Shopping at the Silk city...Kancheevaram.

My sis-in-law had a brainwave suddenly.That we must do some shopping at the source, Kanchi, the silk producer of our state..No doubt it was a great idea, for there we are sure to get some real stuff which will be easy on our purse.But then there is always a possibility of getting duped and if not alert shall be taken for a ride by the smart locals.So she did some spade work, like collecting authentic addresses
refreshed an old contact whose native is Kanchi and discussed about the method of purchase without getting cheated.Smart, eh?? so she is.Then the D day was fixed, and off we went the next day to Christmas.
As our car entered the market street, locals thronged, and tried to distribute cards of silk showrooms.We politely declined and asked for the address we are looking for.They just left without answering and one guy was courteous enough to show us the way.Ah ha..that's what we imagined.After leading us through a narrow drive way, he showed us a shop which wasn't the one we were looking for.But before even we could confirm the address, few men surrounded us and pestered us to get down and forced us to take a look at their showroom.We never lowered our glass and asked our chauffeur to reverse the car.With great difficulty, we managed to get out of that place.
What a start!!..then we located the shop, just a few yards away in the same street.It is actually not a showroom kinda thing, and the person who referred this to us also have made a mention of that.They are loom owners who weaves sarees for orders.They are leading suppliers for some of the biggest silk showrooms in Chennai.
But for people specifically referred by the known source, general public do not come there for shopping.One of our father's colleague who is the native of the city is the family friend of these weavers and have been their customer for many decades.And now we were introduced to them by their daughter.She has rang them up and had told about our visit. We were recognized instantly.
It was a totally different experience, to be fussed over and been welcomed as exclusive members et al.in a place of purchase.Honestly I have not been through such kinda thing before.It was fun and I felt like a royal member,ha ha.We just mentioned our range of requirement, color preferred, and some other specifications. And there it was, fresh from the loom, shining, glittering with gold and silver zari..Oh My..
It was very tough to make a choice.We went there for just four or five pieces.And took some close to two hours for deciding the same.
It was a satisfying trip, for we got what we wanted, that too in the price what we have decided.The friend has given a ring to them and requested to give us the same discount what they normally give them.It was very nice of her to do that.Added attraction is that, some varieties are yet to be launched officially, and we got it from the loom!!! What a feeling to wear something so exclusive...
we bought two Jacquard silks one with gold zari worked and one with gold zari spots.

Thats an exquisite piece of golden embroidery. Fine work on the golden border hi lights the beauty of the saree.I just cant wait to wear it.....