Varanasi, the city of heritage and culture, is renowned for its exquisite Banarasi silk sarees. Known for their intricate weaving and luxurious texture, these sarees are not just a piece of clothing but a symbol of the city’s rich tradition. But how can you find an authentic Banarasi silk saree in Varanasi, amidst the many shops selling them?
Here’s how you can go about it:
Explore the Old City: The heart of Varanasi, especially the areas like Chowk and Vishwanath Gali, is home to several century-old weaving houses and saree shops that offer authentic Banarasi silk sarees. A visit to these places will allow you to witness the craftsmanship up close.
Visit Renowned Stores: Some of the well-known saree shops in Varanasi, like Shree Banarasi Saree Bhandar and Kashi Vishwanath Silk House, have been around for generations, offering genuine Banarasi sarees. You can always trust these stores to provide you with quality and authenticity.
Check for Handwoven Labels: Authentic Banarasi sarees are handwoven using traditional techniques, often passed down through generations. Many genuine shops in Varanasi display a label indicating the saree is handwoven, making it easier for customers to differentiate.
Tips to Recognize a Pure South Indian & Banarasi Saree
While shopping for a Banarasi silk saree, it’s important to know how to recognize a genuine one. With so many imitations available, here are some tips to ensure you choose a pure Banarasi saree:
Feel the Fabric: A pure Banarasi saree is made from high-quality silk. It should have a soft, smooth texture that feels luxurious to the touch. Synthetic fabrics may feel rough or too shiny compared to authentic silk.
Check for Zari Work: The hallmark of a Banarasi saree is the intricate zari (gold or silver thread) work. Pure Banarasi sarees will have fine, delicate zari work that’s woven into the fabric, not glued or printed. Check for the quality and finesse of the zari threads.
Inspect the Borders and Pallu: The borders and pallu (the end of the saree) are often the most intricate parts of a Banarasi saree. Authentic sarees have detailed, symmetrical designs woven into the fabric, rather than printed or embroidered patches.
Burn Test: If you’re unsure, a simple burn test can help. Take a small thread of the saree, and burn it. Pure silk will burn slowly and leave a powdery ash, while synthetic materials will melt or leave hard lumps.
Tips on Selecting a Good South Indian & Banarasi Saree for Yourself
When it comes to selecting a South indian Banarasi silk saree, it’s important to choose one that suits your body type, occasion, and personal preferences. Here are some tips for making the best choice:
Consider the Occasion: Banarasi sarees are perfect for weddings, festivals, and grand events. For a wedding or a major celebration, opt for rich colors like deep reds, golds, and maroons, along with elaborate zari work. For a more subtle, everyday look, pastel shades with lighter work are a great option.
Understand Your Body Type: If you’re petite, consider choosing lighter fabrics with minimal embellishments. Heavy zari work can overwhelm smaller frames. For taller or fuller figures, heavier fabrics with detailed borders and larger patterns complement well.
Set Your Budget: South indian Banarasi sarees come in a wide price range, depending on factors like silk quality, the intricacy of the design, and the presence of zari work. Decide your budget beforehand and look for options within that range.
Examine the Drape: Different types of Banarasi sarees offer different draping styles. For example, lighter silk sarees drape gracefully, while heavier ones might require more effort to drape properly. Try on a few to find the one that suits your comfort.
Check the South Indian & Banarasi Silk Quality
One of the most important aspects of a Banarasi saree is the quality of silk used. Here’s how you can check if the silk quality is up to mark:
Look for Luster: Pure silk has a natural sheen. The saree should reflect light softly, without an overly shiny finish. A dull or artificial sheen could indicate a synthetic blend.
Feel the Texture: Silk, especially high-quality silk, should feel smooth and slightly cool to the touch. If the fabric feels rough or plastic-like, it might not be pure silk.
Check the Thread Count: A genuine Banarasi silk saree is made from fine threads that are tightly woven together. Higher thread count results in a more luxurious texture and drape. You can lightly rub the fabric to check its smoothness, as higher-quality silk will feel softer.
Examine the Silk’s Durability: Pure silk is known for its durability. Gently stretch a part of the saree, and it should spring back into shape without losing its texture. If the fabric wrinkles or loses its form easily, it might not be pure silk.
Conclusion
This blog provides valuable insights to help visitors make informed decisions while purchasing authentic Banarasi silk sarees in Varanasi. Each section emphasizes important factors such as authenticity, quality, and the right selection for the individual. Would you like any further additions or edits to this content?