What is Thazampoo Reku?
In Tamil, Thazampoo refers to a fragrant blossom, and Reku describes the temple-style triangular border found in traditional handloom sarees. When woven into a Kanchipuram silk saree, Thazampoo Reku forms a rhythmic line of fine triangular zari tips along the edge — sharp, elegant, instantly recognizable, and deeply rooted in South Indian textile heritage.
These tiny peaks resemble flower petals or rising temple gopurams, symbolising divinity and auspiciousness. Their height, spacing, and zari density vary from saree to saree, giving each piece a unique personality — structured, ceremonial, and unmistakably Kanchipuram.
Thazampoo Reku in Korvai Weaving
In korvai weaving, Thazampoo Reku plays both a visual and structural role. It is one of the clearest markers that a saree is made using authentic Kanchipuram technique, not powerloom or fused-border alternatives.
Korvai is a labour-intensive weave where the body and borders are constructed separately and then interlocked by hand, thread by thread — a skill passed through generations of weavers.
How Thazampoo Reku Sits in the Korvai Structure
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Edges the saree like a crown
The triangular zari tips finish the border with a crisp, festive edge. -
Highlights contrast
In korvai sarees, Reku visually connects the plain body with rich zari borders, creating a seamless, striking transition. -
Strengthens the join
The triangular layout supports even tension in the korvai interlock — beauty with function.
How Thazampoo Reku is Woven
- Warp Setup: Two colours are arranged — one for the body, one for the border — with zari threads introduced for design.
- Shuttles: Three shuttles work simultaneously — one for the body and two for the borders.
- Korvai Interlock: Body and border weft threads are hand-twisted and interlocked at every pass, ensuring a strong join.
- Motif Weaving: The triangular Reku form is created by inserting zari as an extra weft exclusively on the border.
- Pattern Control: A Jacquard or mechanism lifts selective warp threads, shaping the zari into perfect pointed triangles.
This meticulous process ensures each zari peak remains crisp, aligned, and firmly held — a true hallmark of handloom.
A Distinct Feature of Handloom
Like thazampoo petals strung into a divine maalai, these triangular tips guide the eye along the korvai — a silent visual rhythm at the border, holding generations of weaving wisdom in every pointed tip.