Banarasi Saree Designs: Exploring The Prints and Patterns

The wedding banarasi sarees have maintained their position as the top choice for bridal wear. No Indian wedding is complete without this traditional beauty. These sarees, famed for their gold and silver brocade or zari, exquisite quality silk, and lavish embroidery, are among India's best. The various types of banarasi sarees are made by careful weaving of silk and are intricately designed to give them a glamorous look. The banarasi silk sarees are relatively heavy due to the gold and silver work on them. However, what also makes the banarasi saree collection so popular is the intricate interwoven floral and foliate designs, kalga and bel, and jhallar, a string of upright leaves at the outer, border edge. Gold work, compact weaving, figures with minute details, metallic visual effects, pallus, jal, a net-like pattern, and minakari work are some of the other banarasi saree designs that one witnesses in the latest banarasi sarees. These are, therefore, a must-have during weddings and other festive occasions.

The History of Banarasi Sarees and the Evolution of the Banarasi Saree Designs

Mughal emperor Akbar is said to have paved the path for silk-made banarasi sarees to reach all parts of the kingdom. Weaving skills have been passed down through centuries. Depending on the intricacy of designs and patterns, a banarasi saree can take anywhere from fifteen days to a month to complete. It may sometimes take up to six months for heavy work sarees. The main techniques to weave a Banarasi fabric are Kadhua, Kadhiyal, Vaskat or Ektara, Tanchoi, and Dumpanch, to name a few. Banarasi items are classified as silk brocades, textiles, silk sarees, and silk embroidery, according to the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate. This implies that no saree or brocade created outside of the six designated districts of Uttar Pradesh, namely Varanasi, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Bhadohi, Jaunpur, and Azamgarh, can be lawfully offered as banarasi sarees or brocade. So, make sure you check the GI tag for authenticity. The Banarasi saree is an heirloom piece of garment that deserves a place in a woman's trousseau.

The Rich Fabric, Prints, Patterns, and Motifs of the Banarasi Saree

We all love stories. And an exquisitely woven banarasi saree is nothing short of one. Each handwoven banarasi saree has its own unique narrative to tell, and the traditional Mughal-inspired motifs are the narrators. You can feel the motifs and patterns when you touch a beautifully crafted banarsai saree. There are mainly four fabrics that define the types of banarasi sarees. 

Pure silk or Katan

This is the most popular silk fabric with pure silk threads that are twisted and handwoven into a pure silk saree. The material is exceptionally soft and fine. Wedding Banarasi sarees with Buti/floral designs in Katan silk are well known. They are normally constructed with the softest and thickest silk without zari borders. Resham, zari, and Minakari designs are used to create Butis, or scattered Bel Buti or the flowers and leaf motifs.

Organza or Kora

Another favorite designer banarasi saree among women is the Organza silk saree with Zari. These delicate creations are popular for their exquisite appearance and all-weather appeal. Another name for them is Kora silk Banarasi saree.

Banarasi Georgettes

Banarasi georgette sarees are a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary ethnic wear that has gained popularity. Resham work is generally a prominent feature in these sarees.

Shattir

Shattir is undoubtedly the most plentiful material used to weave banarasi sarees. It is also the most sought-after fabric for creating special banarasi saree designs desired by the wealthy and elite.

Traditional Motifs of the banarasi saree

Traditionally most motifs used in banarasi sarees have Mughal influences. The paisley pattern has a lot of spiritual and symbolic significance. The paisley represents harvest in India, a season of both socio-economic and spiritual significance. The paisley motif was created for royal functions, such as crowns and court clothes for royal families. The jangla sari features a dense interlaced design with an intricately patterned border and pallu, usually floral or Konia (that is, the betel leaf or paisley motif). The shikargarh sari is known for its hunting scenes and animal patterns, mainly tigers, deers, peacocks, and parrots. Kimkhab has a lot of zari embroidery, making the base fabric nearly undetectable. The term is Persian in origin and approximately translates as "a golden dream." Tanchoi is a fascinating technique in which weft is used as the base of the fabric to create a design. In recent years, easy access to a wide range of designer banarasi sarees, especially available online, has only further enhanced the gorgeous traditional drape. To buy authentic banarasi sarees online