Banarasi sarees: A sustainable and eco-friendly fashion choice

Banarasi Sarees are considered to be one of the finest and most exquisite sarees in India. These sarees are traditionally woven in Varanasi, also known as Banaras, a city located in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The  Banarasi Sarees is known for its rich texture, intricate designs, and heavy embroidery work. It is a popular choice for weddings, formal occasions, and festivities.

The history of  Banarasi Sarees dates back to the Mughal era when skilled  weavers from Persia were brought to India to weave fabrics for the royal family. The  Banarasi Sarees evolved as a result of the fusion of Indian and Persian weaving techniques, creating a unique style of weaving that was distinct to Banaras. The  Banarasi Sarees was initially woven with real gold and silver threads, making it an expensive and exclusive fabric worn only by royalty and the wealthy. However, with the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the availability of cheaper synthetic fibres, the use of real gold and silver threads decreased, making the  Banarasi Sarees more accessible to the common people.

Banarasi Sarees are not only a symbol of luxury and elegance but also a sustainable and eco-friendly fashion choice. These sarees are woven using traditional handloom techniques, which involve minimal use of electricity and do not emit harmful pollutants. The use of natural fibres like silk and cotton, and the absence of synthetic materials, make  Banarasi Sarees biodegradable and environmentally friendly. The traditional handloom weaving techniques used to create  Banarasi Sarees have been passed down through generations and are a part of India's rich cultural heritage. By choosing to wear  Banarasi Sarees, you are supporting the local weavers and craftsmen who have been weaving these sarees for centuries. This helps to preserve the art of handloom weaving and promotes sustainable livelihoods for rural communities. Moreover, the use of natural fibres like silk and cotton in  Banarasi Sarees is a sustainable alternative to synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, which are derived from non-renewable sources like petroleum. Synthetic fabrics take a long time to decompose, contributing to environmental pollution and damage. In contrast, natural fibres like silk and cotton are biodegradable, meaning they can be easily decomposed by natural processes, reducing the environmental impact.

The  Banarasi Sarees is woven using a unique weaving technique called the 'kadwa' technique. This involves the use of small shuttles to weave the motifs and designs into the fabric. The weavers work on handlooms to create intricate designs, which can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the design. The designs on the  Banarasi Sarees are inspired by Mughal art and architecture, nature, and mythology. Some of the popular motifs include floral designs, paisleys, peacocks, and elephants. The intricate designs are created by weaving gold and silver threads into the fabric, giving it a rich and luxurious look.

There are various types of  Banarasi saree, each with its own unique characteristics and design patterns. Here are some of the popular types of  Banarasi sarees from the WeaverStory:

1. Pure Silk Banarasi saree:

As the name suggests, this saree is made of pure silk and is known for its rich texture, intricate designs, and heavy embroidery work. It is a popular choice for weddings and formal occasions.

2. Organza Banarasi Sarees:

This saree is made of organza fabric, which is a lightweight and sheer fabric. It is known for its delicate designs and intricate embroidery work.