Banarasi sarees are considered the gold standard of handloom textiles. Regal and elegant in style, these timeless garments are beloved favorites among women worldwide.
Like every industry and art, theatre must adapt with the changing times to remain profitable. Meeting market demands is essential to their long-term viability.
Origin
Banarasi silks have long been recognized for their rich tradition and royal aesthetic, serving as an inexhaustible source of creativity and delight. Considered precious Indian heirlooms, their presence has even been documented in ancient scriptures.
These bracelets were inspired by Benaras (now Varanasi), the oldest living city of India and an important religious center for Hindus. Weavers in this city have perfected the art of weaving exquisite brocades using both traditional naksha drawloom and heddle systems.
Gold and silver zaris are used to craft intricate patterns on Benarasi sarees. To identify an authentic Benarasi, one should look for its Geographical Indication tag that authenticates it as such; also touch it to feel its softness and lusterousness – this process usually takes one year for weavers!
Styles
Banarasi saree can be woven in various styles. Some feature heavy zari bases known as kinkhab or poth-thans that feature intricate designs woven from gold thread, while others boast lighter zari or silk foundations and are known as tanchoi, featuring vibrant extra weft silk thread.
Tissue banarasi sarees combine silk and zari threads in the warp and weft, with loose strands being manually trimmed off to give these garments their signature Jamdani look. Kora cut work, jangla and resham buti designs are other popular patterns in this category.
Shattir sarees are more lightweight and simpler than their katan banarasi counterparts, being made from crepe yarn instead of silk thread for enhanced comfort during everyday wear.
Materials
Banarasi silk sarees are handwoven using pure mulberry threads for warp and weft weaving, often decorated with gold and silver zari threads for ornamentation. Considered the pinnacle of Indian hand-woven fashion, Banarasi sarees also provide sustainable fashion choices; reuse multiple times without chemical dyeing required!
Traditional weaving was performed on a Naksha drawloom. Weavers would create punch cards corresponding to the desired designs on their sarees and paddle them through the loom. This lengthy process demanded constant attention.
Jangla and Tanchoi Banarasi sarees stand out among the various types of Banarasi sarees available today due to their Mughal influence in design. With intricate floral motifs that add weight, these types are suitable for wedding attire.
Colours
Banarasi sarees are exquisite pieces woven using vibrant hues that make them look alluring and can make brides look their most alluring at their wedding ceremonies or just to look their best in everyday life. Wear one yourself for an effortless beauty look or use it at weddings to complete the ensemble! These beautiful garments can also make any woman more appealing.
These sarees can also be embellished with different designs and patterns, such as jaal work, zari butis meena jangla. Other embellishments may include pita work kundan cut works.
Modern technology has also played a vital role in maintaining this ancient art form. Now available online and sold through trusted sites, Banarasi sarees ensure shoppers receive authentic materials crafted by skilled artisans rather than subpar fake versions made of subpar material. They are also shipped safely so buyers can rest assured their saree will arrive undamaged.
Trends
Hand-woven Banarasi fabrics have recently come under increasing strain. Power looms and cheaper materials have put this heritage fabric at risk, while machine-led weaving techniques mean artisans aren’t being properly compensated for their efforts.
Banaras silk fabrics feature intricate designs inspired by nature and heritage, such as Jasmine flowers, marigolds, mango leaves (paisleys) and betel nut leaves found commonly used as motif in zari brocade designs. Diagonal stripes and chevron patterns have become more widely popular today.
Newer designers have introduced modern styles while maintaining traditional motifs, adding embellishments like sequins to give silk fabric an eye-catching new look and make it more desirable for today’s youth. At Sacred weaves, you can find modern yet elegant silk sarees.
