Kanjivaram Saree vs Banarasi Saree: Key Differences

The most well-known Indian clothing for women to wear is the saree, often known as the sari, and this is true not just in India but in the entire world. It has drawn attention from the beginning of time due to its sensuality. A saree enhances a woman’s beauty, style, and grace.

India is a nation with several dialects, many customs, a wide variety of clothing, and different ways to worship God. India has managed to preserve its identity while having unique customs and traditions.

The secret to India’s grandeur is its willingness to absorb the best aspects of foreign influences and incorporate them into its already rich cultural legacy. The expansion of the Indian traditional clothing known as the “saree” or “sari” is indicative of this component of the country’s cultural framework.

Sambalpuri Saree from the East, Mysore silk and Ilkal from Karnataka, Kanchipuram from Tamil Nadu in the South, Paithani from the West, and Banarasi from the North are only a few examples of the classic saree types. The sarees can be draped in a variety of ways. Women in the southern portion of the country wear sarees differently than women in the northern part of the country, for instance. The many draping techniques for sarees that are well-known include the Bengali, Kodagu, Seedha, Parsi, and other styles.

Although there are many distinct varieties of sarees on the market, the Banarasi and Kanjivaram sarees are the most well-known. This article will discuss the differences between Banarasi silk and Kanjivaram sarees for women. Both of these fabrics are highly popular, so you probably want to know what makes one better than the other. We’ll give you all the details you need to know before you can make a purchase.

Before discussing the differences between a Kanjivaram saree and a Banarasi saree, let’s first have a look at what both sarees are all about.

1. Kanjivaram Saree

History and origin of Kanjevaram Sarees

One extremely significant item, the iconic Kanjivaram Saree, is a must-have for any Indian woman’s wardrobe or bridal priceless heirloom.

At all events and festivals, women wear a variety of silk sarees, from the wealthiest leaders to the most modest homes. The Kanjivaram, also known as the “queen of silks,” is a popular dress choice for special occasions that are frequently momentous and life-altering, situations that serve as indicators of transformation and development as well as the start of a stage in a person’s life and journey.

Silk sarees are worn, given as gifts, adored, and cherished by all generations throughout all Indian celebrations and important occasions like Diwali, Dussehra, Navratri, or Eid.

These beautiful sarees have a long history that begins with Hindu mythology. The people who weave Kanjivaram silk are thought to be descended from Markanda, who was chosen to weave God’s clothing.

The specialty of Kanjivaram saree

Kanjivaram is more than simply a piece of clothing; it is a saree that combines patterns and feelings. One of the most expensive purchases for an Indian woman’s wardrobe, it is distinguished by its rich and shiny fabric and deep hues infused with traces of gold. Because the cloth used to make sarees must be thick, before sewing, the threads are soaked in rice water and allowed to dry in the sun. The silver wire and silk threads are then twisted together to complete the operation. In the end, gold threads provide sparkle and a lovely appearance.

Pure Zari from Gujarat and pure mulberry silk from all across India, both of which are known as pattu silk sarees, may make you feel as though the entire nation is together. You will turn heads and steal hearts when you wear this noble item of clothing to all your celebrations and special events.

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These sarees stand out thanks to their bold hues and large contrast borders, which take their cues from religious texts and illustrations of temples and other natural landmarks. Colors, materials utilized, designs, and the degree of complexity of the work all affect the price. The pallu and body of the Kanchipuram saree are distinctive because they are woven separately before being connected. A person with good vision can distinguish the point where the two meet. These are often hefty yet sturdy and resilient since three silk strands are utilized to construct them.

The better part of a Kanjivaram saree is the blouses, and there are a few things to think about while selecting a blouse to go with your outfit. Going conventional with a matching blouse is a timeless favorite, even if a contrasting color scheme between the saree and blouse is a well-known engagement. Due to the hefty weight of the fabric and the weaving, Kanjeevaram sarees have the disadvantage of not being as drape-friendly. Carrying them and being able to function throughout the festivities tends to become a chore, even though they look lovely and are extremely classic and joyful.

2. Banarasi Saree

History and origin of Banarasi Sarees

Indian women’s national attire, the saree, is an essential component of their culture. It may be claimed that the Banarasi silk saree is the most opulent of the numerous options. In addition to being a staple of bridal attire in Bengali weddings, the Banarasi saree is a favorite among women of various socioeconomic classes and geographic locations. It should come as no surprise that these sarees are in high demand not just on the domestic market but also abroad, where they have garnered significant foreign cash. Indian craftspeople create clothing with hand-beading and embroidery, which is used by both international designers and British high street retailers.

The legendary tale of the Ramayana, which took place in 5301 BC, is where Banarasi silk sarees have their start. The Mughal era is thought to be the time when Banarasi sarees first appeared. Therefore, it can be said with confidence that the Mughal Empire brought Banarasi silk to India with its complex weaving and designing expertise. The royal family initially adorned the Banarasi sarees with threads fashioned from actual gold and silver. To make them more affordable today, colored gold and silver threads have taken the place of the original threads.

The specialty of the Banarasi saree

There are two primary categories of sarees in India: classical bridal sarees and contemporary sarees. Due to its varied textures and patterns, brides choose Banarasi sarees the most. The majority of Banarsi sarees are produced in Varanasi, a holy city in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Due to their exquisite needlework, they are one of the best traditional sarees in India and are quite heavy, making them perfect for weddings, festivals, and social gatherings.

These sarees are typically made in four different styles:
• Organza (Kora)
• Georgette saree
• Shatir saree
• Pure silk (Katan)

These styles are further divided into organza, satin borders, jangla, brocades, tanchoi, cutwork, and resham butidar, which feature intriguing designs of fauna, flora, fruit, human figures, and geometric patterns. In order to create the distinctive floral patterns of the saree utilized even today, Persian themes are also incorporated into Indian designs.

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There are around 5600 string wires, each measuring 45 inches in width, in a well-crafted Banarasi saree. When the twist is braided, skilled artisans build the foundation, which is between 24 and 26 meters long.

Banarasi sarees are one of the few items of clothing that are both traditional and modern, and they have grown to be incredibly fashionable in recent years. Numerous Bollywood actresses have donned Banarasi silk sarees on the red carpet, and fashion designers have also played around with the classic styles.

People are always mesmerized by their wide collection of sarees in a range of patterns, including Banarasi, Kanjivram, and many more, in both modern and traditional styles. You should also incorporate a classic piece into your ensemble.

Have you read all of that, but you still don’t know which is the greatest and most appropriate for your special day? Let’s include the major differences between a Banarasi saree and a Kanjivaram saree in the table below to greatly simplify the problem’s solution.