Hooghly, West Bengal

Dhaniakhali Saree

A GI-tagged all-cotton handloom saree woven in and around Dhaniakhali village in Hooghly district, distinctive in its slightly thicker 100x100 cotton yarn count, strip or check patterns with traditional motifs, and a 1.5-2 inch woven border. It is preferred as the puja saree, especially for a new bride, and Dhaniakhali was once famous for its superfine dhotis before moving to equally superior sarees. Around 900 weavers and 1000 ancillary artisans in Hooghly produce this crisp, durable cloth. Buyers get a lightweight everyday cotton saree with a genuine GI pedigree.

Typical price: ₹800-3000

Buying tip: Look for the handloom mark and check the crispness of the cloth and the woven border; local retailers in Dhaniakhali and Hooghly-Chinsurah sell them direct.