The Banarasi saree is an iconic garment with an incredible history. Originating in Varanasi, India’s silk sarees have long been part of Indian culture.
Silk sarees are popularly worn in India as a sign of sophistication and elegance, representing both elegance and sophistication.
Jangala Motifs
Banarasi saree are beloved Indian traditional garments renowned for their exquisite patterns and weaving designs, making them one of the most beloved traditional attires worn at weddings and other formal events.
Jangala motifs can be found in many types of Banarasi sarees. Woven with colorful silk threads, these motifs feature dense brocade designs across their length.
These intricate floral motifs, geometric designs, and other unique Indian-influenced motifs make an amazing fashion statement and showcase your fashion sense! It is also an effective way of showcasing Indian culture!
Banarasi sarees are well-known for their intricate ‘Jangla’ pattern. This type of brocade fabric weaved with vibrant silk threads forms an iconic jungle design motif.
Another highly recognized motif is the ‘buti’ pattern. This floral design is popular among saree weavers and can be woven using gold or silver zari thread. Typically woven in repeated rows, buti designs come in all colors.
Banarasi sarees feature traditional Indian art motifs as well as intricate animal and bird designs that stem from Hindu mythology – an excellent way to incorporate its spirit into clothing! These designs reflect Banarasi art’s heritage.
These sarees often showcase intricate embroidery and embellishment, and are well known for their striking color combinations.
These sarees are an excellent choice for women who wish to stand out in any setting. Available in an array of hues and shades, these garments can be worn to any event without fail.
An exquisite Banarasi saree featuring delicate flower and leafy vine motifs paired with gold zari bel patterns on its border and pallu is certain to add beauty and grace to your collection of Banarasi sarees.
Banarasi sarees boast some of the most intricate weaves. Craftspeople use an ancient technique called Kadwa to craft this masterpiece that takes about a month of hard labor to finish.
Colors And Patterns
Banarasi sarees come in an assortment of colors, prints and patterns for women who want to add an air of elegance and class to their attire. These versatile garments make the ideal accessory.
Traditional Banarasi sarees are crafted using fine silk yarns and feature intricate brocade work. Additionally, these beautiful pieces come with beautiful abstract, floral, paisley prints – and much more!
Banarasi silk sarees were traditionally created using handlooms, with artisans passing down their traditions from generation to generation. Since power looms have emerged, however, many artisans have abandoned handloom production altogether and pursued other means of earning income.
Banarasi saree designs often incorporate intricate motifs and bold geometric patterns, which may be inspired by Persian themes that have become part of Indian designs over time.
Banarasi saree patterns that have become particularly beloved are Butta Motifs, Konias, Chashpahani and Kairi or Paisley designs – each highly decorative patterns which lend Banarasi sarees their distinctive character.
Motifs dating back to Mughal times remain prevalent on modern Banarasi silk sarees and typically feature flowers, fruit or human figures.
Motifs are usually created through repetitive rows. They may be small or large in scale, and can be weaved either using the main thread or end threads.
As well as these elements, sarees also feature other interesting motifs. These include flowers and fruit motifs as well as various birds, snakes, insects and even human figures – not forgetting sartorial elegance!
Banarasi sarees feature another popular motif known as the creeping vine (Bel), making this style ideal for women looking for something versatile that can be worn to various events and occasions.
This saree features captivating Kadwa weaving motifs that will draw all eyes. Plus, these are further enhanced by stunning meenakari work on its border and pallu for a stunning appearance on any special occasion.
Banarasi saree colors play a key role in their design and overall aesthetic, so care must be taken when selecting one based on occasion or event it will be worn for. A bright green or royal blue saree would look spectacular worn with white blouse.
Fabric
The Banarasi saree is an Indian women’s prized possession and an icon of India’s rich cultural history, handwoven by skilled weavers in Varanasi and sold both domestically and abroad as a global symbol of ethnic beauty.
Banarasi saree fabrics are usually composed of pure silk threads, and come in an array of vibrant hues. Their distinctive weave is soft yet luxurious with intricate patterns making the piece even more alluring.
Banarasi sarees can be divided into various categories depending on their fabric type and design. These include Tussar silk, Katan silk, Tissue sarees and Georgette sarees.
Katan silk fabric is an exquisite material woven using two distinct types of pure silk threads in its warp and weft, creating a lightweight material with remarkable softness, lustre, and durability.
Leather is an adaptable material, suitable for almost every style of clothing and easy to maintain and keep clean.
As it can be worn by both men and women, this drape makes an excellent addition to any event or special occasion, which explains its immense popularity among Indian drapes.
These sarees come in an assortment of colors and patterns, making them an excellent choice for formal events and weddings.
Banarasi sarees draw inspiration from Mughal designs when selecting their motifs, such as leaves, buttis, ambis or other floral patterns.
Most original Banarasi sarees feature these motifs, but you should always ensure you purchase an authentic product before making your purchase.
Banarasi sarees are both expensive and intricate works of art that require considerable skill to craft, so only purchase from trusted partners like Sacred Weaves for optimal results.
When purchasing a Banarasi saree, it is crucial that the fabric uses fine silk and zari yarns; most fake sarees use synthetic versions of these materials instead.
When purchasing an authentic Banarasi saree online, other aspects to keep an eye out for include its pallu. Also check for any motifs or patterns on it that indicate authenticity.
Weaving Techniques
Banarasi saree-making relies heavily on weaving techniques. An array of weaves are employed in order to craft these stunning drapes – some being time-consuming while others can be completed quickly in an afternoon or so.
By employing a jacquard pit loom, warp (the longitudinal threads) and weft (horizontal threads) are interwoven as a shuttle moves back and forth, repeating this process until a completed saree emerges.
Zari threads, made up of silver and gold threads, are used to enhance Banarasi sarees with patterns and floral motifs. There are two varieties of zari: pure and tested.
Zari made from genuine silver or gold threads is far more expensive than its synthetic equivalent.
Tested zari is produced from an alloy of copper and silver coated in gold plating to help lower costs and make working with it simpler, yet does not offer as much shine and luster as pure zari does.
Banarasi saree-making employs multiple weaving techniques in addition to traditional zari, including dampanch, phekwa, kadhwa and tanchoi.
Dampanch Weaving Technique – This weaving technique utilizes either a single or double warp with two to five different colored threads for creating intricate patterns that are difficult to replicate using other methods.
Dampanch weave sarees typically take 15% longer to weave than other styles due to the many motifs required and complex design features.
Another popular weaving technique in Banarasi saree-making is known as Tanchoi weaving, which utilizes both twill and satin weaves for maximum effect. Although difficult to produce, Tanchoi tends to be more costly than its alternatives when producing Banarasi sarees.
Tanchoi sarees can be made of any fabric and come in any color; however, white and red tanchois are the most widely popular choices among India’s upper classes. Their rich, luxurious appearance is one of their main draws.
