Why are Banarasi sarees very expensive?
As Banarasi sarees are associated with elegance and tradition, they frequently fetch high prices for a variety of reasons.
Masterful Handweaving Techniques
The exquisite craftsmanship of Banarasi sarees is a major factor in their high price. Each saree is hand-woven by expert weavers in Varanasi, sometimes taking weeks or even months. Every pattern, motif, and design is carefully produced by hand using age-old methods passed down through generations. This process takes a lot of time and labour.
Utilisation of High-Quality Materials
High-quality silk, frequently manufactured with pure mulberry silk yarn, is used to make banarasi sarees. The saree's cost is additionally increased by the use of zari, or gold and silver threads, in the weaving process. The zari threads in sarees are usually plated in silver or fine gold, which adds to the cost of the garment based on the quantity of metallic work required.
Delicate Designs and Motifs
It takes skill to create the trademark motifs, which include floral patterns, designs with Mughal influences, and elaborate borders. The saree's exquisite detailing raises both its price and its beauty. Every pattern, such the elaborate paisley, flowery jaal, or butta motifs, needs to be carefully planned and carried out.
Time-consuming Procedure
A Banarasi saree is woven in a number of processes, starting with the creation of the foundation fabric and continuing with the addition of elaborate motifs, zari work, and finishing touches. The time required to complete a saree might range from 15 days to 6 months, depending on how intricate the design is. The cost increases with the duration.
Heritage and Authenticity
Banarasi sarees have had a rich cultural past. Because of its historical connection to handloom weaving and its link with monarchy, Banarasi sarees are extremely popular. The cost of an authentic Banarasi saree is increased by its heritage value.
Limited Production
There is a cap on the number of sarees that can be made in a given amount of time because they are handmade. The high cost of Banarasi sarees is partly due to their exclusivity and rarity, particularly in the case of those woven by master weavers. Since they are not mass-produced, authentic Banarasi sarees are rare and expensive.
The Pay and Skill of Artists
It is necessary to adequately reward the highly skilled workers who weave Banarasi sarees for their labour. Years of training and skill are needed to perform the intricate weaving, and these artisans' right to just compensation guarantees the survival of their profession. The total cost of the saree includes this expense.
Tradition, elegance, and creativity are all combined in Banarasi sarees, which are priced accordingly because of the labour-intensive process that goes into making them. Every saree is a work of art that embodies centuries of weaving history, from the use of fine silk and zari to the laborious handloom procedure. Purchasing a Banarasi saree entitles you to possess a classic work of art with a wealth of history and skill.
