The sacred town of Banaras is a spiritual tourist destination for all Hindus and is also on the top of the bucket list for all travelers. When we think of Banaras/Varanasi what few things pop up in our mind are the temples, Ghats, holy dip in the Ganga river, the sounds of mantras and prayers, etc. Apart from this, another thing that makes Banaras very popular is Banarasi Sarees, the royal cloth is regarded as a complimentary wardrobe for each Indian woman. If you want a woman to feel feminine, stylish, and at the same time sensitive, then give her a lovely Banarasi Sari made in gold and silk. Not only India are these sarees famous, but they have also gained fans from abroad.
Origin & History
Banarasi sarees are the result of a unique example of fine handicrafts brought by Mughals to India. Few Muslim artisans of the Mughal era, who were experts in the complex art of creating and weaving came up with Banarasi sarees in India, as it was the beginning of Saree weaving art in India. This was the time when sari weaving art grew, and the Indian traditional attire was mixed with Persian motifs. The art and culture of weaving Banarsi sarees have been transcending from one generation to another over the years as this is considered as one of the oldest forms of Sarees.
Designs Of Banarasi Sarees
These sarees are mostly made of fine silk and embellished with traditional embroidery. A Banarasi saree is distinguished by intertwining floral and foliate motifs known as kalga and bel, which are inspired by Mughal designs. These Banarasi silk sarees are significantly heavier than other types of silk sarees. These sarees are completely covered in compact golden or silver designs. It can take up to six months to complete a single saree due to the intricate designs.
How Are Banarasi Sarees Different From Others?
There is a common misconception that a Banarasi Saree is only available in one fabric type; however, it is available in four different fabric variants, including Pure Silk (Katan), Shattir, Organza, and Kora silk with zari work. Jangla, Tanchoi, Cutwork, Tissue, and Butidar techniques are used to create them. It was created during the Mughal era and can take up to 15 days to a month to produce. The manufacturing process can sometimes take up to six months, which is much longer than the manufacturing process for other silk sarees. Furthermore, its origin, design, and culturally inspired appearance set it apart from the competition.
How Are Banarasi Sarees Made?
Using the power-loom, at least three craftsmen collaborate to create one sari. One artisan must weave the silk, another must dye the silk, and the third must engage the bundle of silk, which forms the power ring. The designs are first sketched on graph paper. It has been imprinted as a punch-card patter. This will be used as a thread guide throughout the weaving process.
The artisans may take fifteen days to six months to complete the sari, depending solely on the intricateness of the design. If you want a Banarasi sari made entirely of royal designs, the artisans may take up to a year to complete.
Varieties Of Banarasi Sarees
Banarasi sarees have been classified in different types with their wide-ranging influence, which includes many different motifs, patterns, designs, and materials. Not only does the Banarasis describe the selection in different types, but it is also convenient to sort selects according to the occasion, functionality, and natural style.
Consequently, the fabric used led to the formation of Katan, Shattir, Organza (Kora), and Georgette in four distinct categories.
Katan
Katan is a kind of silk that is as durable as it is lush, making Banarasi the most extravagant sare and making the section mainly festive wear. A simple fabric twisted and seamlessly woven with pure silk threads make Katan robust sarees that keep their long-lasting life.
Shattir
Maybe Banarasi sarees are better integrated into common everyday fashion than Katan ones because their shattir types are comparatively lightweight and simplistic. The fabric which makes Shattirs cost-effective for contemporary designs of these sarees also makes them more affordable for everyone. In their light manifestation, both in fabrication and design, the Shattir sarees are exclusive and modern, and suitable for regular use.
Organza (Kora)
Another type of silk sare Banarasi is those that come in a variety of fabrics or organza or koras. With extensive zari work in predominant gold and silver shades, this variant easily distinguishes both for its rich look and its significant effect. This variety of Banarasis is not, however, basically the material, but the rich sticking and many complex designs that make them a weighted ensemble.
Georgette
Georgette is one of the lightest materials, but it is also a flavor of its own for extremely beautiful sarees. The georgette types of Banarasi are easily among the most distinctive because they have a relatively lighter texture than what characterizes the most conventional cloths in the category. The fine georgette fabric made of crepe yarn is such a delight to give those Banarasi sarees a contemporary and lush yet cozy appeal.
Best Stores To Buy Banarasi Sarees In Delhi
1.Katan Weaves
Where | Shop No. 49, Mehar Chand Market, Behind India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Rd, Lodi Colony, New Delhi.
2.Banaras House Limited
Where | N-13, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
3.Banarasi Silk
Where | Shop No. 5475, Opposite Town Hall, Chandni Chowk Rd, Katra Rathi, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi.
4.Banarasi Emporium
Where | 861 MAIN ROAD CHANDNI CHOWK, BESIDES TIWARI SWEETS, New Delhi.
5.Banaras Sareewala
Where | 9/313 Sunder Vihar, Paschim Vihar, Outer ring road, New Delhi, New Delhi.
Following all these facts and information, we can say that the Banarasi saree is a must-have for every woman in her wardrobe. So, if you are looking out for a perfect drape for your next wedding or any traditional occasion, these amazing Banarasi sarees will be just perfect.
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