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Banarasi Silk Sarees : Everything You Need To Know About Them!
Banarasi silk sarees are Indian sarees made in Varanasi, a city which is also called Benares or Banaras. The sarees are among the finest sarees in India and are known. And you'll find very few people who don't like them! There's something about a rich Banarasi saree which is classic- something you just cannot go wrong with, whether you're including them in your bridal trousseau or choosing to wear it on your big day, and trust us, while Banarasi lehengas might be a recent trend on the wedding day, Benarasi sarees have been worn for ages and ages by brides, and even when they do today, do really stand out in the crowd! Yes, there is a reason why some of the biggest designers in the countries still include Banarasi in their creations, and we have all the info and inspiration you'd need all in one post!

The origin of Banarasi sarees
Banarasi sarees came into existence during the Mughal era when Muslim artisans and craftsman chose Banaras as the place that blended well with their culture and started weaving silk Banarasi sarees there. Their special characteristics are Mughal-inspired designs such as intricate intertwining floral and foliate motifs, kalga and bel, a string of upright leaves called jhallar at the outer, edge of border is a characteristic of these sarees. Depending on the intricacy of its designs and patterns, a saree can take from 15 days to a month and sometimes up to six months to complete.

Silk is not the only form of Banarasi saree you get. There are four fabric varieties of Banarasi sarees, namely:


 * Pure silk (Katan)

Katan is a plain silk fabric. This has woven pure silk threads which are twisted and then woven into pure silk sarees. While today these sarees are produced using looms, during ancient times Katan sarees were handwoven using handlooms.


 * Shattir

Shattir is the sole fabric used to create contemporary and exclusive designs under the name Banarasi.


 * Organza (Kora) designed with zari and silk.

Brocades are most beautiful and richly woven fabric where the patterns are pattered with different designs made by warp and weft. Silver threads are coated with gold and are then woven closely around a silk yarn to create zari brocad


 * Georgette

As you might know already, Georgette is a finely woven light fabric with a simple and plain weave. This is more popular for contemporary sarees.

Banarasi sarees are also segregated according to design process, and the different categories are:


 * Jangla

Woven in colorful silk threads, the name of this sari derives from the pattern of design that distinguishes it from other Banarasi sarees. This one has delicate Jangala patterns in form of Jangala vegetation motif that spreads across the length of the sari. Probably the most ancient ones among Banaras brocades, this one is made in luxurious fabric and is a popular choice for weddings.


 * Tanchoi

This is the beautiful ‘Jamawar’ style paisleys or Labyrinth woven by zari. This is another kind of Benarasi saree which is very popular for weddings, and artisans from Banaras weave patterns on these sarees with colorful weft silk yarns. The pallu of this sari is often decorated with large motifs of paisleys while the border might have criss-cross patterns.


 * Cutwork

These are the sarees which are not as expensive as the ones mentioned above, basically the less expensive version of Jamdani sarees. This one is made using cut work technique on plain texture using some cotton mixed with the silk. Most popular motifs which are featured in cut work sarees are jasmine, marigold flowers, creepers and leaves.


 * Tissue

These have the most delicate look and work of them all. These are delicately woven sarees with golden zari weft which adds sheen to these tissue sarees. The popular designs used in tissue sarees are golden zari woven lotus floating in a radiant pond, where the water drops are designed with cut-work technique. The border and pallu of the sari are patterned with self woven paisleys.


 * Butidar

Probably the most popular and distinctive, Butidar sarees are richly woven, brocaded with threads of gold, silver and silk. Gold is darker in shade as compared to silver threads. Therefore the weavers of Banaras refer to this variety of brocade patterning as Ganga-Jamuna. Motifs are locally popularized as Angoor Bail, Ashrafi Butti, Latiffa Butti, Reshem Butti Jhummar Butti, Jhari Butta, Patti Butti, Baluchar Butta and many more.

So now that you know the history and the types of Benarasi sarees, one question is bound to crop up!

How is a Banarasi saree different from a Kanjivaram?
Image via Nayantara and Sourabh

Both Banarasi and Kanjivaram are two of the finest silk sarees in India, which are popular globally as well. While a lot of them might seem similar on the first glance, the basic difference between these sarees is their origin and their design, which is usually culturally-inspired. While Kanjivaram sarees belong to South India, Kancheepuram specifically in Tamil Nadu, Banarasi sarees find their origin in Varanasi or Banaras in North India. While in a Kanjivaram saree golden thread is used for weaving designs, Banarasi sarees have intricate gold and silver work on them using zari. They both come in a variety of designs and motifs and not to forget, colours!

What kind of blouses look good with Banarasi sarees?
So with brides getting more and more adventurous with their blouses, there are a lot of options to choose from or experiment with your Banarasi saree. But here are the most popular ones we came across!


 * Embroidered blouse

This one is the most popular with brides, especially because they add a lot more to the bridal look!


 * Simple sleeveless blouse

Sleeveless blouses look chic and modern with a traditional option like Banarasi sarees- and whether you're matching the colour or opting for something contrasting, looks great either way!


 * Full sleeved plain blouse

This is another subtle and simple look to pick, which is a good idea for winter weddings!


 * Plain contrasting blouse in lighter or different shade

Whether you want to pick a shade lighter, darker or a new shade altogether, this is another great blouse idea for Banarasi sarees.


 * Matching border elbow length blouse

The most popular and common version, this is one classic blouse design with a Banarasi saree that'll always be in vogue!


 * Brocade blouse

These plain ones in brocade look dainty and nice, and are a trendy new way to mix and match and wear your Banarasi saree.

So now that we have given you enough gyaan on Benarasi silk sarees, lets show you some brides who rocked these sarees instead of lehengas on their big day, and styled and carried them off to perfection!

Sabyasachi Mukherjee★ 4.9
As far as the contemporary designers are concerned, he does some amazing ones which are not only big hits with celebrities, but real brides too. His Banarasi sarees have a big touch of the traditional, and if that is something which you're looking for, then Sabyasachi has some pretty ones from those in bright reds to deep purples.

Anita Dongre★ 4.9
If you're looking for a Benarasi saree that's different from the traditional drapes you usually get to see, then hit her up! She has some beautiful Benarasi sarees interpreted in contemporary georgette drapes, with her signature Gota Patti work, dori, pearl and zardosi work, which looks modern and precious! Plus, check out those offbeat shades!

Ekaya Banaras★ 5
They have some gorgeous sarees with a modern touch to them, which are perfect for new-age brides! Their weaves are unique, and come in so many colours and patterns that it can be hard to make a choice! But stunning nevertheless, we see quite a few brides pick this label for their big day!

Raw Mango
Raw Mango by Sanjay Garg has some gorgeous Banarasi drapes- after all, Banarasi is their thing! From offbeat colours to patterns, they have something for new age brides which is unique and makes a statement!

Ayush Kejriwal
His Banarasi sarees look fresh and different, with some gorgeous hues and interesting patterns! He even has some amazing sarees in Banarasi with embroidery on them too, and if you're looking for something unique that's not been tried out by too many brides, then give this designer a shot!

Here are some brides who rocked Benarasi sarees on their wedding or other wedding functions to perfection!