Banarasi Sarees

Once upon a time, a wandering minstrel had a vision of the gods draped in gold. He had heard of the pure banarasi silk saree from the town of Banaras matched only by the Hiranya, a cloth of gold mentioned in the Rig Veda. Banaras was his pilgrimage because Banaras draped itself in the beauty of the arts. But, the wandering minstrel had heard whispers of other tales. The story of a weaver who had tried to weave light into gold and do what only the gods had done. People had been shocked because the belief was that one should never try to achieve perfection. Perfection was for the gods alone.

As the wandering minstrel approached the holy city of Banaras, sacred chants greeted him and carried over the breeze from the holy waters. Amidst the many melodies and tunes rang a distinct silvery tune. The handloom banarasi silk saree danced under the rhythm of the weaver's dexterous moves. The weaver of Banaras knew that when beauty was appreciated and adored with pure love and worshiped by the vastness of an artistic imagination, anything became possible.

Moral of the story: Anything is possible where there is unwavering faith and pure intent.

The original banarasi silk saree was a garb woven especially for royalty. The modern brocade banarasi saree took shape some time during the 18th Century. Weavers of the banarasi style were commissioned artists who created elaborate artworks in the form of handloom banarasi sarees and handwoven banarasi silk sarees. The brocade banarasi saree and banarasi brocade silk sarees depicted elaborate scenes using a unique weaving style that required years of practice to accomplish. Up until the 16th Century, the artwork woven into the original banarasi sarees was heavily inspired and influenced by the Rajasthani miniature art paintings of the time. Over time, as art assimilated new influences from an influx of Gujarati weavers into Banaras and Persian, Mughal and Central Asian influences, the motifs and artworks on the pure handloom banarasi sarees and banarasi silk sarees began to represent a wider repertoire of motifs. The pure banarasi saree today is a representation of the evolution and history of a beautiful and extremely skilled art form.

Brocade banarasi were made on pit looms which allowed for single motif brocade banarasi and banarasi textile using the extra weft method. When the jacquard looms were introduced in the 1930s, it made this process easier where the entire design automatically replicates across the body of the handloom banarasi saree by the jacquard. Before Indian independence, brocade banarasi was made primarily for use as turbans, religious textiles or odhanis. The brocade banarasi saree received a lot of royal patronage after Indian independence.

The pure banarasi saree shines with a natural abandon. The handloom banarasi silk saree is made through an elaborate process that involves empanelling pure gold or silver threads into the silk, silk cotton or cotton weave giving the handloom banarasi saree its characteristic zari laden beauty. The original banarasi saree includes both the banarasi cotton saree, the handloom banarasi silk saree, the organza banarasi saree and the handloom banarasi cotton silk sarees. A typical pure banarasi silk saree is a brocade banarasi silk saree featuring what is known as the banarasi brocade or what gives the saree its ornamentation. The banarasi brocade silk saree involves heavy zari work or woven parts featuring gold or silver threads in elaborate panels known as brocades. The zari work features motifs giving each handwoven banarasi saree its characteristic look. The motifs are metallic zari, except for those of the gyasar, baluchari, jamawar, and tanchoi brocades that use silk yarn. The exquisite brocade work presented in elaborate panels, and on the pallu, usually feature buti (single flower or figure motifs) or buta (shapes such as circles, mangoes, or dots, etc.). Banarasi brocade silk sarees always assimilated influences from the Persian shikargah, Turkish trellis, Arabic mehrab, French lace patterns, English foliage designs, making them a rich cultural repository. The greater the artistic work the more gold and silk used and the heavier the saree.

The luxuriousness of the fabric alongside the finesse and craftsmanship required to execute the final handloom banarasi saree are reasons why handwoven banarasi sarees carry a Geographical Indication tag. Most people desire handwoven banarasi sarees for their beauty alone but the cultural value of a handloom banarasi saree is all the more reason to buy handloom banarasi sarees online and appreciate the beauty of handmade.

Priyanka Raajiv pure banarasi silk sarees never go out of style. The handloom banarasi silk saree is a festive favorite and a bridal favorite. However, we encourage our clients to follow their hearts when it comes to styling the effervescent and pure banarasi saree whose very existence signifies that limitations are meant to be crossed. Depending on the occasion, you might want to style a handloom banarasi silk saree, a brocade banarasi silk saree, an organza banarasi saree or a banarasi cotton saree. Regardless, once you buy handloom banarasi sarees online from us, we can show you a couple of hundred ways to style the mesmerizing banarasi.

Style a Handloom Banarasi Saree for a Business Event

Banarasi sarees are rich and decadent contrasted beautifully by the simplicity of white. Hence, a brocade banarasi saree paired with a white shirt marks a dapper appearance.

A brocade banarasi silk saree paired with a sleeveless top or lace top lends airy contrast to the jewel toned density of the luxurious and pure handloom banarasi saree fabric.

Stylish belts can take the look up a notch by cinching the waist and giving your handloom banarasi saree a more structured and contemporary appearance. Choose an embellished belt to add more drama or a leather belt for a contrasting modern look.

Style a Handloom Banarasi Saree to a Special Soiree

Team up our banarasi silk sarees with a lace or sheer top to an evening soiree. The beauty of the banarasi saree is in its artwork. Pairing a handwoven banarasi saree with a sheer top lets your saree speak volumes on a special evening.

Drape a brocade banarasi silk saree or organza banarasi saree over a lehenga for an opulent look! Pair it with a complementary blouse and statement accessories for a festive or wedding-ready look.

Alternatively, enhance the allure of your handloom banarasi saree by adding a flowy cape. A sheer or embroidered cape can elevate the overall look and make it suitable for special occasions.

Style a Handloom Banarasi Saree to a Party

A handloom banarasi saree can time travel in the click of your fingers! As traditional as handloom banarasi sarees are, they also lend themselves very well to interpretation. Add a modern and edgy twist to the handloom banarasi saree of your choice by pairing with a fitted corset, bralette or angrakha. This combination adds a touch of modernity to the look.

Style a Handloom Banarasi Saree for an Everyday Look

If you've invested in a banarasi cotton saree, achieve a retro-inspired look by pairing your handloom banarasi saree with a trendy crop top. A crop top in bright, contrasting colors can add a touch of glamor to the outfit. Or, drape the silk banarasi saree over a pair of fitted pants for a fusion look. This modern twist offers comfort while exuding a fashion-forward vibe.

When you buy banarasi silk sarees online in India, a major hurdle often faced is with the authenticity of the brocade banarasi saree. Thankfully, when you buy from us you can be assured of only the purest of art forms and the authenticity of the original banarasi saree. We work closely with master weavers from craft clusters in Varanasi who come from family lineages practiced and excelled in this difficult craft. We bring you the best of the brocade banarasi saree and handloom banarasi saree weave in the language of intuitive dreaming by designer Priyanka Raajiv.

At Priyanka Raajiv, you're assured of the best of a designer saree online and luxury saree online. You can buy sustainable sarees online in India and handloom sarees online in India only at Priyanka Raajiv.

Pure banarasi silk sarees are best cared for through a dry cleaning service once a year or as needed. Some best practices to maintain the quality of your silk banarasi sarees and add to the sustainability of your wardrobe are presented below.

Neem Leaves Care for your Banarasi Saree

When dried neem leaves are placed between folds of handloom banarasi sarees, the antibacterial properties of neem leaves can help prevent insect infestations.

Cloves in Mul Fabric to Care for your Silk Banarasi Saree

When a few cloves are placed in a piece of mul fabric, they act as a natural moth repellent, ensuring your handloom banarasi saree is safe from moth holes.

Cedarwood Blocks Care for your Silk Banarasi Saree

When cedarwood blocks are placed inside the storage area where you have stored your handloom banarasi sarees, they keep insects away from the fabric.

Acid-Free Tissue Paper Care for your Handloom Banarasi Saree

Place acid-free tissue paper between your handloom banarasi sarees to prevent color transfer and ensure longevity.

Cool, Dark Storage Care for your Handloom Banarasi Saree

The longevity of handwoven banarasi silk sarees and handloom banarasi sarees is maintained if you store them in a cool, dark place. This shields them from the light and protects them from fading

Avoid Plastic to Care for your Silk Banarasi Saree

Plastic covers trap moisture making them the least favorable storage option for your handloom banarasi sarees. Instead, store them in a breathable fabric or cotton saree bags

Regular Airing to Care for your Handloom Banarasi Saree

Make sure to air your banarasi sarees every once in a while to prevent mold or mustiness.

Mild Cleaning Care for your Handloom Banarasi Saree

Dry clean all pure banarasi silk sarees and banarasi silk cotton sarees

Herbal Sachets to Care for your Banarasi Saree

Herbal sachets with dried lavender or rose petals can also keep away pests from your handloom banarasi sarees.

Rotate Storage to Care for your Handloom Banarasi Saree

Rearranging your handloom banarasi sarees in your wardrobe periodically prevents creases from forming and prevents the fabric from deteriorating.

Owing to ornamental nature, pure banarasi sarees, particularly handloom banarasi silk sarees are best suited to winter wear and special occasions.

Handwoven banarasi sarees are luxury sarees and designer sarees for a reason. They represent decadence and festive dressing. Handwoven banarasi sarees tend to drape on the heavier side. When you buy banarasi sarees online in India from us, you're investing in apparel that can be styled many different ways for many different occasions without repeating looks, if necessary. Here are some occasions to wear our handloom banarasi sarees among many!

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Weddings and Receptions

Brocade banarasi sarees, brocade banarasi silk sarees and organza banarasi saree in jewel toned colors are a great choice for a regal and festive look. A complementary blouse and statement jewelry enhances the overall bridal ensemble to perfection.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Festivals

Handloom banarasi sarees tend to come in bright jewel tones with intricate zari or brocade work perfect for a traditional festival look. Make sure to style with traditional jewelry and accessories to capture the essence of the celebration.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Temple Visits

Brocade banarasi sarees make for a devotional look during temple visits. Ensure the accessories are minimal so the brocade work on the weave can shine.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Small Pujas and Religious Ceremonies

A banarasi cotton saree paired with a monochrome blouse creates an effortlessly elegant look for small pujas or religious ceremonies.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Family Functions and Gatherings

Depending on the formality of the event, choose a handloom banarasi saree with the appropriate level of embellishments. Style with statement accessories for a polished and put-together look suitable for family functions.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Cultural Events and Performances

Brocade banarasi silk sarees featuring unique designs make for showstoppers at cultural nights. Add your own interpretation of the weave with classical or modern jewelry depending on the look you are trying to create.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Casual Day Outings

While not suitable for daily wear, you can embrace a banarasi cotton saree in subtle hues for a casual yet chic appearance. Pair with a simple blouse and minimal jewelry for a relaxed and effortless look.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Office or Formal Gatherings

Choose an understated and elegant organza banarasi saree in muted tones for a professional yet traditional look. This look can be mastered with a well-tailored blouse and minimal accessories for a sophisticated appearance.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Special Celebrations at Home

Celebrate at home in style with a medium-embellished handwoven banarasi saree in festive colors. Accessorize according to the occasion, balancing the celebratory vibe with comfort.

Handloom Banarasi Sarees for Evening Social Events

Remember to consider the nature of the occasion, the level of formality, and your personal style preferences when choosing and styling your handloom banarasi saree for different events. Banarasi sarees tend to be heavier than other sarees and are more suitable for occasion and winter wear

Handloom Banarasi Sarees In Winters:

Layer with a Velvet Blouse

Pair your handloom banarasi saree with a velvet blouse for warmth and elegance.

Woolen Shawl or Stole

Drape a woolen shawl over your handloom banarasi saree for added winter warmth.

Indo-Western

A sweater blouse or fitted cardigan paired with your handloom banarasi saree creates a modern and chic winter look.

Highlight Jewel Toned Hues

Gold jewelry adds a cozy touch to your winter ensemble and brings out the jewel toned hues of banarasi brocade sarees.

Blazer Draping

Drape a blazer over your handloom banarasi saree for a sophisticated winter style.

Buy banarasi sarees online from us to be assured of quality, authenticity and purity coupled with thoughtful and intuitive design. If you'd like assistance when exploring our handloom banarasi saree range and get shopping, feel free to contact us. If you're looking to explore the beauty of sarees online, look no further than our mesmerizing collection of handloom sarees online including:

a. Maheshwari Sarees
b. Cotton Sarees
c. Jod Sarees
d. Chanderi Sarees