Banarasi Saree Guide: History, Types, Colors & Designs
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Banarasi sarees are the queen of Indian attire. Banarasi sarees also shine like jewels in every Indian woman’s wardrobe. They have been popular since the time of the Mughal invasion in India. Modernization has led to numerous evolutions in saree fashion, but the love for these ethnic garments has never waned. Banarasi sarees are heirlooms and timeless treasures passed down through generations. The sacred weaves bring modern and traditional women an amazing and exclusive collection of authentic Banarasi sarees in distinctive colors, designs, and embroidery work. Let’s have a look at the history of Banarasi sarees and the designs and colors that can be great choices for every wardrobe.
History Of Banarasi Sarees
Banarasi sarees have a rich history, deep-seated in the Mughal period. Luxurious raw silk fabrics were woven during this era, Banaras (now Varanasi) being the epicenter for the silk trade. Various weaving techniques evolved in the city of Varanasi, and Banarasi silk fabric started attaining fame. Over the years, Banarasi brocades and other fabrics evolved into attractive pure Banarasi silk sarees. The craftsperson used to incorporate Mughal designs and motifs, including peacock, florals, and elephant patterns on the sarees. Later, the Banarasi silk fabrics and Banarasi sarees’ production expanded, and several weaving clusters emerged in and outside the city. Then, ‘weaver families’ carried the rich tradition of Banarasi weaving further.
Why Are Banarasi Sarees So Famous?
These sarees are crafted from fine mulberry silk, commonly known as tussar silk. This makes the silk fabric exclusive, durable, and luxurious. This offers a beautiful shine, flow, and texture to the sarees. Also, the weavers primarily use gold and silver zari threads for crafting pure Banarasi sarees. Other unique features that make the sarees stand out and become the pride of Indian cultural heritage are:
- Exquisite craftsmanship With Delicate weaving
- Hand-spun silk threads used
- Traditional methods for the natural shine
- Materials like resham, cotton, and art silk are also used.
- Intricate patterns and motifs make Banarasi sarees fine masterpieces.
- Traditional dying techniques like bandhej and nakashi to create different hues.
- Extremely light and soft to wear.
Types Of Banarasi Sarees
Katan Banarasi Sarees
The use of katan silk makes these sarees precious and popular. The strong yet soft fabric of katan is made by twisting the silk filaments. Lustrous, lightweight, and soft katan silk sarees are comfortable to drape.
Bandhej Banarasi Sarees
You will find the traditional bandhej (tie-dye) design on these sarees. This rich Banarasi weaving with bandhej design makes the saree look traditional and royal. Gold and silver zari are also used to craft the border of these sarees. You can wear these sarees on festivals and at weddings.
Tissue Banarasi Sarees
They are shiny and glamorous versions of Banarasi sarees and the most popular designs. Golden zari flowers, are designed with cut-work technique on these sarees. As the name implies, the fabric is woven with tissue segments. Scenes and depictions from nature are used on the delicate Banarasi tissue sarees.
Tanchoi Banarasi Sarees
These sarees are made with special techniques of weaving in which colorful weft yarns are used, and they don’t feature any zari work. Peacock, floral, and veined motifs, as well as parrots, are some of the elements incorporated into these sarees.
Georgette Banarasi Sarees
Banarasi touch is given to light georgette sarees with zari or resham embroidery patterns along the pallu and border. These sarees feature lavish embellishments like zari, resham, sequins, stones, and bead embellishments.
Organza Banarasi Sarees
Organza Banarasi sarees are made with an elaborate and laborious technique to make sarees lightweight and yet hold a shape well. These sarees are perfect for structured pleats and crisp drapes.
Jangla Banarasi Sarees
Jangla is a type of design in Banarasi sarees that features all-over ‘jaal’. This design adds a lot of character and charm to the saree. The motifs woven with colorful silk threads look gorgeous and attractive.
Banarasi Crepe Sarees
These sarees are loved for elegance, their finely woven fabric, and luxurious finish. They are perfect for festivals and family gatherings. The crepe sarees with Banarasi finish offer ultimate comfort and style.
Banarasi Saree Color Choices
Young brides and even middle-aged women are spoilt for choice when it comes to Banarasi saree colors. For some, it’s a bridal bliss, for some religious fervor, and for many a symbol of courage, boldness, royalty, and splendor. Let’s have a look at a few Banarasi saree colors that delight women.
Green- For Sassiness & Serenity
Well, each shade reflects different vibes, but green is royal, glamorous as well as traditional. You can choose green Banarasi sarees in various shades like lime, fern, bottle, parrot, peacock, lemon, and jade. Each shade has its own significance. Overall, a green Banarasi saree can take your royal statement a notch higher.
Red- For Ruling The Room
Red is a passionate color, versatile, auspicious, blissful, and romantic. With a red Banarasi silk saree, you can achieve cultural symbolism, become a portrayal of a married woman, a goddess-like figure, a glam diva, and a joyful woman. As per Indian culture, the color red brings prosperity, exuberance, and is symbolic of a blissful marital life. Red Banarasi sarees are also a color of romance.
Purple- Play Perfect & Passionate
Purple Banarasi sarees are traditional as well as contemporary. It’s a rule-breaking option to keep your taste modern as well as rooted in Indian culture. Purple Banarasi saree also has a good amount of glamour factor. Get ready to turn heads with super-ethnic choice and an element that can offer you the best of both world.
Yellow- Elevate Your Ethnicity
You can nail the latest and edgy look with a yellow Banarasi saree. The zari-woven saree looks straight out of a fairytale for weddings, pujas, family events, gatherings, and festivals. A yellow Banarasi silk saree can be the most flattering choice for ethnic divas.
Silver- The Staple For Your Parties
If you want your Banarasi saree to be an epitome of contemporary appeal, you must go for this voguish silver number. The Banarasi tissue saree in a shiny silvery hue can make you look traditional without compromising on style. This saree is an elegant and classic choice for weddings, cocktails, receptions, and office parties.
Contemporary Banarasi Saree Styles
Banarasi sarees are the epitome of Indian elegance that is passed down to generations. The cultural legacy of the sarees has transcended beyond geographical boundaries to become a global fashion statement. Women are styling the Banarasi sarees and adding a fancy take for parties and cocktails. You can explore new draping techniques and opt for accessories for an Indo-Western appeal. Blouse designs can also add a modern touch to Banarasi sarees. Peplum, crop top, kurti, halter, sleeveless, crochet, and backless are a few blouse designs that offer a contemporary twist to the sarees. Blouses with statement sleeves play a huge role in shaping the look of a Banarasi saree blouse. Accessories like belts, waist chains, footwear, and purses can make a Banarasi saree look elegant, edgy, formal, and traditional. Actresses like Kangana Ranaut, Vidya Balan, Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, and Sonakshi Sinha wear luxury handloom sarees with perfect elan.
At Samyakk, they provide their customers with high-quality Banarasi silk sarees, Banarasi tussar silk sarees, Banarasi tissue sarees, Banarasi georgette sarees, and other pure banarasi sarees. Women can elevate their style for weddings, festivals, formal gatherings, and any grand occasion with a royal zari-woven Banarasi silk saree. Handloom Banarasi silk sarees are an exclusive collection that is crafted by master artisans of the heritage city of Varanasi. With Samyakk, you can dive deeper into the beauty, modernity, and significance of premium Banarasi silk sarees. Discover the timeless charm of Banarasi sarees at Samyakk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What factors should customers consider while purchasing a Banarasi saree?
Various factors play a crucial role in the overall look and appeal of a Banarasi silk saree. Color, silk quality, zari work, motifs, and authenticity are the foremost things that should come to mind before buying a Banarasi saree.
What designs are available in Banarasi sarees?
Banarasi sarees feature various designs like bandhej, jangla, kaamdani, tanchoi, and cutwork. Peacock, flowers, veins, lotus, buttis, and stripes are the common designs that enhance the Banarasi saree look.
Do Banarasi sarees come in contemporary designs also?
Yes, contemporary designs with digital print, foil work, and satin mix are ideal for new-age women. The sarees are also available in modern colors such as pastels, metallic shades, silver, ivory, and more. These designs don’t let you compromise on the authenticity, ethnicity, and uniqueness of traditional Banarasi sarees.
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