Banarasi sarees in new avatar

Light Banarasi sarees with ethnic enhancements are a rage these days. Compared to traditional heavy Banarasi sarees they add more sparkle to the wearer.

Regardless of sartorial changes wrought by fashion, sarees continue to be the staple attire of any Indian woman who is keen on updating her wardrobe. A desi woman’s closet comprises a variety of sarees. Depending on the occasion when they are used, place of origin, materials going into their making or other defining factors, sarees are identified as wedding sarees, traditional sarees, contemporary sarees...

Banarasi sarees in particular have a distinct charm because of the attention to detail given by its makers. In terms of quality, feel, fabric, look and durability, few sarees can match Banarasi variant.

In India, sarees are tailored specially for festive season. And for such occasions, Banarasi sarees have never lost their intrinsic appeal down the ages. At the most, Banarasi sarees have shed some of their traditional trappings to accommodate certain ethnic enhancements. In the process, there is a marked preference of ‘light’ sarees, unlike the traditional Banarasi sarees that are deemed a little heavy.

Nirmala and Rekha Lahoti organised a Banarasi saree exhibition at their boutique ‘Sarang’ in Banjara Hills. “Banarasi sarees display the intensity of the occasion. These sarees are worn on marriages, engagements, birthday celebrations and for parties. We have a collection of heavily embellished sarees which on wearing project gaiety. Similarly one can wear our sarees during festivals like Deepawali, Dussehra, Durga Puja etc and Banarasi sarees woven with golden thread and zari work are a rage. They display enjoyment and give that extra sparkle,” says Nirmala Lahoti.

The sarees on display were hand-picked. “This collection from Banaras represents what I picked up from some stores and a few of the weavers. The range is affordable, from Rs 7,000 to Rs 20, 000,” says Nirmala.

“We want to change the concept that Banaras sarees are heavy. In our collection, the sarees are very light and have the modern as well as classic touch. We have a variety of Banarasi sarees in pure silk, organza with zari, cotton mix, and shattir etc. In fact, we are planning to exhibit this collection twice every year, because we got a good response from our customers.”