Muslin Jamdani Ektara Saree with Zari-Resham Weave

Banarasi, a GI-certified textile legacy from the sacred city of Varanasi, represents the richness of Indian weaving traditions. Renowned for their grandeur, Banarasi sarees were originally woven using real gold and silver threads on the finest silk. Flourishing under Mughal patronage, the craft incorporates Persian-inspired motifs such as floral vines (kalga and bel), butidar patterns, and intricate mina and zari work. Techniques like kadwa (hand-brocade), tanchoi, and jamdani reflect immense skill, with a single saree sometimes taking weeks or even months to complete.

At the heart of every Banarasi weave lies the devotion of Varanasi’s master weavers, many of whom belong to families that have preserved this art for over a century. The GI tag ensures this textile's authenticity and protects the economic interests of its artisan community. More than a garment, a Banarasi saree is a symbol of heritage, often passed down through generations as a treasured heirloom. In recent years, designers and weavers have collaborated to adapt Banarasi textiles into lehengas, dupattas, and even modern silhouettes, ensuring this regal weave continues to inspire, dazzle, and endure.