Banarasi sarees are the relics of the rich ancient heritage of our country. Be it brides or wedding guests, all have embraced the allure of this ethereal silk saree which has been surpassing trends since ages. A true classic which has transcended fleeting trends and styles and still stands tall as an evergreen option for every woman looking for a saree which is as stylish as it is graceful. Banarsi sarees are mainly crafted in silk which gives it the delicate texture and quaint sheen. A quintessential staple in every Indian women’s closet, this saree rooted from the city of Varanasi never lost its charm. Want to know why? Then follow us along in this blog!
The Irreplaceable Skilled Craftmanship
Making a banarasi saree from scratch is no child’s play. It takes exceptionally skilled artists several weeks to months to make one perfect banarasi saree. So the artistic value remains untouched. These craftsmiths work from the city of Varanasi to provide the purest banarasi silk with intricate handwoven zari embroidery on them which carries cultural heritage and a long legacy of India’s rich textile tradition.
The Royal Legacy of The Mughals
The discovery and popularisation of Banarasi sarees go all the way back to the Mughal era in India. Under the patronage of the Mughal emperors, the banarasi silk sarees flourished and ever since then have evolved a little to incorporate modern style in the embroidery motifs on the sarees but the core essence of the saree remains its same traditional self. It is said that during the Mughal period skilled artists moved to Varanasi from Gujrat to get involved in the making of this saree so admired by the royal court.
Carrying A Celebratory Essence Since Generations
Still to this day, due to its rich regal legacy, Banarasi sarees are considered a symbol of joy and celebration. Brides from regions like Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha have been rocking the Banarasi sarees for centuries. A Banarasi saree is seen as a sort of heirloom that the women of each generation pass down to the next to adorn it during a ceremonious occasion.
The Sweetness of Slow Art in The Modern Era of Fast Fashion
Many are turning towards the age-long allure of silk banarasi saree because it reminds them of sustainable and slow fashion in the modern era of fast and disposable fashion. It takes months to make a banarsi saree as every zari embellishment is hand woven, every motif is made with careful precision and raw genuine silk from silk yams is used in the crafting of this masterpiece saree. In the modern time, where the climate crisis is the biggest threat to society, people are actively going for eco-friendly and sustainable options like the Banarasi saree.
The Constant Evolution in The Banarasi Sarees
One of the core reasons why banarasi sarees are being adapted by every generation is because the saree is constantly evolving its fashion game while keeping its legacy intact. While the techniques and methods of making of the saree remains the same, the fabrics have become lighter, the motifs have become minimalistic and the colors have such as the younger crowd would accept. It is catering to the younger generations as a symbol of traditions but with modern detailing.
