Banarasi Saree – Queen of Indian Dress

Sarees have a great status in Indian culture. Sarees are a symbol of Indianness. In this culture sarees are inseparable. Different types of sarees originated here. Among them, Banarasi silk is a fine variant of silk originating from the city of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. This fine silk woven saree known as Banarasi silk saree is very popular in India and around the world. Banarasi silk has its roots in the rich cultural history of India. Each Banarasi saree is crafted from genuine gold and silver threads, taking over a year to make. Banarasi silk sarees are considered women’s favorite dresses. The idea that these silk sarees are the pride of Indian culture and heritage is pleasing. Each Banarasi saree is a visual story of India’s traditions, values, and culture, carefully crafted thread by thread. Banarasi saree can be your favorite dress to wear on many special occasions. Saree is said to be an adornment for a woman, similarly, when wearing this saree, the beauty of a woman is enhanced. The sarees are made of finely woven silk and are decorated with intricate designs and are relatively heavy due to these carvings. Vibrant colors, rustling silks, shimmering accents, and motifs like intricate tapestry rooted in tradition, are rich Banarasi saree options.

Banarasi sarees are made of finely woven silk and decorated with intricate designs and because of these carvings, these sarees are relatively heavy. Depending on the intricacy of its designs and patterns, a saree can take anywhere from 15 days to a month and sometimes up to six months to complete. In earlier days, these sarees were crafted from real gold and silver threads and took about a year to make. Banarasi silk has its roots in India’s rich cultural history, with references in the Mahabharata and Buddhist scriptures dating back to the first millennium. Banarasi silk was introduced to India by the Mughal Empire with its intricate weaving and design craftsmanship. The origin of Banarasi silk sarees dates back to 1603 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar when Gujarati weavers migrated to Banaras, their love for fine silk and fabrics led to the birth of the Banarasi silk saree with its classic features—respected for its quality. Banarasi silk today has a blend of two different cultures, Mughals and Indians. In earlier days, silk for this saree was imported from China, nowadays silk is sourced from southern parts of India. In the world of fashion, the Banarasi silk saree is undoubtedly the most sought-after fabric across the globe.

Indian weddings and festivals are never complete without silk sarees. Festivals and weddings are adorned with sarees. Apart from this, these sarees are witness to a very gorgeous look. Banarasi silk sarees are one of the finest silk fabrics that add a splash of grandeur to any festival. Originating from the ancient Indian city of Banaras or Varanasi, each fabric and saree has its heritage. Banarasi sarees are the constant efforts of artisans who weave with utmost faith. Banarasi silk sarees are known for their luster and elegance. The fascinating weaving techniques of Banaras give the world-famous Banarasi silk sarees this luxurious feel.

Origin of Banarasi Saree

The history of Indian sarees starts from Ramayana and Mahabharata 1000 to 300 B.C. The art of intricate weaving began to flourish in the city during the Mughal period in the 14th century. At that time, the exquisite silk of the Banarasi saree was created exclusively for royalty and was woven using real gold and silver threads. It usually takes a year to make these silks. Banarasi sarees are timeless pieces of Indian heritage, known for their intricate designs, luxurious fabric, and unmatched beauty. Varanasi was a famous cotton-weaving center during the early Buddhist period. Banarasi silk was introduced to India with the advent of the Mughal Empire. Brocade weaving gained importance with the migration of weavers from Gujarat in the 17th century. Inflows from Persia and Central Asia led to the use of Zari. The original Banarasi silk today is a mixture of Indian and Mughal influences.

These sarees have a rich heritage spanning centuries and have always been admired by royalty and artistic professionals. Also, Banarasi silk sarees are preferred for weddings that exude opulence and grandeur. Intricate craftsmanship using gold and silver adds to its appeal. Moreover, the prices of Banarasi sarees for weddings vary according to the quality of silk, craftsmanship, and intricacy of the design. Banarasi sarees originate from the city of Varanasi, also known as Banaras, which is, naturally, in the Uttar Pradesh region of India. Banarasi sarees are timeless pieces of Indian heritage, known for their intricate designs, luxurious fabric, and unmatched beauty. These sarees have been woven in the city of Varanasi for over a thousand years and are considered some of the finest sarees in India. Handwoven Banarasi sarees are not just clothes, they are a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage and the skill of the weavers who create them.

Features of Banarasi silk sarees

They are one of the best traditional sarees and are very heavy due to their rich embroidery, perfect for parties, festivals, and weddings. This saree is traditionally made in four types namely organza, georgette saree, satin saree, and pure silk. There are many varieties of Banarasi silk sarees like organza, satin borders, jungle, brocades, tanchoi, cutwork, and silk butidar which have interesting designs of animals, birds, flowers, fruits, human figures, and geometric patterns. Persian motifs are also included in Indian designs to create the distinctive floral patterns of sarees that are still used today. Banarasi sarees were originally designed for royalty with threads made of real gold and silver. Nowadays, the threads are replaced by colored gold and silver threads, which are affordable for everyone. This famous saree has eye-catching patterns and shades that are woven on handlooms and shipped all over the world. Banarasi sarees are divided into categories like tissue, bidar, cutwork, tanchoi, and jungle. Tissue sarees are woven with golden zari brocade to add shine to the saree. The borders and pallu of the saree are designed with self-woven paisleys.

Facts about the Banarasi Silk Sarees

An ideal Banarasi saree has around 5600 threads. A single Banarasi saree design requires hundreds of perforated cards to incorporate a unique design. Surprisingly it takes around 15 days to 6 months to make a Banarasi saree. For complex designs, more time is required. Ramayana and Mahabharata mention Banarasi sarees. Buddhist stories of Jataka and other texts also refer to Kashi’s exquisite weavings. In earlier days, Banarasi silk sarees were made only for royalty and the rich. Silver and gold were used for weaving. A Banarasi saree is heavy due to the rich embroidery and zari work. Banarasi silk sarees are considered the best wedding dress in many Indian cultures. A real Banarasi silk saree costs between Rs 8,000 and Rs 3 lakh. These traditional and stunning Banarasi silk sarees are recognized globally today for their unique patterns and intricate designs. The world of fashion is changing day by day, even in such situations, keeping pace with the times with new designs has earned a top position in the market and has earned love in the hearts of women.