Imagine stepping out this festive or wedding season in something that will instantly make you look like your favorite Bollywood style diva. We are not talking about flowing gowns or the usual Anarkalis, this is something that is close to every Indian Mother’s heart – Saree. A Banarasi Saree to be more accurate.
Banarasi Sarees are known to be one of the finest handloom sarees in India, and are known for their gold and silver brocade or zari work, fine silk and opulent embroidery. And they instantly capture the attention. Don’t believe us, then simply check out how Alia Bhatt made headlines for the pink Banarasi Saree she wore to Radhika-Anant Ambani wedding, or Deepika Padukone’s green Banarasi Saree which she wore to Siddhivinayak temple. Also, these sarees can be a valuable heirloom investment piece in your wardrobe that you can pass on from one generation to another.
With the festive and wedding season right around the corner, we decided to make your search a bit easier. Here are 7 Amazing Banarasi saree brands by women entrepreneurs for all budgets and styles that you might like to bookmark.
1. Shanti Banaras by Khushi Shah
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Established in 2014 by Khushi Shah, Shanti Banaras is a new venture of a 50 years old manufacturing brand. Their sarees incorporate the technique of ‘Pichwai’ in their designs, which is a traditional Indian art form of incorporating paintings that depict the life of Lord Krishna on cloth. Their variety of color combinations and real zari work will leave everyone in awe.
Price range: Rs. 4040 to Rs. 4,96,000
2. Tilfi Banaras by Aditi Chand
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Tilfi Banaras, co-founded by Aditi Chand, is actually named after an actual weaving technique. The Banarasi sarees are made authentically in Banaras and they work with families of weavers, specially incorporating the women in the process of manufacturing. They also were the first brand to spread awareness about the traditional techniques of the clothes through social media. If you’re looking for real zari work, their ‘Zarkashi’ collection is the one for you.
Price range: Rs. 11,400 to Rs. 2,80,000
3. Warp ‘n Weft by Sagrika Rai
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Warp ‘n Weft is a 27-year-old Banarasi saree brand established by Sagrika Rai, when she was 26 and is now led by her own daughter, Gaurika Rai. The sarees are woven by the families that were there at the beginning of the brand’s journey, promoting sustainability in the world of weaves. It has also been awarded Geographical Indication (GI) authorisation by the Government of India, which is a tag of authenticity. Many Bollywood celebrities like Hema Malini, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Raveena Tandon, and more have been spotted wearing this brand.
Price range: Rs. 3,099 to Rs. 1,89,000
4. Katan Weaves founded by Ruchika Modi
Katan Weaves was founded by designer Ruchika Modi and all of the sarees are a part of her signature collection. The sarees from Katan Weaves (‘katan’ means silk) are handwoven in Banaras with pure silk and georgettes. Their contemporary designs with geometric shapes, or jewel toned sarees with the classic floral motif can be found in abundance. Their store is based in Defence Colony, New Delhi, and they even hold exhibitions all over the country, coming to hotels like Taj to showcase their collections.
Price range: Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 65,000
5. Ohfab by Aanchal and Akshita
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Integrity, craftsmanship, and quality are the proclaimed three pillars of Ohfab, founded by Aanchal Sagar Jain, and Akshita Sagar. This brand comes from a 100 year manufacturing company, Osaw Group that was started in 1919. Their Banarasi sarees, ethereal enough to be a collectible, come in bright pastel colors, and are made of handwoven silk tissue. As for the art form and its preservation, Ohfab gives back a portion of their revenue to the artisan community, making sure this age-old tradition never comes close to extinction again.
Price range: Rs. 9,500 to Rs. 85,000
6. Karagiri by Pallavi Mohadikar
Pallavi Mohadikar started Karagiri in 2017, along with her husband. Pallavi’s father is a weaver himself and this equipped her with the knowledge of the working conditions of karigars and also where to find high quality material for the sarees. That’s why Banarasi sarees from Karagiri will come straight from the remote villages of India to anywhere you are in the world. And their quirky names will add a charm to all the conversations.
Price range: Rs. 8,760 to Rs. 96,453
7. Sacred Weaves by Shruti Shah
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Sacred Weaves is a sister company of JDS Varanasi, which is one of the oldest saree shops in Banaras, more than 100 years old. It has been founded by Shruti Shah with the purpose of making this popular weave accessible across the country and even beyond. Made carefully with Banarasi silk, their classic motifs and vibrant colors will give you a hard time to choose from!
Price range: Rs. 9,425 to Rs. 1,44,000
We carry on our traditions when we celebrate our festivals, so it is only fair that we do so in traditional handloom weaves. And Banarasi sarees, new ones or the ones found at the back of your grandmom’s closet, are priceless tokens of our heritage. So, this festive season, make sure to really get in the spirit of celebration when you dress up like a queen and bring the aura of prosperity to your own homes!
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