Ponduru Cotton Sarees: The Khadi Mahatma Gandhi Wore

When our grandfather first discovered Ponduru cotton during his travels through Srikakulam district in the 1960s, he knew he'd found something extraordinary. These weren't just cotton sarees—they were masterpieces of handspun khadi, woven with a lightness and elegance that set them apart from anything else. What he found was a textile tradition personally endorsed by Mahatma Gandhi himself, who wrote about Ponduru khadi's exceptional qualities in "Young India" and wore it during the independence movement. More than five decades later, we continue our grandfather's legacy and Gandhi's vision, working directly with the same weaving families in Ponduru, personally selecting each saree for quality, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty.

At Kankatala, every Ponduru cotton saree tells a story of meticulous handwork. From the raw cotton spinning to the intricate jamdani weaving, these sarees represent weeks of dedicated artistry. We handpick each piece based on thread count, weaving skill, and the quality of materials—ensuring that when you choose a Ponduru cotton saree from us, you're choosing a tradition that our family has nurtured for generations.

What Makes Ponduru Cotton Special?

Mahatma Gandhi's Khadi Legacy

Ponduru cotton holds a unique place in India's textile history. Mahatma Gandhi personally endorsed Ponduru khadi and wrote about its exceptional qualities in "Young India," the national weekly he edited during the pre-independence era. Gandhi wore Ponduru khadi himself, along with notable figures like Indira Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave—who received a Ponduru khadi dhoti so fine that despite being three meters long, it could be packed into a matchbox.

This wasn't just about fabric—it was about self-reliance, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and supporting India's weaving communities. When our grandfather discovered Ponduru cotton decades later, he understood that he was connecting to this same legacy that Gandhi championed. Today, as a family, we feel privileged to continue this tradition, ensuring that the khadi Gandhi wore remains alive and accessible.

The Traditional Ponduru Craft

Ponduru cotton sarees are also known as Ponduru khadi sarees because they're entirely hand-drawn from raw cotton and handspun—the same process Gandhi promoted during the Swadeshi movement. This small village, about 30 kilometers from Srikakulam city, has maintained its textile heritage for over 80+ years. The Padmasali and Devanga weaver communities continue using time-honored methods passed down through generations.

The cotton itself is extraordinary. Weavers use two indigenous varieties: red Punasa cotton and white hill cotton from Nimmalavalasa village. The cleaning process uses combs made from catfish jawbones (Valuga), which gives the fiber its characteristic silky sheen that impressed Gandhi and continues to set Ponduru cotton apart. Women handle the cotton cleaning and spinning using Gandhi charkhas—yes, the very spinning wheels Gandhi advocated—while men manage the yarn stretching and weaving on traditional looms.

• Thread Count Excellence: We look for thread counts of 80x80, 100x100, or the finest 110x110. The red Punasa cotton typically creates counts of 44-65, while white cotton produces the finer 71-100 counts. These thread counts determine the saree's texture, softness, and that legendary Ponduru drape.
• Jamdani Weaving Mastery: The real artistry lies in the jamdani technique. Weavers hand-lift individual warp threads to create designs based on paper patterns placed beneath the loom. This labor-intensive process can take weeks for a single saree, especially for all-over jamdani designs. We work closely with master weavers in Ponduru whose skill in this technique is unmatched—approximately 950 Gandhi charkha spinners and traditional weavers keep this craft alive.
• Material Quality: Beyond the indigenous cotton itself, we inspect the quality of zari and silk used in borders and pallus. The contrast silk borders and gold zari work must complement the delicate cotton body perfectly, maintaining that balance of simplicity and elegance that Gandhi appreciated.

This attention to detail—checking yarn quality, assessing weaver skill, examining the intricacy of each hand-lifted pattern, ensuring the traditional cleaning methods are followed—is how we ensure every Ponduru cotton saree meets both Gandhi's vision and Kankatala standards.

Types of Ponduru Cotton Sarees at Kankatala

Our Ponduru collection reflects the full range of this craft, from everyday elegance to wedding-worthy masterpieces:

Plain Ponduru Cotton Sarees with Zari Border

These are our most versatile Ponduru cotton sarees, perfect for daily wear and professional settings. The handspun cotton body features a contrast silk border or zari border that adds just the right touch of elegance. These lightweight cotton sarees are ideal for year-round wear, though especially comfortable during summers. Starting from ₹3,000.

Pallu Jamdani Ponduru Sarees

For those who appreciate subtle artistry, our pallu jamdani designs feature intricate handwoven patterns on the pallu while keeping the body beautifully plain. The jamdani work showcases traditional motifs that take days to weave by hand. These work beautifully for festive occasions and special family gatherings. Starting from ₹10,000.

All-Over Jamdani Ponduru Cotton Sarees

These are the crown jewels of Ponduru weaving. Every inch of the saree features hand-lifted jamdani patterns—weeks of painstaking work that creates a textile artwork. Our customers choose these for weddings, important ceremonies, and occasions where they want to showcase true handloom heritage. The craftsmanship justifies the investment. Starting from ₹25,000 to ₹3,00,000.

Unique Ponduru Cotton Sarees

We also curate special pieces with big borders, unusual color combinations, or distinctive design elements that our family discovers during buying trips. These one-of-a-kind Ponduru cotton sarees are for collectors and connoisseurs.

Why Ponduru Cotton Sarees Are Perfect for You

• Lightweight Summer Cotton: The handspun quality makes Ponduru cotton exceptionally lightweight and breathable. While they're perfect for summer heat, their elegant drape makes them suitable throughout the year.
• Versatile Styling: Our customers wear plain Ponduru cotton sarees daily—comfortable enough for work, elegant enough for meetings. The all-over jamdani pieces transition beautifully to weddings and formal events. A single Ponduru saree can serve multiple occasions based on how you drape and accessorize it.
• Generational Quality: Like all handlooms we curate, Ponduru cotton sarees are textiles, not garments. They can be passed down through generations, reworn by daughters and granddaughters, and always remain timeless. We often see mothers and daughters both choosing Ponduru cotton for different occasions.
• Authentic Handspun Khadi: In an era of machine-made fabrics, owning a genuine handspun Ponduru khadi saree means connecting to the same textile tradition that Mahatma Gandhi championed. You're supporting the 950 Gandhi charkha spinners and traditional weavers in Ponduru and surrounding areas who maintain this craft that our grandfather helped sustain for over 80+ years. This is the khadi of India's independence movement, still woven the same way today.

How to Choose Your Ponduru Cotton Saree

• For daily elegance: Choose plain Ponduru cotton with silk or zari borders. Easy to maintain, comfortable all day, and effortlessly stylish.
• For festive occasions: Pallu jamdani designs offer the perfect balance—comfortable cotton with artistic detailing that catches the eye.
• For special celebrations: All-over jamdani Ponduru sarees make a statement. These are investment pieces that you'll treasure and pass down.
• For collectors: Ask about our unique pieces with special borders or rare color combinations that we discover on our buying trips.

Visit Our Stores for Ponduru Cotton Sarees

While our complete collection is available online, seeing Ponduru cotton in person lets you appreciate the handspun texture and lightweight drape. Our extensive Ponduru cotton selections are available at:

• Delhi Showroom: Explore our curated Ponduru collection in the capital
• Hyderabad Stores: Multiple locations with comprehensive Ponduru ranges
• Bengaluru Store: With comprehensive Ponduru ranges
• Visakhapatnam V Square: Special regional connection to Andhra Pradesh's weaving heritage

Our family members and trained staff at each location can guide you through thread counts, jamdani techniques, and help you choose the perfect Ponduru cotton saree for your needs.

Caring for Your Ponduru Cotton Saree

• Dry clean only - avoid washing at home to protect the weave
• Avoid harsh detergents that can damage natural fibers
• Store in cotton cloth, away from moisture
• The jamdani work is delicate—handle the patterned areas with care
• With proper care, your Ponduru cotton saree will soften beautifully over time and last for generations

The Kankatala Promise

For over 80+ years, our family has built relationships with weaving communities across India. Our connection to Ponduru weavers spans five decades—we know the families, understand their craft, and personally select every piece. We see ourselves as custodians of the same tradition Mahatma Gandhi wrote about and wore, ensuring that this historic khadi remains accessible and authentic.

When you choose a Ponduru cotton saree from Kankatala, you're choosing:

• Personally handpicked quality by our family
• Direct weaver relationships with Ponduru's Padmasali and Devanga communities
• Authentic Gandhi charkha spinning and traditional loom weaving
• Carefully inspected thread count, indigenous cotton quality, and weaving skill
• Heritage designs honoring traditional jamdani techniques
• Transparent pricing from everyday cottons to collector pieces
• Living history connecting you to the khadi Gandhi championed

This is the Kankatala difference—three generations of expertise, personal curation, and unwavering commitment to the handloom excellence that our nation's founding father valued.

FAQs Ponduru Cotton Sarees

What is Ponduru cotton?

Ponduru cotton, also called Ponduru khadi, is handspun cotton from Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. Unlike mill-made cotton, every Ponduru saree is hand-drawn from raw cotton and handspun, making it exceptionally soft and lightweight.

What is jamdani weaving in Ponduru sarees?

Jamdani is a labor-intensive technique where weavers hand-lift individual warp threads to create designs based on paper patterns beneath the loom. This creates intricate motifs that are woven into the fabric, not printed or embroidered. All-over jamdani Ponduru sarees can take weeks to complete.

How do I choose between plain, pallu jamdani, and all-over jamdani Ponduru sarees?

Plain Ponduru cotton with borders (from ₹3,000) works for daily and professional wear. Pallu jamdani (from ₹10,000) aps festive elegance while remaining comfortable. All-over jamdani (₹25,000-₹3,00,000) is for special occasions and collectors who appreciate fine handloom artistry.

Are Ponduru cotton sarees only for summer?

While their lightweight nature makes them perfect for summer, Ponduru cotton sarees work year-round. The handspun cotton breathes beautifully in heat and layers well in cooler weather. Many of our customers wear them throughout the year.

How can I verify authentic Ponduru cotton?

Authentic Ponduru cotton has a distinctive handspun texture—slightly uneven and incredibly soft. The jamdani work, if present, shows hand-lifted patterns visible on both sides. At Kankatala, we've been working directly with Ponduru weavers for 80+ years, ensuring every piece is genuine.

Where can I buy Ponduru cotton sarees in Hyderabad?

Visit any Kankatala store in Hyderabad to explore our Ponduru cotton collection. Our staff can show you the difference in thread counts and explain the jamdani techniques used in each piece.