THE TIMELESS LEGACY OF FINE CRAFTED BANARASI SAREES

Banaras - City of Gods

Older than the oldest, the city of Banaras is the spiritual capital of India and continues to draw a large number of pilgrims every year. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, the city has mothered innumerable generations of saints, poets, scholars, weavers, artisans and not to forget, the emperors.

If Adi Shankar Acharya established Shiva worship under the shade of this ancient city of gods, Buddha gave his first sermon at nearby Sarnath. Also, the holy city boasts of the legacy of Tulsidas, who wrote Ram Charit Manas, as well as other Bhakti saints like Kabir and Ravidas. Later, during the 14^th century, the Mughals established their rule thus bringing about a new cultural revolution.

With such an exotic amalgamation of different faiths and cultures taking place at a single destination, the city is bound to preserve the sacred blend of religious edifices coupled with ancient architecture and world-class traditional crafts.

Banarasi Sarees- Glamourizing Traditions

These rich and intricately woven silk sarees are among India’s most coveted possessions. The silk weaving industry reached great heights during the Mughal period.

The highly skilled weavers from Gujarat who migrated to Banaras brought along their indigenous art. Thus contributing to the development of the industry.

History

These sarees date back to the times of the epic Mahabharata. Initially, the weavers producing these finely crafted silk sarees, worn during festivals, were inspired by designs found in Jasmine, Marigold, Diagonal stripes, Betel nut flower and mango flower.

Such is the simplicity of this traditional craft which beautifully captures the essence of our country’s ethos.

Outstanding Features

The traditional silk industry provides employment to an impressive number of people in the city. The marked characteristics of this ancient but classic art can be summed up as follows:

• Pick up any authentic traditional-style Banarasi Saree and be rest assured that is carved with 5600 thread wires.
• Teamwork is an integral part of the entire manufacturing process. Three people work together handling different tasks in order to create the stunning fabric with exclusive embroidery work.
• These sarees are heavy due to the rich embroidery adorning them and therefore bought only for special events.
• Initially, these sarees were made using real gold and silver threads. But, later to make it economical, the original threads were replaced by gold and silver coloured threads.
• These sarees are woven on the handloom through the Jacquard mechanism.
• They can be manufactured anywhere in 15 days to an entire 6 month period. The work depends on the kind of embroidery work to be done.

Diversity Among The Banarasi Sarees

An ideal and pure Banarasi saree is made using silk and gold brocade designs. However, a number of varieties now exist within the brand.

1. Katan - It is characterised by twisted threads of fine silk.
2. Brocade – Brocade refers to the intricate but fascinating designs made from silk threads and zari.
3. Georgette- This variety is mostly found in designer Banarasi sarees. This variety includes warp and weft techniques to make sarees with S and Z twisted yarns.
4. Tissue- Using golden zari and paisley motifs, these sarees give an incredible golden shine to the fabric.

Geographical Indication Tag

Our rich cultural heritage in the form of Banarsi sarees has joined the prestigious club of protected goods. In 2009, it secured the Geographical Indication tag thus preventing other fake saree brands to promote themselves as Banarasi saree makers.

A Perfect Choice For A Perfect Evening

A Banarasi saree can make any woman look more elegant, feminine and gorgeous. Look stylish and traditional simultaneously while also helping this traditional crafts to flourish and develop in many more years to come.