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Banarasi : An Evergreen silk sarees For Every Wedding Function

Updated: Jun 18, 2022


Indian sarees are an integral part of India’s legacy and culture. It is the most versatile and functional garment that has been popular among women through the ages. For centuries, it has been a staple wear for women belonging to different cultures and regions. This is why modern Indian women have several types and varieties of sarees to choose from. One of the most elegant forms of sarees in India is Banarasi saree. Originating from the holy Ghats of Ganga, this saree has a glorious past. It gets its legacy from the ancient city of Varanasi where craftsmen used gold and silver thread to create these sarees for women of royal families. Every inch of these sarees is about sartorial elegance and its royal appeal makes it one of the most trending sarees even among the modern women. What makes Banarasi silk sarees stand apart from its counterparts is an intricate motif, engravings, and designs on the finest brocade silk that is lustrous and opulent. There is a diverse range of sarees created with unique designs mainly floral, foliage, and upright leaves called jhallar. Each saree has a rich border, which is finished with glistening golden or silver sure that adds to its resplendent charm. Whether it is a regular Banarasi saree or a wedding saree, each one has a natural sheen that gives it its luxe feel. In modern India, this saree is an essential part of North Indian bride’s trousseau. Also, women with rich and classy taste also love to invest in this attire. Today, it has found its way into the most treasured handloom collection of women across the country.


Varanasi or Banaras was once a flourishing handloom industry. The weaving of exquisite brocade silk sarees started in the 17th century and it developed into a whole industry in the 18th and 19th century. However, back in the 14th century, when Mughals were ruling the country, the weaving of brocade silk with zari work was quite prevalent in Banaras. Hence, the Mughal age remains one of the biggest inspirations of the latest saree trends in Banarasi silk.


Today, these sarees belong to the category of premium traditional Indian sarees. These are crafted on the superior-most quality of silk and touch of silver and gold adds to its grandiose. Each piece takes approximately 18 days to 6 months. It’s fine quality silk, painstaking efforts of the craftsman, and opulent zari work are some of the reasons why it is heavily priced. Therefore, many women treat it as their prized possession and a part of their heirloom. These sarees are durable and last for years if they are preserved well. There are a few fabrics that Banarasi sarees are predominantly created with. This variety varies from the purest form of silks to lightweight georgette. The purest form of Banarasi silk sarees is made of silk called Katan. These sarees are relatively expensive and rich in its appeal. Organza with zari and silk is another variation to explore. Silver threads are used to weave around silk yarn and create zari brocade. Shattir is a popular form of Banarasi silk sarees that is used to create a modern version of this legendary garment. Other than that, there is georgette fabric that is used to create heavier looks for Banarasi designer sarees.

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