. Real silver-gold zari has a warm, slightly uneven tone; bright, uniform metallic thread is tested zari.
4. Ask about GI and Handloom Mark tags. Certified pure Paithanis carry them.

Many of our sarees are Paithani-inspired soft silk or semi silk rather than GI-certified handloom — we say so on each page, and price them accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Muniya Paithani?
A Paithani saree with parrot (muniya) motifs, usually in leaf green, woven on the border or as bootis across the body.

What is the difference between Lotus and Peacock Paithani?
They are named after their main pallu and border motif. Lotus Paithanis use a multi-coloured lotus (kamal); Peacock Paithanis feature the mor, the most traditional bridal motif. Many sarees combine both.

Which Paithani is best for a wedding?
A soft silk Paithani with a peacock or lotus pallu is the classic choice. For long day functions, a lighter Gadwal Paithani is more comfortable.

Do Paithani sarees come with a blouse piece?
Yes, an unstitched blouse piece is included unless the product page says otherwise. You can also pair one with our hand-embroidered designer blouses.