Banarasi sarees are available in magnificent designs and patterns and at that time it becomes very difficult to understand which one will be good for the occasion or complexion. The stunning craftsmanship with gleaming gold threads is the main USPs of India’s famed handloom showrooms and stores. The technique of infusing gold and silver threads is really old and so touching that every Indian woman wishes to stack this type of sarees in their ethnic wardrobe.
Do you know – it takes almost two to six months to complete a Banarasi sari?
Well, you can still witness the process of weaving in the old handloom stores and emporiums of Varanasi and the glimpse is really for the privileged ones.
Weaving process
You need to visit the emporiums to know better how they weave this collection of magic. The delicate silk threads run through the length and breadth of the machine. And during the process, the zari threads from gold alloys are made by beating them into flattened thin metallic strips. The threads are then passed by brightening treatment to product much more lustre.
Now we come to the fabric and cloth piece;
• The Banarasi sarees are purely made in silk fabric which are then churned and dyed in a variety of colours. Let’s hear about the special features of the saree which are really unbeatable:
• The designs are first engraved onto the papers which look like Braille at that time.
• After being strictly vigilant on the patterns and the work, they are then drawn over the sarees. Based on the work of floral motifs to jail work, they consume time upto 4 months even.
Except golden and silver and hot Bengali red, you will also find it in ample shades and hues. They are specifically made in wide hues and this is why Indian
women love to adorn them a lot. You must have noticed, Rekha, Vidya Balan in rich and expensive Banarasi or Kanjeevaram designer sarees!? From Bollywood, Indian women take a lot of inspiration to wear this classic beauty.
During the Mughal period, the designs on Banarasi sarees were mostly influenced by Islamic motifs and patterns and thus in many Banarasi saree, you may encounter such beautiful hand woven designs. Such of them are – floral patterns, stylised leaves, and jali or network.
One can find Banarasi sarees in a variety of patterns and styles such as Katan silk, Kora silk, in georgette and shatter fabrics. They are then further classified into jangla, tanchoi, vaskat, cutwork, tissue and butidar.
Recognition Of Banarasi Silk in 21st Century
Now you can find them while online shopping as well and top e-commerce websites like IndiaRush also boasts of having such pieces. You can find artificial Banarasi silk sarees as well under a pocket-friendly price tag whereas the pure Banarasi silk saree starts from Rs.2500 to Lacs. It all depends upon the amount of artwork and design done over the fabric.