The world famous Banarasi sarees find their origin in Varanasi, famous for its silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works and the ghats of the river Ganges. As significant as Varanasi as one of the 7 sacred cities in India, it is equally well known for its indigenous silk textile industry. These sarees are perhaps one of the most exquisite sarees throughout India, famous for their intricate zari, fine silk and beautiful embroidery. With fine silk made in Varanasi, or Banaras, the sarees are woven delicately and decorated with intricate designs. Generally, the designs are inspired by Mughal motifs, as a homage to the Mughal emperor Akbar, who helped immensely in the growth of the silk textile industry in Benaras. It was a common occurrence for Persian motifs to be mixed into Indian attire. With either exquisite gold or silvers brocades, the sarees are relatively heave and can sometimes take up to 15 days to a month to create. Some extremely intricately designed Banarasi sarees have been known to take upto 6 months!

The textile industry in Varanasi started with the migration of silk weavers from Gujarat in the early 1600s. A little known fact is that Banarasi silk found loving patronage under Emperor Akbar, who was so taken by the embroidery work that even the carpets and the wall hangings and many other aspects of his palace were draped with the Banarasi silk. Akbar is also known for providing for the revival of Hindu culture in the city of Varanasi, who invested in the construction of the Shiva and Vishnu temples in the city. Today, this cottage industry has about 1.2 million people from surrounding districts in Varanasi involved. The Banarasi silk sarees are considered to be the finest among traditional sarees in India, and is considered a favourite among bridal parties.

Kalanjali’s magnificent range of Banarasi Sarees