Nirmala Sitharaman's Kanjivaram: How to Spot an Authentic Silk Saree

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wore a dark purple 'Kattam' Kanjivaram silk saree for the budget presentation, sparking social media discussion.
• Kanjivaram sarees, also known as Kanchipuram sarees, are hand-woven in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, known for pure silk, thick texture, vibrant colors, and gold-silver zari.
• Authentic Kanjivaram sarees feel soft, smooth, and slightly heavy, with distinctively woven borders and pallu in different colors.
• Genuine zari is made of gold or silver, shiny, and does not easily come off when scratched; real silk burns slowly, smells like burnt hair, and leaves fine ash.
• Pure Kanjivaram sarees typically weigh 500-800 grams and often carry a 'Pure Silk' or 'Kanchipuram Silk' label.

Why It Matters: Learn to identify genuine Kanjivaram silk sarees by checking fabric, zari, weight, and labels.