Kosa sarees are a symbol of tradition, luxury and craftsmanship. These sarees are woven from Kosa silk which is produced from the finest silkworms found in the forests of Chhattisgarh, India.
Known for their rich texture, beautiful sheen and natural appeal, Kosa sarees are a true marvel of artisanal skill. But have you ever wondered how they get their vibrant colours? Let’s take a look at the fascinating journey of a Kosa saree from the forest to the fabric.
Here’s How It Gets Its Colour?
Production of Kosa silk
The first step in producing Kosa silk is sorting the larvae, the source of the precious silk. The larvae are carefully selected from the silkworms that feed on the leaves of the Arjun and Sajal trees, native to the forests of Chhattisgarh.
This is a crucial step as it determines the quality of the silk. The silkworms spin their delicate cocoons, which will eventually be harvested for the creation of Kosa silk.
Plucking the cocoons
Once the silkworms have spun their cocoons, it’s time to pluck them. This process requires great care and attention, as the cocoons must be harvested at the right stage.
After plucking, the cocoons are divided into two groups: one set is kept for reproduction, and the other is sent for sericulture, the art of cultivating silk.
Producing a uniform yarn
At this stage, the natural colour of Kosa silk begins to emerge. The cocoons have a beautiful cream and golden-brown shade that gives Kosa silk its signature look. To start the process of extracting the silk threads, the cocoons are softened by submerging them in warm water.
This loosens the filaments, making it easier to separate the threads. Once the threads are loosened, they are carefully combed and twisted onto a reel, which produces a uniform yarn.
Now that the yarn is ready, it is woven into gorgeous sarees, lugdas, or yardages. But the transformation isn’t complete yet.
Dyeing the Silk
The next step involves dyeing the woven sarees. Kosa silk sarees are traditionally dyed using a combination of natural and chemical dyes, depending on the desired final look.
The use of natural dyes gives the fabric a rich, organic appeal, while chemical dyes allow for more vibrant and diverse colours. The dyeing process adds another layer of complexity and artistry, ensuring each Kosa saree is unique in both texture and colour.
Conclusion
Making a Kosa saree is a delicate process, from harvesting the silk to dyeing the fabric. Each step is an essential part of bringing out the natural beauty of Kosa silk.
The colours reflect the skills and care that artisans put into every saree. The next time you wear a Kosa saree, remember the story behind the colours and the intricate craftsmanship that makes it so special. If you love the vibrant colours and the timeless elegance of Kosa sarees, explore the collection of Mrignayani, the best shop of Kosa silk saree in Kolkata today and bring home a piece of tradition.