Types Of Benarasi Sarees & Where To Purchase An Authentic One

Mark Twain once stated, "Benares has a history that is older than history, tradition, legend, and it looks twice as old than all of them combined." It's only natural that the handlooms used in this area have a timeless elegance that is hard to match. Varanasi (also known as Benaras) is well-known for its handloom drape, a Benarasi Saree. This luxurious weave has won the admiration of Bollywood actresses as well as real brides. Anuj Poddar, an expert in this field, will help you decode its origins, types and benefits.

Deepak founded wholesaleethnics, a Varanasi-based label that has been operating in the city since more than 50 years. We get 101 insights from Anuj into the fabric to help you make informed purchasing decisions, whether you are a bride or not. Here are some excerpts from his interview.

How are Benarasi sarees made? How have you maintained the Benarasi saree's traditional technique over the years?

An extensive process goes behind making a benarasi saree. This is a quick overview of the process. Jacquard cards, which are rectangular sheets that show the design of the saree, are first created. The silk yarns are then dyed before they go into the traditional warp-weft or weaving stages. The loom is then set up, and the fabric is made using warp beams and weft thread loaded onto spindles. The structure of your saree is held in place by the warp thread, while the weft threads add character and patterns.

wholesaleethnics proudly boasts that every saree sold in its store is a true reflection of Varanasi's handloom heritage. We have 6000+ weavers working in the city. Silk Kothi has been able to maintain the traditional values of Varanasi weaving in a world that is increasingly influenced by machine-made sarees. This allows us to offer our customers the best possible service while still keeping the tradition alive.

What is the time it takes to make a Benarasi Saree?

Anushka's Sabyasachi Benarasi Saree took six months to complete. I was intrigued to find out if this is the actual time it takes to complete a benarasi scarf. wholesaleethnics confirms that it is. Anuj shares that depending on the weave technique and design, a wholesale banarasi silk sarees may take between one week to six months to complete. Some with more intricate weavings can even take over a year. The time it takes to complete a saree will depend on its weft technique and the weave details.

Could you briefly describe the history of benarasi silk sarees

The history of Benaras dates back to the Mahabharat and Ramayana eras. Rig Veda, written in 2000 B.C., also mentions the handwoven heritage. Although the technique was retracted and revived a few times, it finally gained popularity under Islamic rule in 14th-century Islam. Mughal emperors wore intricate weaves of gold and silver, handcrafted in Benaras. Further, the city's handloom craft was boosted by the 16th century famine in Gujarat that led to the migration of silk weavers from Benaras. The art of banarasi weaving in Varanasi rose to greatness and gained enormous popularity.

Although the East India Company had an impact on our markets, incorporating machine-made fabric to increase profits did not affect the weavers' artistic spirit. Their persistence is what allows us to continue to treasure and adorn our Banarasi weaves.

What are the various types of benarasi silk sarees on the market?

Banarasi Sarees may be divided on the basis both of the fabric and the techniques used.

Fabric as the Basis

#1 Katan – This silk is one of our favorite silks. It is made by twisting silk filaments together to make a stronger and more durable fabric. This is our top recommendation for brides.

#2 Kora Organza- A plain weave of silk fabric made from thin spun threads. It is woven by our artisans from silkworm. This fabric's almost transparent nature lends it an effortless look when worn.

#3 Khaddi Georgette/ Chiffon- Lightweight, sheer crepe fabric named for Georgette de la Plante, a French dressmaker from the early 20th century. It is wrinkled and well-known for its beautiful dyes and rich zari.

#4 Tussar- Also known as Ghicha Silk or an undyed version of Tussar Silk, this is commonly called Tussar Silk. It is made from the larvae of many species of silkworms. It is highly valued for its deep-gold color. A saree made of tussar silk is a great choice for everyday wear due to its breathability.

#5 Dupion- A fabric known for its lightweight and shimmery texture. This silk's double-thread design makes it strong and durable. People often refer to it as khadi or khadi silk.

#6 Chanderi- This is made with the highest quality silk in both the warp and the weft. Also known as Silk by Cotton, it is also called SICO, or Silk by Cotton. Because of its cool nature, this fabric is a common choice for summers.

#7 Monga -This is a benarasi saree fabric that was once favored by the royals for its beautiful yellowish-golden tint and durability. It is made from Muga silk yarns, which are found most prominently in the north-eastern part of India.

#8 Tissue – Tissue silk sarees have recently been a popular choice for brides. They make a great addition to any trousseau. This fabric is created by mixing metallic threads in the weft and colored silk yarns within the warp. It's this combination that gives it its classy translucent look.

#9 Linseed Linen - This is the oldest textile made from linseed. It is more absorbent than cotton and dries quicker than cotton, making it a popular summer textile.

What's the significance of a benarasi silk saree for your bridal trousseau

Benarasi sarees can be worn for any occasion, from a home puja ceremony to the reception or down the road for important occasions. This handloom attire is from one of India's holiest cities, making it a perfect choice for brides. A handwoven benarasi scarf can also be passed down through generations. Benarasi sarees are versatile and give a woman a graceful, elegant look. This is a trend that I believe has been a huge hit. The team says that a banarasi weave is a great way to show elegance in your clothes."

How to maintain a benarasi saree?

It's really easy. You just need to be patient. Wrap the saree in a cotton cloth and keep it dry in a cool place. It should not be washed at home. Give it a dry clean. To hold it, use a muslin bag or hang it in your cupboard. The team at wholesaleethnics offers some valuable advice: "Just make sure to change the folds every so often."

Get Your Authentic Benarasi Sarees

It can be difficult to find authentic merchandise online with so many shops opening up. If you are looking for authentic benarasi silk sarees, we have one that will meet your requirements. wholesaleethnics a Varanasi-based handloom saree shop, has just launched online. Since more than 50 years, they have been serving the community. They employ over 5000 weavers and have kept the tradition of pure handloom banarasi Saree, which is also reflected in the quality of their sarees.