Mangalagiri is a town in the Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh, India. Mangalagiri saris are simple cotton handloom saris with broad borders woven with gold or silver threads. These saris feature dense weaves in exotic colors.
Traditional Nizam designs are exclusively used in pure Mangalagiri cotton saris. Various beautiful motifs like leaf, mango, parrot and gold coin adorn them. The saris and fabrics are produced in pit looms in and around Mangalagiri.
This special sari has intricate designs that are woven in cotton along with zari or gold-colored patterns that occur in small checks. The pallu (edge) of this sari is adorned with a striped design, which is a typical tribal embellishment made in golden embroidery.
The Mangalagiri fabric is produced by weaving on pit looms from combed yarn by warp and weft interlacing. The pit loom is set by sinking four posters into the ground with an overhang slay.
At present, handloom weaving is the prime occupation in the town of Mangalagiri, and around half the population depends on this cottage industry for their livelihood. The beautifully woven saris and fabrics that are produced in Mangalagiri have placed this small town on the map of world textiles.