Banarasi saree is arguably one of the
most popular forms of sarees from India. This saree is made from an extremely
delicate variety of silk that originates from Varanasi, which is in Uttar
Pradesh. Within the category of silk sarees that can be found in India,
the Banarasi silk saree is considered to be the most coveted and, more
importantly, the most regal of all sarees. One of the reasons why this type of
saree is so popular is that the designs used to create them have been inspired
by Mughal designs and aesthetics as they originated during the Mughal Era in
India.
Largely worn by women belonging to the
court and the royal families, these sarees exude an extremely regal and opulent
air. The sarees are known for predominantly either having a brocade made of
gold or silver, or zari work (which is essentially embroidery work created by
using threads of gold or silver to create intricate patterns or embroideries).
Their largely Mughal aesthetics include floral prints and foliate motifs which
is also another widely known characteristic of this type of saree.
On an interesting note, a Banarasi sari is usually handmade and can take
anywhere between 15 days, a full month or even six whole months to complete,
depending on the intricacy of the designs and the skills of the craftsmen. This
is one of the reasons why this type of saree in India is priced a little on the
higher side.
Variety Of The Queen Saree
Banarasi saree collection can include different styles of sarees
that are classified on the basis of the work done to create them. Jamdani is a
popular category that refers to an interesting variation of the figured muslin.
In this style, cotton is brocaded with the silk in order to create an
interesting effect. When it comes to extremely important and formal occasions
or celebrations, such as a wedding ceremony, the Jangla style is the preferred
variation of the Varanasi sarees.
This is because
threads of different colors are used along with scrolling designs that are
spread widely throughout the fabric to create an elaborate and heavy garment.
One of the most kaleidoscopic styles of the saree is the Tanchoi saree which
uses silk yarns that have extra wefts in them in order to create an interesting
outline, making the overall designs of the saree look like an intricate maze.
Younger women who prefer a slightly more shimmering look usually choose tissue
sarees to wear to formal occasions.
These sarees are designed in a special way due to which the zari
brocade work done on the saree makes the fabric look like golden cloth. Another
popular style of this saree is the zardosi Banarasi saree which is a heavily
embroidered type of saree. Apart from the beautiful Banaras pattu sarees made
of silk, one can also find gorgeous sarees woven and decorated in this unique style made of other fine
fabrics. For instance, the Banaras georgette sarees are extremely popular today
because of their rich yet light weight look.
Style Tips
Styling a Banarasi
saree is an extremely straightforward procedure as these sarees are mostly worn
for formal occasions and are paired with accessories that are appropriate for
such occasions only. Indian jewelry is the preferred style of jewelry for these sarees and
depending on the occasion, different types of ethnic jewelry can be worn to
accessorize the garment. For instance, for wedding ceremonies, Kundan sets are
the preferred style of jewelry as they do the best job of reflecting the
opulence of a wedding.
At the same time,
Polki sets and Meenakari sets are also strong contenders. For less formal
events that are not meant to be as opulent as a wedding, simple gold jewelry as
well as diamond sets can be worn with this garment. Gold is one of the
preferred metals to wear for less formal occasions whilst wearing this saree
as, more often than not, it complements the gold zari work on the saree and
adds to the overall luster of the look. Other forms of jewelry such as bangles,
earrings, rings and mang tikkas can also be worn, depending on the occasion.
When wearing any saree, including the
Varanasi silk sarees, the preferred style of footwear is high heeled sandals as
they tend to add to the elegance of the saree by complementing the fall of the
body of the saree and, of course, by adding to the height of the woman wearing
the saree. These factors make the look more chic than it already is.
Silk
clutches that are embroidered or created with brocade work are usually worn
with these types of sarees as the material of the bag complements the material
of the saree in an elegant fashion. Matching silk potlis with drawstrings can
also be carried.
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