Banarasi sarees make an elegant choice for any special event or formal gathering, featuring high-quality silk fabric adorned with golden and silver thread zari zari woven through.
These sarees are handwoven in Varanasi, India and come in an assortment of styles and colors.
The fabric
Fabric choices used in making Banarasi saree have an enormous effect on their aesthetics and quality, whether made of silk, cotton, or other natural fibers; texture or hue may change depending on which dyes it receives.
Tussar silk, organza silk and kora silk saree fabrics are some of the most admired banarasi saree fabrics in India, admired for their luxurious texture and golden hue. Additionally, these lightweight yet comfortable pieces can easily fit into daily wearer wardrobes.
Organza and kora silk sarees often feature intricate brocade work, beautiful prints, or Zari Buttas to add depth and dimension. Gold or silver motifs with sequins often complete their look for added sparkle and shimmer.
These sarees were traditionally woven on Naksha drawlooms; however, modern power looms offer a simpler option that does not require manual skill for use.
Hand-loom Banarasi sarees typically take anywhere between fifteen days and six months to produce, due to the time required to weave intricate designs and brocades on hand-looms. Weavers often receive very limited compensation for their efforts.
Power looms are also used to produce Banarasi silk sarees, making production faster and cheaper compared to handloom production methods. This has led to a decline in hand-loom use within this industry.
Another issue related to weavers’ livelihoods is their declining demand for handloom products, leading many to abandon their looms and seek other forms of employment as means to generate income.
Silk cloth was first introduced into Northern India during the Mughal era, sparking a shift in Uttar Pradesh’s weaving industry which is now well known for producing traditional silk sarees.
One of the world’s most renowned sarees, Banarasi sarees are famed for their exquisite beauty and unique textures. A Banarasi saree stands as a signpost to beauty, elegance, and grace in India.
Hindu religion values purity and spirituality as an attribute. Women of all ages from young girls to elderly ladies wear it on special occasions or holidays as an expression of their devotion and to honor Hindu traditions.
The motifs
Banarasi sarees feature intricately woven designs featuring zari thread, creating an exquisite and exquisite appearance. Banarasis are widely known for their rich texture and exquisite beauty – perfect for special events such as weddings.
Banarasi sarees feature intricate silk yarn weaving to add flowers, birds, animals and leaves as motifs that add texture to their sarees.
Floral patterns woven into fabric using gold and silver threads are another type of motif often found on borders of sarees.
These intricate motifs are carefully hand-crafted with skill and attention to detail. Offering you an opportunity to show off your sense of style.
One of the most beloved patterns found on Banarasi sarees is Konia. Which features an intricate mango motif meant to symbolize prosperity and wealth. Women across generations love this classic look!
Other motifs used on Banarasi sarees include paisleys, check prints that add a modern flair and help them to stand out.
Paisley patterns are elegant teardrop-shaped designs woven into fabric fabric, adding an eye-catching and versatile element that can be added to any saree design.
Paisley prints add a luxurious and elegant flair to any ensemble, and can be created by weaving two or more colors of silk yarn in an intricate pattern.
This type of saree is extremely durable and long-wearing, easy to care for and maintain, while maintaining its luster for extended periods of time.
These sarees come in an array of colors; the most frequently seen shades being red, pink and yellow.
When purchasing a Banarasi saree, the key point to remember is finding one from a trustworthy store. Due to counterfeits circulating the market, it’s essential that customers source from stores with good reviews for purchasing.
The price
Banarasi sarees are an integral component of bridal trousseau that serve to complement and emphasize a bride’s beauty. They represent elegance, sophistication and cultural heritage.
Gold and silver brocades that take hours to weave are one of the most intricate forms of Indian wedding sarees, dating back to Mughal times and beyond. Today they remain highly desired among brides for special events like Indian weddings.
Price for banarasi sarees depends on various factors, including fabric quality and level of craftsmanship involved. Furthermore, design options and brocade work may have an impactful effect on its price.
Traditional banarasi saree production takes between 15 days and six months on handloom looms. However, depending on its design complexity this time can increase significantly. There are power looms available that can produce these garments faster.
Banarasi silk sarees are costly due to their intricate weaving pattern and fine fabric texture. As well as being intricately designed using real silver or gold threads that add real value.
Banarasi sarees used to be exclusively reserved for royalty. But now they’re more accessible and affordable for everyday wearers. With so many colors and patterns to choose from. These exquisite garments make an excellent option when searching for bridal sarees.
If you are considering purchasing a Banarasi saree, make sure its silk content and zari work are both of high quality. A genuine Banarasi silk saree should have soft yet smooth fabric. While its zari work should use real silver or gold threads. If its plastic fabric or dull zari work indicates a possible fake, steer clear!
Another key consideration in purchasing a saree is size. Larger sizes will typically cost more due to requiring more silk thread to weave it, and will likely weigh more. Therefore, it’s essential that you select one in which fits you comfortably for best results.
The style
Banarasi silk sarees, produced in Varanasi/Banaras and considered some of the finest in India, are renowned for their intricate brocade work and fine texture. Popular among women seeking out fine fabrics for special occasions or festive celebrations. Available in vibrant colors with Mughal artistry designs or Chinese Tanchoi weaving techniques being combined to form beautiful traditional Indian patterns and designs.
Banarasi sarees traditionally were produced in red and orange tones. However, celebrities are now sporting these sarees with pastel pink or lime green colors for a more stylish appearance. Furthermore, modern draping techniques allow women to more comfortably wear Banarasi sarees.
Abstract prints, check prints and paisley prints are among the most prominent motifs seen on Banarasi sarees, adding contemporary flair and charm.
Jangala motifs are another distinctive design found on Banarasi sarees, featuring Jagala vegetation throughout their length. These intricate patterns represent good luck and success and carry significant symbolic meaning.
Gold and silver zari threads are used to craft these intricate designs. Which must be woven with great care to achieve their beauty.
These classic sarees are the perfect way for women to showcase their elegance on special occasions such as weddings.
Sarees can also make for a fantastic way to stand out in a crowd at parties. Pair one with bright jewellery for maximum impact!
Banarasi sarees were once an immensely popular choice among brides-to-be. And those were frequently worn at their weddings. Prized for their beauty and craftsmanship, these banarasi sarees are highly prized by brides-to-be on their big day. But now, due to unfair trade practices they are becoming harder and harder to find. Ultimately being replaced by machine made versions instead.
