Varanasi Banarasi Silk Brocade Saree Uttar Pradesh

Banarasi silk sarees from Varanasi are the most prestigious Indian handloom product — woven with zari (gold and silver) brocade on silk using jacquard or drawloom looms. GI-tagged, Banarasi sarees include pure silk, organza, Shattir, and Georgette varieties with Mughal-inspired floral, butia, and jangla patterns. Over 1.5 lakh weavers in Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Azamgarh produce Banarasi fabrics. A single heavy brocade saree can take 2-4 weeks to weave. UNESCO has recognised Banarasi weaving as intangible heritage.