India, a land of rich stories, traditions, and religions, is home to a diverse range of art and traditions, one of which is sarees. Sarees have long been an indistinguishable part of Indian culture, representing our heritage and timeless beauty. Sarees are the go-to attire for every woman, whether it's a formal or family event, and no function is complete without one. When we hear the word saree, the first thing that comes to mind is the Katan Banarasi Saree, which stands out for its vibrant colours and elegant design. This fabric is a favourite amongst the saree industry and designers because of its versatility and timeless appeal. 

History of Katan Banarasi Saree

Katan silk originated in Persia and was used by Mughal royal families. In the 14th century, talented artisans from Gujarat arrived in Varanasi, bringing with them weaving techniques and designs that gradually blended with indigenous creative traditions. The Mughal rulers were known for their love of the arts, which had a significant impact on the production of Katan Banarasi silk sarees, as royal tastes influenced the designs and patterns. Nur Jahan Begum helped Katan silk sarees gain traction and popularity. 

How is Katan Banarasi Saree Made

The weaving techniques used to make Katan Banarasi sarees are one of their distinguishing features. The most commonly used technique is the Jamdani weave, which involves weaving intricate patterns into the fabric with a handloom. This is accomplished by adding more threads to the weft, which are then woven into the fabric to create the desired pattern.

Other techniques include Jangla, Tanchoi, and Kinkhab. The Jangla technique involves representing the jungle. It is embellished with intricate weaving featuring floral and bird designs. The designs are in gold and silver zari. Kinkhab uses gold or silver thread, and the silk background is barely visible. Tanchoi is a warp-faced, satin base fabric woven with silk weft decoration over a plain, twill, or satin silk ground. 

The saree was initially in white floral motifs. As time passed, as the art evolved, they started using red with spots of different colour combinations. 

What Makes Katan Banarasi Saree Special 

Katan Banarasi silk sarees for weddings have a timeless appeal, representing a fusion of tradition and luxury. These magnificent pieces, which are frequently used as bridal sarees, carry a tradition of artistry. They are passed down from generation to generation as symbols of cultural continuity and family heritage. The intricate weaving techniques and rich designs elevate them from mere clothing to living traditions, adding a sense of royalty to weddings and other celebratory occasions. This wedding saree represents more than just clothing; it is a celebration of culture and love.

Taking Care of Katan Banarasi Saree

• Dry-washing is advised at laundries

• Wrap it in a soft cotton cloth before storing

• Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight as it may cause discolouration

• Use an iron press at low heat and prevent using water spray as it may leave a stain.