Traditional Bengal sarees can often be identified by the beautiful motifs or patterns depicted on them. These motifs represent various features of life, such as nature, favourite flowers or animals, religion, or rituals and customs. Featured here are some of the commonly occurring motifs that you will find in Bengali sarees, along with their Bangla names.
- Kalka or Kolka: paisley, that looks like a decorated droplet. Also known as "Persian pickle" or "Welsh pear"
- Pakhi: bird
- Palki: palanquin, carrying women or royalty
- Ghora: horse, often from a battle scene
- Moyur or Mayur: peacock
- Nortoki: dancer, from a palatial or festive scene
- Roth or Rath: chariot
- Shonkho or Shankh: conch
- Hathi: elephant
- Dhaki: drummer, amidst other musicians
- Dora: stripes, denoting simplicity and elegance
- Phool: flowers
- Aansh: fish scales
- Buti: polka or dots
- Lota-pata: twigs and leaves
Baluchari sarees are intricately adorned with motifs featuring royalty, palaces, dancers, musicians, festivals as well as historical figures.
The Garad and Korial sarees are minimally adorned with striped patterns along the borders and pallav, which are sometimes enhanced with paisley and floral motifs.
Tant, jamdani, tussar and muslin sarees are usually adorned with motifs from nature, with varying degrees of complexity.
Murshidabad silks have motifs ranging from elegant to elaborate, with a wide variety of traditional and modern designs.
Kantha sarees are embroidered with decorative motifs featuring various aspects of rural life amidst nature.