History of Banarasi Sarees and Celebrities in Banarasi Grandeur

History of Banarasi Sarees and Celebrities in Banarasi Grandeur

History of Banarasi Sarees and Celebrities in Banarasi Grandeur

If there is any particular range of sarees that I have been hearing throughout my life, it is about the Banarasi silk sarees. Net sarees, chiffon sarees, organza sarees, jacquard sarees and many other type of sarees peak for a period of time in popularity amongst women and then they dip and lie dormant for a considerable amount of time before rising again to become popular, but the sarees that have ruled the roost and held their order since ages are the Kanjeevaram sarees from the South and the Banarasi sarees from the North.

black_gold_banarasi_saree

I have heard so many women, grandmothers and mothers talk about their lovely “booti” full Banarasi sarees that they had received in their marriages. Banarasi sarees with precious golden and silver zari works are even passed down the generations just like precious jewellery.

Wedding Banarsi Saree

Banarasi sarees are made in a city called Varanasi in Northern India, which is also known as Banaras. Banarasi sarees are highly valued for their intricate gold and silver work and lovely designs.  Since these sarees have a lot of zari work, they are usually very heavy.  These handloom sarees usually take many days to months to be made by the weavers of Banaras.

Banarasi sarees are a perfect amalgamation of Persian and Indian designs. Banarasi sarees are usually worn during weddings, festivals, and other such festivities because such sarees carry a lot of aura and the occasion to wear them should be important as well.

Katan Banarasi Saree

red and golden brocade

red banarasi saree

benarasi sarees

Out of all the great things that have thrived in Varanasi, like the rich culture, high standard of education, tradition, spirituality, Banarasi sarees and handlooms have held their place. Vedic scriptures have recorded silk and brocade manufacturing in Banaras since the period before mughals. There are even mentions of textile trade with Varanasi amongst other countries and continents. It is claimed that the textile and weaving industry in Banaras thrived way back in the Maurya period also. There are no seals to confirm textile or silk trade during that period, but the texts do mention silk and gold fabric in them, which does point out that Banarasi fabric was famous even then.

Supriya Pilgaonkar

ratan ki shaadi

Banarasi work is not only appreciated on sarees, but also on salwar and other ethnic pieces of dressing as well. Take a look at the kora silk material here.

Kora Benarasi Suit

You can easily spot a Banarasi saree/piece from the trademark flower and leaf motifs as well as the “bootis” that are made on the fabric. The fabric used usually ranges from silk, organza, georgette, to pure cotton.

booti

Beautiful Indian Banarsi Saree

The typical Bengali bridal dress is a Benarasi silk red saree known as benaroshi, which is rich in zari work.

Benaroshi

Benarasi sarees are known for their grandeur and sheer opulence. The trademark banarasi saree is the one that is made of golden/silver zari border and “booti” or small motifs that cover the entire saree. Banarasi sarees are usually heavy. The pallu of Benarasi sarees are very grand and full of intricate designs. The pallu of Banarasi sarees are their highlight.

Owing to the popularity of Banarasi sarees, a lot of fake manufacturing units came into the business and labeled their goods under “Banarasi sarees” tag with the original weavers losing their business, but a sort of patent has been passed, where no other saree except the ones that are made in Varanasi and some other chosen districts can be labeled as a “banarasi saree.”

New Trends in Banarasi Fabric:

Of course, over the period of time, Banarasi sarees have also undergone various mutations and permutations and the latest fad is to wear the standard Banarasi blouse with simple chiffon and organza sarees.

Another trend which is on the rise is the Banarasi lehenga saree.

hamsa nandini

Sangeetha Bijlani

Sonam Kapoor

CMR

The female staff at Taj Group of Hotels wears the Banarasi saree:

taj saree uniform

There are lots of Banarasi weaves made for men also.

Designer Sherwani

Celebrities Sporting the Banarasi Fare:

Each Indian celebrity worth her salt has flaunted her Banarasi’ in one way or the other, take a look.

Vidya Balan at filmfare awards function:

Vidya Balan

Shenaz Treasurywala at the Delhi Belly party:

Shenaz Treasurywala

Actress Tapsee From South India:

tapsee

Kareena Kapoor in a Banarasi bridal choli in the Sangini Diamond advertisement:

Kareena Kapoor

Vidya Balan

No one rocks it like Vidya Balan with Benarasi blouses. She is seen here, there, and everywhere in Banarasi blouses:

 

vidya-balan-wins-best-actress-award-at-6th-apsara-awards

Nayanthara in a Banarasi Blouse:

Nayanthara

Sridevi shows off her back in a Banarasi Blouse:

Sridevi

Deepika Padukone in Banarasi Blouses:

Deepika Padukone

Break ke baad

Sonakashi Sinha in a black number:

sonakshi sinha

Katrina Kaif

vidya3

Vidya Balan

Another amazing way to wear the Banarasi handloom is to wear a Banarasi blouse with a sheer saree and it adds the glamour to any saree.

Dia Mirza

Some Other Benarasi Traditional Wear:

Mallika Sherawat

Ratan Rajput

rani mukherjee

Anjali Abrol

banarsi style

No One Killed Jessica

The world of Banarasi sarees and fabrics is endless and I had a great time digging out the treasures, hope you too enjoy seeing them. From the above list, if you think something is not exactly Banarasi, please do tell me.

Image Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,.

Saree: Types of Sarees
The Bengali Bride – Wedding Rituals, Sarees and More
Saree and Blouses Collection, Blouse Styles
Kerala Saree/ Kasavu Saree
The Charming World of Sarees
How to Get a Lovely Neck
How to Firm Loose Neck Skin
Necklines and Necklaces
Sweater Dresses : How to Style a Sweater Dress
DIY T-Shirt Cutting Ideas
Monsoon Fashion Trends
Color Block Fashion: Trend Alert
Would You Wear These Fashion Trends?
Harmful Women Fashion Trends
4 Fun Fashion Trends To Try This Season
Would You Wear These Fashion Trends?
Bizarre Fashion Trends From Around The World
5 Bizarre Makeup & Fashion Trends 2010
Velvet Dresses: Velvet Fashion Trend
Military Fashion Trend Wear
Hairstyle Trends for 2011
Sheer Women’s Clothing : Fashion Trend
Fashion Trend: Nerd Glasses

IMBB RECOMMENDS

66 thoughts on “History of Banarasi Sarees and Celebrities in Banarasi Grandeur

  1. :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized: :hypnotized:
    i need a minute of silence

  2. i have two of these from calcutta :woot: :woot: :woot:
    the classic red and marron kinds

    my fav from the above was the red yellow one :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
    but sarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeee sariiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii behtereeen hai :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1: :jiggy1:
    :rose: :rose: :rose: :rose: :rose: :rose: :rose: :rose: jomu

  3. :woot: Wow what nice photos…. good work …Really didn’t understand Banarasi Sarees were until now… I was bit confused earlier.. :yes: My mom has her wedding ones in blue with silver motifs..
    What happ to all the smileys???

  4. I have one banarasi saree which i got frm varanasi :yahoo: :yahoo: i loved the traditional bengali wedding sarre a lot :love: :love:

  5. Hey has anything changed in IMBB?? :specs: :specs: bcuz before a month when i used to post comments it went tru moderation.. but now its getting instantaneously displayed.??

  6. Vidya flaunting too much of banarasi sarees n blouses.. but she luks gr8… nice pics jomu :woot: :woot: … hav 2 heavy work banarasi/south silk saarees i think they r called in Pb. frm my marriage… 1 in maroon n other in blue pink contrast.. i adore those 2 n everytime I wear it, i see soo many women eyeing my saree :whistle: :whistle: :vampire: :vampire: :vampire: :whistle: :whistle:

    1. Nids, Vidya Balan wears majorly Benarasi blouses……blue pink contrast you have…wow…….flaunt flaunt….its a great combination I think….blue and pink and lovely too :yahoo: :yahoo:

  7. lovely article jomol I just select clothes on impulse and never cared to know about the fabric. quite enlightening and this is my fav fabric too

  8. Nice photos.. :woot: felt like did shopping.. 😉 I am a south Indian and have more of Kancheepuram sarees.. Love to buy these :stars:

  9. Gosh….neva knew dis much about Benarsi sarees :nono: :nono: Awesome compilation Jomol 🙂 🙂 Now i wanna own few :waaa: :waaa: :waaa: :waaa:

  10. omg, so prettyyyy :woot: :woot: :woot: i dont have banarsee sareee jomu, but i have same stuff suits, me like to wear them :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: fabollllussss article :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
    oh n u knw the actress tapsi u have added a picture of, she was my junior in scool 😀 😀

    1. Alley Waah Nupuriz……banarasi dresses are my favourite too….yeh Tapsee is a big actress here in TElugu 😐 😐 😐 😐 😐

  11. AWesssssssssssssssssssssome post Jomollllllllllll :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: I am drooooooooooling over these sarees..especially the yellow and red one in the seventh pic!! :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

    1. Goooooooooood morning Jomol…I had the most weirdly romantic and fun filled valentine’s day!! 😛 Hubby came home at 8 and had to prepare a presentation for today…We had dinner at home, took a walk outside while chitchatting, came home, opened the lappy and we both ended up making the presentation till 12:30!! …..he was so tired that he fell asleep at around 11 and I continued to finish the presentation with final touches… he he eh he… Bliss of togetherness!! 😛 :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying: :shying:

        1. I enjoyed it Jomol……Donno why..but it was the most unique valentine’s day celebration!! 😛 :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: :teddy: He was so surprised today morning, when he saw that his presentation was done…He had woken up at 5 to finish it off…The expressions on his face..PRICELESS!! :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:

  12. Just WOW :stars: :stars: :stars:

    What a review… really nice now i also want all types of Banarasi sarees, dress everything…. :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

  13. Great compilation Jomol… loved the writeup and the photos :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: … so far I don’t have any Banarasi sari..but now you have made me seriously think about buying this :methinks: if not sari let me try the suits…have a nice day everyone :-*

  14. Jomo Good morning…

    gorgeous sarees Jomo.. my eyes are popping out… :woot: :woot: :woot:
    Very well written.. I simply loved the way you’ve compiled it … :clap: :clap: :clap:

    Have a naaiichhe day Jomo… :puchhi: :puchhi:

    1. only 180 km from your hometown…..Rati…you are really lucky…..guess who will get all of those sarees :pompom: :pompom: :pompom: :pompom: :pompom: :pompom: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: :happydance:

  15. Good morning Jomo. :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: Read the article last night only. It’s superb :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot: :woot:

    I think I have a benarsi saree :specs:

  16. I love this post… i need a banarasi blouse, i’ll find out in Naidu hall… they must be having…

    I got 2 banarasi sarees green and red(one in the bengali version).
    IMBB could you help me out with mixed and match colors for these?

  17. Shajeeela…thank you…..I think you can wear a yellow blouse for the green sare or even a blue blouse for the green one. Red tho will look best with any other colour like white, green, blue, anything :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:

  18. Wonderful post Jomol, I am just looking at the pictures again and again… Vidya balan totally rocks the banarsi sarees and blouses.. I have one in red.. :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

  19. Awesome post jomo!! :puchhi: I bought a banaras saree exactly same as the one in the seventh pic over the last weekend…. :happydance: :happydance: :happydance: The only change is jus that instead of the yellow mine is a half white- beige colour with large motifs… Me literally :happydance: :happydance: on seeing this….. :yahoo: U’ve made my day! :yahoo:

  20. Hi,

    Very well compiled.. I am more interested in the original designs of the Banarasi sarees (not the Banarasi lehanga saree that is found commonly nowadays). Any idea where we can get authentic banarasi sarees in Bangalore?

  21. wow.. Amazing post jomol.. I luv ur posts..!! all r picture heavy.. 🙂 🙂 hav searchd a lot for that ‘in-shape’ review post.. dint find as am on ma mobile.. Can anybody help me out with th link?

  22. i have 3 banasrasi jomu :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: green, blue/magenta combo and pink :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo: n yes they look so elegent that i wear them whenever i get a chance to flaunt :preen: :preen: :preen:

  23. Waaaaaaaaaaah! kya compilation hai Jomol! :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: BRILLIANT!
    & I died! so many lovely combos & types in banarsri!!! :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: me want! No wedding happens here in my family without the mother gifting her daughter some banarasi…in fact a weddin might be put on hold till banarsari saree is not gifted! 😀

Leave a Reply to shajeela Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *