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Writer's pictureShivkala S

Banarasi sarees

Banarasi sarees have been a traditional attire in India for centuries, and they have always been known for their intricate designs and cultural heritage. Banarasi silk was introduced to India by the Mughal Empire with its intricate weaving and designing craftsmanship. The Banarasi silk today has a mixture of two different cultures, the Mughals and Indian. In the olden days, silk for this saree was imported from China; nowadays the silk is sourced from the Southern parts of India.

The Banarasi sarees are made in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The Banarasi sarees were originally embellished with threads made from real gold and silver for the royal family. For them to be affordable nowadays for everyone, the threads have been replaced with coloured gold and silver threads. It usually takes around 15 to 30 days to complete weaving a Banarasi saree. However, it depends on the complexity of the design and patterns. Normally 3 weavers are required in the creation of this saree. One weaves the saree, the second one handles the revolving ring in making bundles, and the third one assists in border designing. Making the Banarasi saree requires teamwork. Ideally, a Banarasi saree has around 5600 thread wires and all are 45 inches wide. The craftsmen make a base of 24-26 inches long. Designing the motifs begins at the bundling stage.


The Banarasi saree is divided into categories like Tissue, Butidar, Cutwork, Tanchoi, and Jangal. Tissue sarees are woven with golden Zari Brocade to add sheen to the saree. Butidar sarees are woven with brocade threads silver, silk, and gold. Cutwork sarees are the less expensive version of Jamdani sarees. They are products of the cutwork technique on plain texture. Leaves, jasmine, creepers, and marigold flowers are popular motifs featured on Cutwork sarees. Tanchoi sarees patterns are woven with colourful weft silk yarns. The decorations on this saree are large motifs of paisleys and the border has criss-cross patterns.

Jangal sarees are woven with colourful silk threads it’s decorated with intricate patterns of Jangala motifs and vegetation that fall along the saree.

These traditional and stunning Banarasi silk sarees are recognized globally due to the unique patterns and intricate designs made on the sarees. The Banarasi saree is a must-have in the wardrobe.

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