Sarees have been an integral part of Indian fashion for centuries, celebrated for their versatility and timeless elegance. Among the many varieties, Banarasi sarees are the most coveted, often gracing festive occasions and weddings with their rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. Rooted in history, Banarasi sarees have been a symbol of India’s pride since the Mughal era, captivating hearts with their intricate designs and unparalleled beauty.
Authentic Banarasi sarees are timeless and known for their exquisite craftsmanship. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to identify the genuine ones. We’re here to share valuable tips and tricks to help you confidently choose a high-quality Banarasi saree.
For decades, Indian wardrobes have been adorned with Banarasi sarees, which are known for their timeless appeal and rich legacy. But how can you be sure the saree you’re admiring is the real deal in a market full of imitations? Do not be alarmed! We’ll reveal the mysteries around real Banarasi silk sarees in this article. So, let’s go out on this adventure to separate the real from the fake, whether you’re an expert saree collector or just a busy mom saree lover.
Understanding The Secrets of Saree Banarasi Sarees
Check the reverse side:
Authentic Banarasi sarees are made from pure silk. The fabric feels soft, smooth, and luxurious. To check the authenticity of the Banarasi sarees, simply flip it to the reverse side. Loom-woven sarees will have floats inside the warp and weft grids, while machine-woven sarees will have a smooth finish.
Pin markings on Saree Banarasi:
Skilled artisans weave genuine Banarasi sarees using traditional handloom techniques. Banarasi sarees can be identified by the pin markings, which are often located on the saree’s selvedge. If your saree has the marking, you can be assured it’s authentic. These woven designs are visible, not printed.
Ask for a certificate:
Most of the real Banarasi sarees come with a certificate of the Silk Mart logo. When buying them, you can simply ask the shopkeeper for a certificate that defines the genuineness of the fabric. Reputable sellers always provide certification.
Price range:
Banarasi sarees are always expensive because they are woven out of high-quality silk and zari threads. They are also made of gold and silver alloys. The loom weaving also takes a lot of time, making the process of crafting the saree even longer, and, therefore, more expensive. Be wary of extremely cheap sarees claiming to be genuine. If you want a pure Banaras weave, you should be ready to shell out a heavy sum.
Patch of plain silk:
Another trick to identify a saree banarasi is to check out for a plain patch of silk, which will be roughly about six to eight inches in length on the pallu.
Mughal patterns:
Since Banarasi sarees have thrived since the Mughal era, they mostly feature heavy Mughal artwork. Mughal-inspired motifs such as Amru, Ambi, and Domak are something to look out for apart from the intricate zari floral motifs such as kalga and bel. These patterns symbolize the authenticity of the saree, which is otherwise hard to find in duplicates.
Geographical identification:
A pure saree banarasi comes with its own geographical identification or a GI mark, which is granted by the Indian government as a stamp of the saree’s origin. Genuine pieces are only crafted in six regions of Uttar Pradesh, which have their exclusive GI marks: Jaunpur, Bhadohi, Varanasi, Mirzapur, Chandauli, and Azamgarh.
Trusted seller:
If you are buying Banarasi sarees online, purchase from a trusted seller. Check the description of the product and also the comments and reviews of previous buyers.
You can recognize a pure saree banarasi with these simple tips and tricks. Remember, the authenticity of the saree will be worth your money. An authentic Banarasi saree isn’t just an ensemble, investing in an authentic Banarasi saree ensures timeless elegance!
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