Banarasi Sarees are an important part of Indian culture. Every Indian woman has at least one authentic Banarasi saree in her trousseau. These sarees were crafted for the royals originally and therefore have a rich history behind their silken weaves. Gold and silver threads were used in this royal drapery, and they took a very long time to finish.
The demand for this weave is soaring in India and abroad. Since Bollywood celebrities have started wearing these for various occasions, most Indian brides have been eyeing them. Banarasi are a luxurious piece from India’s past.
These sarees are most often confused with the Kanjivaram sarees. Only a close look can differentiate between a Kanjivaram saree and a Pure Banarasi saree. Similarly, it is really difficult to identify an authentic Banarasi. Here we will discuss how to identify a genuine Banarasi fabric.
Choosing An Authentic Banarasi Silk Saree
Banarasi silk sarees come in many variations and each of its variations has a unique characteristic. Katan silk sarees, Banarasi Organza Silk Sarees, Pure Khaddi Georgette saree, Tussar Silk are a few varieties of Banarasi sarees. While Katan sarees are known for durability and strength, Banarasi Organza silk sarees are recognised for being a lighter weight fabric perfect for summers. Consider these points when selecting a Banarasi silk saree.
- Weaving Technique: You can identify a handwoven saree by its floats between the warps and wefts on the reverse side. Sarees woven by machine do not have these. You can find a patch of plain silk on the pallu, about 6 to 8 inches long
- Complex Designs: The intricate designs of Katan silk sarees and all the other sarees from Banaras are often inspired by Mughal architecture and nature. Geometric patterns, floral motifs, and peacock designs are among the most popular designs used.
- Rich Threads: Tussar Silk Sarees, Khaddi georgettes and other Banarasi drapes have been known for rich threads and intricate designs. The sarees are handwoven with the finest of the silk fabrics. The gold and silver Zari work, looks ethereal and regal and radiates a luxurious look.
- Quality: Quality is an important identifier of a pure Banarasi Saree. Check if the saree is made on a pure form of silk or does it have synthetic blends. Synthetic threads cannot offer the same lustre and strength. Feel the fabric's texture to look at the Zari work for its intricacy and craftsmanship.
- Borders and Pallu: The borders and pallu are made using gold and silver threads and they form the major highlight in these sarees.
- Price: Original Banarasi attires require skilled craftsmanship and high-quality materials. This is shows in their price too. The low cost of Banarasi silk sarees, are made out of inferior quality fabrics and threads. Sarees should be priced fairly for their quality and craftsmanship.
- Organza Silk: Banarasi Organza Silk Sarees are another variant of Banarasi. They are light weight and transparent sarees with beautiful Banarasi motifs worked on pure organza fabric. Feel the fabric. The texture does not come across smooth and the quality is measured in terms of Holes Per Inch (HPI)
- Banarasi Georgettes: Banarasi georgette sarees on the other hand are a mix of Zari work and intricate gold or silver designs, making them suitable for both traditional and modern settings. A pure georgette is slightly wrinkled and creased. If it is not crinkled it may not be original.
Banarasi Silk Sarees: Where to Buy
Banarasi sarees are available in a wide variety and range of prices. A saree’s price depends on the quality of silk used and the intricacy of the design. While they are available on both offline and online stores, if you’re looking for a high-quality Banarasi silk saree, get it from a known and reputable seller. There are sellers who specialize in selling Banarasi sarees and they handpick these sarees from the nooks and corners of Varanasi where the sarees are made. They have a fair knowledge of the authenticity of the fabric and its techniques.
Fab Persona is an online store that deals in exclusive and top-quality, original Sarees. Shop for the latest collection of Banarasi Sarees of your choice at Fabpersona.