Ishq-E-BanarasOlder than history, older than tradition

A city as old as time itself. A city that has stayed in place and watched as the world has turned and the tides have changed. A city that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. In the words of Mark Twain,

“ Older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together. ”

The history of this grand legacy can be traced back to mentions in the Mahabharata. It’s history is one that is entwined with that of Indian culture. It began to find solid ground in the literature from the 19th century. Following a devastating famine, silk weavers migrated to Gujarat in the 17th century.

Such a Banaras grand legacy's artisans started making their presence by developing unique and complicated silk brocades using the gold and silver Zari threads. Banarasi weaving started getting more recognition and developed expertise during the 18th and 19th century. These sarees are among the finest sarees in India and are known for their gold and silver brocade or Zari, fine silk and opulent hand weaving. The sarees are made of finely woven silk and are decorated with intricate design, and because of these engravings, banarasi silk sarees have made a prominent place and flourished in the market.

Bansrasi sarees are one of the finest traditional sarees in India and very heavy due to its rich embroidery which makes them ideal for parties, festivals, and weddings. This saree is traditionally made in four varieties namely organza (Kora), Georgette saree, Shatir saree, and pure silk (Katan). The many varieties of Banarasi silk saree are organza, satin borders, jangla, Brocades, Tanchoi, cutwork, and Resham butidar that have interesting designs of animals, birds, floral, fruit, human figures, and geometric patterns. Persian motifs are also included in the Indian designs to create distinct flower patterns of the saree used even today. The Banarasi sarees were originally embellished with threads made from real gold and silver for the royal family. For them to be affordable nowadays for everyone, the threads have been replaced with colored gold and silver threads. This famous saree has eye-catching patterns and shades woven on a handloom and shipped all over the world.

“ Jahan mitti ki khusboo se hoti hai kisi shagun ki shuruwat, wahi pe likhi jati hai is kala ki katha-Ye hai Benaras. ”

Like every industry and every art, the world of Banaras has also seen the need for innovation. While the age-old techniques and skills remain untouched, there are newer elements that have been incorporated. The Banarasi saree was born in a time before the digital, before many of our ancestors were even born; before our country had found independence. And yet, the saree and the silk have flourished, thrived and excelled in the centuries that followed its birth. The silk continues to reign, and the ancient city continues to serve its glorious purpose.

Banarasi sarees are always a favourite one for any important occasion. Apart from chiffon sarees, Bollywood celebrities have taken this route long time back and they are seen wearing beautiful banarasi sarees in many occasions like parties, award ceremonies, premier shows etc. Women in a banarasi saree always look elegant and a new level of beauty. Here is a short list of some Bollywood celebrities in banarasi saree, looking damn gorgeous.