A sari (also spelled saree) is usually a 5-6 yard piece of cloth worn by a large section of the Indian population. It is worn along with a blouse that usually comes down till the rib cage, and a petticoat beneath the sari.
There are various styles in making and wearing a sari. These are determined as much by geographical location in India as by tradition and taste. For example, kanchivaram, patola, hakoba, zari, etc.
There are a few important aspects of a sari. The pallu which is the free end of the sari can be worn over the head, as a mark of respect for elders, as a custom, or for style, or be left to hang free at the back. The other important, and much looked for, part of the sari is the border. It is usually adorned by prints and designs which are different from the overall pattern on the sari. This adornment can sometimes take the form of intricate patterns handcrafted using delicate gold thread (zari). This is where the sari departs from being just another common garment and takes the form of a status symbol.
