Banarasi Silk Sarees Online for Brides & Weddings and its types

The History of Banarasi Sarees

Banarasi sarees are traditional sarees from the city of Varanasi, also known as Benares or Banaras, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Banarasi sarees are known for their intricate designs, fine silk fabrics, and luxurious embellishments. Due to the complex designs and engravings, these sarees are heavy in nature. The special characteristics of Banarasi sarees are their interweaving floral and foliate motifs - Kalga and Bel, and the string of leaves called Jhallar. Banarasi sarees have been part of Indian tradition since the Mughal period and are one of the traditional silk sarees worn for weddings and important occasions.

The Banarasi silk handloom industry faced huge losses at the beginning of the 21st century because of competition from other sources that quickly manufactured Banarasi sarees using cheaper silk alternatives. After years of struggle, the UP weavers association secured Geographical Indication for Banaras sarees. 

Types of Banarasi Sarees

Banarasi sarees are divided into four main categories based on the design process: pure silk or Katan, Organza or Kora, Georgette and Shattir. There are also other types of Banarasi sarees each with its own characteristics and features.

1. Pure Banarasi Silk/Katan Saree

Katan is a pure silk fabric and Katan Banarasi sarees are made from pure silk. Today they are woven using looms but during ancient times they were handwoven using handlooms into pure Banarasi silk sarees with intricate designs. Katan Banarasi sarees are known for their soft and smooth texture adorned with zari work, kadhua work, and tanchoi work.

2. Banarasi Organza Saree

Banarasi Kora Organza sarees use Kora silk. Kora silk is a type of silk fabric that is lightweight, sheer and has a slightly rough texture. This makes the sarees suitable for warm weather. Kora Organza fabric is loved by women as the fabric drapes and falls perfectly. The special characteristics of Banarasi Kora Organza sarees are their intricate zari designs which involve weaving gold and silver threads into the fabric to create a shimmering and elegant effect.

3. Banarasi Georgette Saree

Banarasi Georgette sarees are made from one of the most loved saree fabrics called Georgette, which is a lightweight, semi-transparent fabric. Banarasi Georgette sarees are one of the most distinctive types of Banarasi sarees. They are known for their delicate designs and are adorned with zari work, heavy embroidery and other embellishments.

4. Banarasi Tussar Saree

Banaras Tussar sarees are made of Tussar silk, which is a type of silk fabric that is known for its unique texture and natural golden colour. Tussar silk is obtained from the cocoons of the Tussar silkworm, which is reared mainly on trees, which makes it eco-friendly and sustainable. The sarees are perfect for those who love natural and organic products. Tussar sarees are suitable both for winter and summer.

5. Tanchoi Banarasi Saree

Banarasi Tanchoi sarees are known for their work of craftsmanship. These sarees are made from Tanchoi silk and are made by a unique Tanchoi weaving technique. The Tanchoi weaving technique includes a single or double warp with multiple shades of colour on the weft. This method of weaving gives the fabric a satin smooth finish which makes Banarasi Tanchoi sarees lightweight and easy to drape. Tanchoi Banarasi sarees always have figures of birds and floral motifs in their designs, creating beautiful distinct patterns that make these sarees unique and come in vibrant colours.  

6. Shattir Banarasi Saree

Banarasi Shattir sarees are luxurious traditional Indian sarees known for their unique characteristics such as their lavish silk fabric, intricate designs and motifs, and the use of zari thread. These sarees are made of Shattir silk fabric which is known for its softness. This makes the sarees perfect for formal and casual events. The best part about Shattir Banarasi sarees is that they are cost-effective and suitable for regular use.

7. Cut Work Banarasi Saree

Banarasi Cutwork sarees are made using the cutwork technique on a plain textured fabric by using warp and weft threads of cotton and silk. Banarasi Cutwork sarees are designed with motifs like flowers, leaves, jasmine and marigolds. These sarees are known as the cheaper version of the Jamdani sarees. 

8. Banarasi Tissue Saree

Banarasi Tissue sarees are made from tissue fabric, which is a lightweight and sheer fabric. They are known for their extensive golden zari designs and other embellishments, making these sarees perfect for weddings. With silk threads in the warp and zari in the weft on the delicate tissue fabric, these sarees give a lightweight and elegant feel when draped.

9. Banarasi Jangla Saree

Banarasi Jangla sarees are one of the longest-known types of Banarasi sarees and they feature intricate patterns depicting the Jangla vegetation. Banarasi Jangla sarees are exclusively known for their intricately woven fabric and heavy designs. They are worn for weddings because of their extravagant look.

10. Banarasi Shikargarh Saree

Banarasi Shikargah Sarees are made from silk and are known for their unique Shikargah weaving technique. Shikargah weaving is a type of weaving in which the design is created by interlocking different coloured threads in a manner that resembles hunting or trapping. The distinct zari work along the borders and the pallu are what distinctly differentiates these sarees from Jangla sarees which also have a design concept similar to these sarees.

11. Banarasi Butidar Saree

Banarasi Butidar sarees are made of brocades of gold, silver, and silk with extensive artwork. These sarees come in beautiful ornamental shades with unique and traditional patterns. Banarasi Butidar sarees are one of the most popular types of Banarasi sarees and are a version of the pure Banarasi silk sarees without the zari work. 

Banarasi Sarees for Weddings

Banarasi sarees are known for their luxurious silk fabric and intricate designs. They often feature beautiful floral patterns and traditional motifs that are specific to Banaras. The zari work, which weaves gold and silver threads into the fabric, gives them a shimmering and elegant look that is perfect for bridal wear. Another reason why Banarasi sarees have been a part of brides' wedding trousseau is because of their excellent craftsmanship. Additionally, Banarasi sarees come in different varieties like Banarasi Kora Organza, Banarasi Shattir and Banarasi Butidar, each with unique characteristics and perfect for different occasions. But perhaps the biggest reason why Banarasi sarees are so loved for weddings is that they are steeped in tradition. These sarees have been worn by Indian women for centuries, and they hold a special place in the hearts of many. They represent culture, heritage and tradition, making them a perfect choice for a bride on her special day.

Best place to Buy Banarasi Sarees Online

Buy the best Banarasi sarees online from Tulsi Silks and make your special occasions memorable. Shop for sarees online from our website.

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