Hi there,
Today, let me take you on a little journey through the stories of Mogasu’s sarees. Our hand-block printed saree brand was born from a deep connection to Goa. When I got married and relocated to this beautiful state, the change was refreshing. Having spent most of my life in bustling cities, Goa’s serene, lush surroundings, quieter roads, and clean air felt like a much-needed change. But as I was settling down into the slow life, I faced a challenge: my closet was filled with heavy silk sarees, which, though beautiful, were hardly practical for Goa's humid climate.
Draping these silk sarees was uncomfortable, and I struggled to stand out in a crowd where light, breathable fabrics were supposed to be a lifesaver. That’s when the idea for Mogasu was born. As a designer, I was driven by the need to solve this problem—to create sarees for women that were not only comfortable but also captured the beauty and spirit of Goa. Mogasu, inspired by the Konkani phrase "mog asun," meaning "let there be love," was my way of bringing together comfort, love, and the essence of Goa in each saree.
Now, let’s dive into the stories behind some of our most loved designs. Every sari at Mogasu is inspired by a unique aspect of Goa, and if you take a closer look at the descriptions on our website, you’ll find the little tales that inspired each print. Each of these stories is of course quite close to my heart.
Kajini: A Tribute to Goa’s Cashew Fruits
One lazy summer morning, I found myself wandering on a hill surrounded by cashew trees. It was getting hotter by the hour, but the sight before me was mesmerizing—cashew fruits in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red hanging from the branches, glowing in the sunlight. This was the first time I had seen so many cashew fruits at once, and I couldn’t get over how beautiful they looked against the backdrop of Goa’s lush greenery.
Inspired by this experience, we designed the Kajini saree. The pallu of this Goan sari captures the vivid colors of the cashew fruits, while the body of the saree is adorned with a hand block print of the fruits themselves. Wearing the Kajini saree is like carrying a piece of Goa’s summer warmth with you, no matter where you go. With our soft cotton block print fabric, this saree is a must have in your wardrobe.
Miri: The Essence of Goa’s Peppercorns
Living in Goa, I’ve come to appreciate the abundance of spices that grow in the plantations here. I noticed tiny green peppercorns drying in the sun, their aroma filling the air with a peppery warmth. Some of the peppercorns had turned red or white, creating a beautiful contrast that caught my eye. This simple, everyday scene inspired the Miri saree.
The Miri saree captures the essence of Goa’s peppercorns, with a black block print of the peppercorns scattered across the fabric. The design is reminiscent of peppercorns drying in the sun, a sight that is so common in Goan households. This Goan saree is perfect for those who want to carry a piece of Goa’s spice-laden air with them wherever they go.
Azulejo Sarees: Inspired by Goa’s Iconic Tiles
If you’ve ever strolled through the streets of Fontainhas in Panjim, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful hand-painted tiles that adorn the houses there. These Azulejos tiles are a part of Goa’s rich heritage, often used as nameplates or as decorative wall features. During one of my visits to Fontainhas, I was captivated by the intricate designs of these tiles and knew that I had to incorporate them into a saree.
The Azulejo sarees are a tribute to these iconic tiles of Goa. We used three intricately hand-carved wooden blocks to create the design, which mimics the patterns found on the tiles. Available in blue and red, these hand block printed saris are a beautiful way to celebrate Goa’s artistic heritage. Whether you’re wearing this cotton saree to a festive occasion or a casual outing, it is sure to turn heads.
Bulbul: A Glimpse of Goa’s Birdlife
One of the things I love most about living in Goa is the abundant birdlife. Right outside my balcony, there’s a breadfruit tree where a pair of Bulbuls have built their nest. These birds, with their red throats and yellow feathers, are a common sight in Goa and never fail to brighten up my day. The Bulbul saree was inspired by this daily view.
Our Bulbul saree is a half-and-half design made from mul cotton, which is light and breathable—perfect for Goa’s climate. One half of the saree features an abstraction of the tree branches, while the other half is inspired by the yellow Bulbuls nesting in the lush green foliage against a blue sky. This Goan saree is a reminder of the simple pleasures of life, like watching birds from your balcony on a lazy afternoon. Buy this cotton saree online on our website!
Bougainvillea: The Beauty of Goa’s Flora
Goa is home to an array of vibrant flora, but the Bougainvillea plant, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. After moving to Goa, I was struck by the variety of colours this plant comes in—shades of peach, white, yellow, and the more common pink. The way these flowers drape over old compound walls is a sight to behold and served as the inspiration for our Bougainvillea saree.
This linen saree is designed in shades of pink and green, with a silver zari border and pallu. The Bougainvillea saree is a tribute to the plant that adds a pop of colour to Goa’s streets, making even the most ordinary wall look enchanting. Wearing this saree feels like carrying a piece of Goa’s natural beauty with you, wherever you go.
Khidki: The Charm of Goan Windows
If you’ve ever taken a walk through Goa’s villages, you’ve probably noticed the charming windows of the old bungalows. Many of these windows are made from oyster shells, with a small lookout window in the center, perfect for peeking out into the street. These windows, or "khidki" in Konkani, are an integral part of Goa’s architectural heritage.
Our Khidki saree is inspired by these ornate windows. The saree comes in a bright red colour, reminiscent of the vibrant houses you’ll find in Goa, with a hand-block print of the Khidki as a border. This Goan saree is perfect for those who appreciate the architectural beauty of Goa and want to incorporate it into their wardrobe. If you wish to shop silk sarees online, do visit our website.
The Art of Block Printing at Mogasu
At Mogasu, each saree is more than just a piece of fabric—it’s a story, a memory, a piece of Goa that you can wear. The art of block printing is central to our design process. We use hand-carved wooden blocks to create intricate patterns, each one telling a story of its own. The block print fabric we produce is unique, with each saree bearing the mark of the artisan who crafted it.
Whether you’re a lover of sarees, a fan of Goa, or someone who appreciates the art of block printing, Mogasu offers something special for everyone. Our sarees are not just about looking good; they’re about feeling good, too. They’re about comfort, tradition, and the beauty of Goa, all wrapped up in six yards of fabric.
So, the next time you’re looking for a sari that’s as unique as you are, remember Mogasu. Let there be love, let there be comfort, and let there be a little bit of Goa in every saree you wear.
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