India, its diverse landscape, population and religions make for the most colorful picture postcards.

Just as each state differs in the language it speaks, the way its people look, and the cuisine it boasts of, it also prides itself for unique textiles rich in color and artistry. So, if you are an NRI longing for the hues of India to drape yourself in, here is what you can get. The textile tradition is part of the Indian culture, with diverse traditions and geographical conditions adding to the variety and beauty of the textiles. The best fabrics Every Indian state has rich and aesthetic textiles to offer lovers of Indian fabrics. But, the most popular ones in the country and around the world are: Brocades of Varanasi: Also known as the Kinkhwab, or fabric of dreams, this fabric is woven using pure colored silk and gold strands to make beautiful floral designs. Sometimes, a silver zari is woven in the background to add to that extra effect. The chikan work embroidery of Lucknow, also in Uttar Pradesh, is very popular for its intricate deigns done on linen as well as saris and salwar-kurtas. Kanchipuram saris of Tamil Nadu: These Temple Saris get their name from the town of Kanchipuram where they are woven. Many of the designs come in stripes and checks woven in silk yarn and golden threads. Mirror embroidery from Gujarat: Satin and herringbone is used to make beautiful designs with small pieces of mirror attached to colorful material. Pashmina from Kashmir: Kashmir boasts of beautiful and lightweight shawls called the Pashmina, made from the wool of the wild Asian mountain goat. The Shahtoosh is another treasured shawl. Tie-and-dye fabrics from Rajasthan: Known the world over for their colorful and eye catching designs, the Bandej, Shekhawat Bandej, Chunari and Bandhini are famous textiles available. Pochampalli from Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh has some of the most attractive saris from the towns of Pochampalli, Gadwal, Venkatagiri and Dharmavaram with the sarees taking their names from the places where they are woven. Different colored threads are used to make geometrical designs in the saris. Beluchari silks from Bengal: The town of Baluchar in West Bengal makes the famous Beluchari saris. The white outline of motifs, animals and nature form a charming part of these fabrics. Muga silk of Manipur: It is one of the best and longest lasting textiles from the North East. The golden silk used for the saris and traditional Assamese outfits is gathered from a caterpillar. Khadi: Khadi is another fine material with the pride of our freedom struggle attached to it. A material that is hand spun, hand woven and hand printed, the khadi is suitable for all kinds of weather. Today, even the elite flaunt it for its breathing texture.