Nadia, West Bengal

Santipur Taant Saree

The classic Bengal taant (handwoven) saree that originated in Santipur (Santipore) in Nadia district, a centuries-old handloom tradition, and the first Bengali saree to receive a GI tag, in 2009. It is a fine cotton/silk handloom saree with the distinctive Santipur border and end treatment, woven on traditional pit looms. It is a staple of the handloom cluster around Santipur and a recognised heritage product of the district.

Typical price: ₹1500-25000

Buying tip: Buy from the Santipur handloom market or loomside; feel for the handwoven texture and ask for the traditional taant border rather than machine-finished imitations.