Venkatagiri was very popular during my childhood. It was the most valued respected Andhra weave (after Gadwal I suppose) at the time.. unfortunately as time passed by, its cousins like kalamkari, mangalagiri, uppada, gadwal, golabomma, ikat, chirala cotton, ponduru khadi etc etc gained more popularity leaving it a non existent candidate in the list of "staple sarees". I feel bad for it. I used to love the double sided zari venkatagiri sarees neatly wrapped over old newspaper. The sound and hustle was amazing always. When amma asked what i wanted her to get for me, the answer was simple. White venkatagiri saree with broad zari borders in red on both sides. Amma couldnt find the exact combo, so got this instead. Quite close. I love the fine checkered teeny tiny zari weaves all over the sari. I wish venkatagiri picks up more in the coming years... perhaps people like us can make it happen, just like how we brought back ilkals, kalamkaris, bhujodis, begumpuris to life!
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