Benarasi Sarees Of Varanasi

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Varanasi is the traditional epitome of India. Everything in the city talks of the old and original culture of this country. The benarasi sarees of Varanasi are also famous and traditional like the Ganges and temples of the city. Famous all over the world as heavy traditional saris of India, these saris are a part of every Indian woman's wardrobe.

Varanasi has a strong cultural and traditional background. From its cuisine to its culture everything is completely ethnic in Varanasi. Like benarasi Beetle nuts, benarasi sweets, benarasi bhang, benarasi saris are also quite popular.

Brief Description of Benarasi Saris

Silk And Zari Benarasi

Benarasi saris are pure silk saris. They are woven out of pure silk threads and then beautiful patterns are weaved on the saris. The patterns are woven either with "Zari" or "Resham Threads". During old times Zari used to mean pure gold and silver threads. This means the traditional benarasi saris had pure gold motifs and embroidery.

Thousands of weavers are engaged in weaving Benarasi saris in Varanasi. A considerable number of people in Varanasi are engaged in Manufacturing, marketing, and selling of Benarasi saris. Weavers use power loom for weaving. The silk mainly comes from South India, particularly Bangalore, where sericulture is practiced.

Weaving generally involves three stages or activities. First is operating the powerloom, second is creating bundles of Zari or Resham threads, and third is designing the motifs or pattern. While the former two are basic skills, designing motifs require creative abilities. On an average a single Benarasi sari takes from 15 days to 1 month in completion. For the ones with heavy and all over designs it can even take more than 1 month.

Since Benarasi saris are being made in Varanasi for more than hundred years the skill lies in the life and blood of the people. There are plenty of artisans old and new who are excellent in making traditional Indian designs and motifs to be weaved on these saris.

Benarasi saris are mostly made with pure silk, georgette, organza (Kora), and shattir. They come in every possible color on earth. From bright red to subtle and smoky shades like mauva or grey, these saris are available in all.

Apart from saris benarasi dress materials, stoles, shawls, scarves are also made. These look ethnic as well as trendy. Benarasi saris and other clothes have been in fashion for so long that now they have become a non lasting trend. Benarasi saris of Varanasi are part of every Indian bride's wardrobe.

History Of Benarasi Saris

Benarasi saris of Varanasi originated during the time of Mughuls. It is believed that Muslim or Persian designs were combined with the Indian designs to create beautiful patterns on pure silk saris. At that time weavers used handlooms as powerlooms were not available.

These saris became so popular that each and every Indian woman started wearing benarasi sari on special occasions. Wedding, festival, or family function benarasi saris are considered appropriate for every auspicious occasion.

At present benarasi saris and other benarasi clothes are exported all over the world. Foreigners visiting Varanasi buy benarasi saris, stoles, scarves, and bedsheets as token to be carried from India.

Benarasi sari of Varanasi is the pride of India and represents the vibrancy, beauty, and rich tradition that the country represents.