Silk sarees will always hold a special place in people’s hearts. We all adore silk sarees and have a large collection of them. Silk sarees bring a touch of elegance to your clothing, and you’ll be glad you bought one. 

A single silk saree may carry the grace, elegance, culture, sophistication, and tradition of ten western garments. There are many types of silk sarees available in the market but the most popular of them are Banarasi silk sarees and Kanjivaram silk sarees.

Banarasi sarees will always have a special place in everyone’s hearts. Banarasi sarees, originally designed for royalty, have evolved to suit modern Indian women. Because both are made of silk, pure banarasi silk sarees are frequently confused with pure kanjivaram silk sarees.

What are Banarasi Silk Sarees?

The origin of Banarasi sarees dates back to the Mughal era when it became popular and has been passed on to the modern generations. Banarasi sarees are made in Banaras, the hub of weavers. 

Mughal culture has inspired the designs of Banarasi sarees. Weavers employ golden and silver zari to weave floral and themed designs known as Kalga or Bel.      

The meticulous detailing takes so long that a Banarasi saree might take anything from fifteen days to six months to complete.

The fabric possibilities in Banarasi brides sarees include Katan or pure silk, modern Shattir, Organza, Georgette, Jangla, Butidar, Tanchoi, Cutwork, and Tissue. Choose one of these regal occasions to make your wedding day stand out from the rest.

What are Kanjivaram Silk Sarees?

Kanjivaram has its origins in Kancheepuram, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. While Kanjivaram sarees are also weaved from silk, they differ from banarasi sarees in terms of detailing. Golden threads are used for elaborate decoration in Kanjivaram sarees.

Kanjivaram sarees are also known as Kanchipuram sarees because of their hometown. Kanjivaram, Kanchipuram, and Kanchi Pattu sarees are all variations of the same saree.

Kanjivaram sarees, another Shaadi wear saree, is made out of several fabrics and adorned with various motifs. Kanjivaram sarees are made of pure Mulberry silk, making them a popular choice among Indian brides.

Traditional temple designs, simple Kanjivaram with gold border, and floral weave motifs also feature Kanjivaram sarees. You can also choose between classic and modern silk sarees in addition to these.

How do you differentiate between banarasi silk sarees and kanjivaram silk sarees?

Banarasi and Kanjivaram are two of India’s finest silk sarees, both of which are popular worldwide. Apart from Indian brides, their appeal has no bounds. As previously stated, individuals from all over the world want such a print to add to their wardrobe.

Here is an expert checklist from Chinaya Banaras to differentiate between the Banarasi silk sarees and pure Kanjivaram silk sarees. It will make it easier for you to select the best wedding saree.

1. Origin of the sarees

The most basic distinction between the sarees lies in their origins and their derived names. 

Kanjivaram sarees are from the Kanchipuram village in the Tamil Nadu state and belong to the South Indian region.

Banaras, the silk weavers’ heartland, produces pure Banarasi sarees. Banarasi sarees are synonymous with the North Indian region of India.

2. Use of Fabric

Kanjivaram saree is a saree from South India woven entirely of mulberry silk thread. It has a pinti, the joint between the pallu and the body. 

Banarasi sarees are created in the Banaras region of India and are made of intricately woven silk. They come in light hues and have a narrow fringe pattern on the outer and inner border known as Jhhalar.

3. Design of the sarees

An amazing Zari-work weaves out the floral motifs and flora on this Banarasi saree. Kanjivaram silk sarees, on the other hand, include elaborate structures, motifs, stripes, and checks woven with golden or silver threads. 

Both of these sarees are available in a variety of colors and patterns. You can choose between the grandeur of Banarasi motifs and palettes and the cultural treasure trove of Kanjivaram sarees.

4. Price of the sarees

Whether it’s a Kanjivaram or a Banarasi saree, the artisans dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to each piece of art. As a result of such enormous devotion, costs have shifted somewhat higher in the price range.

But how much do Kanjivaram and Banarasi sarees cost? A Kanjivaram masterpiece can cost anywhere between Rs. 2500 and Rs. 50,000, or even more, while a Banarasi saree might cost anywhere between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 70,000. So, before choosing one of these lovely sarees, decide on a saree budget.

5. Hues of the sarees

Banarasi sarees are available in hues ranging from light yellow to dark red to make your look more glamorous. 

Kanjivaram sarees come in light hues such as ash grey, beige, etc., to make a soothing impact on your wardrobe.

6. Artwork in the sarees

The majority of Kanjivaram saree designs are inspired by natural elements like foliage, birds, and animals, as well as historical events such as the Mahabharata or Ramayana and religious structures. Wide contrast borders and patterns such as checks, stripes, and floral can be found on these sarees.

The majority of the patterns on a banarasi saree are based on Mughal paintings, such as floral and foliate themes, kalga and bel, a string of vertical leaves that runs around the outside edge of the border.

7. Area of manufacturing

While pure Kanjivaram sarees are manufactured in the Kanchipuram village of Tamil Nadu state, authentic banarasi sarees are found in the state of Varanasi in North India.

8. Varieties of Sarees

There are different types of Kanjivaram sarees available in the market like Temple border kanjivaram saree, kanjivaram saree with silk border, floral weave kanjivaram silk saree, etc.

There are different forms of banarasi sarees. Banarasi organza silk saree, tanchoi banarasi silk saree, banarasi tussar silk saree, banarasi georgette saree, etc., are some of them.

9. Process of making silk threads

Zari threads are unique for each kind of saree. Kanjivaram Zari threads are manufactured by winding red silk and silver threads together and immersing them in molten gold. Gold wires are rolled around silk threads and flattened using a machine in the case of Banarasi Sarees.

10. Quality of silk

Kanjivaram silk is much thicker than other silks, and as a result, the thicker the silk, the higher the quality.

Banarasi silk is known to be fine and durable silk. Due to this, the banarasi sarees have been passed on from generation to generation.

While there are considerable variations between Banarasi silk sarees and Kanjivaram silk sarees, these sarees have remained the most popular choice of brides for their bridal sarees. Chinaya Banaras has some of the most exquisite banarasi silk sarees to help you make your wedding day even more memorable.

So, ladies, grab your magnificent traditional dress, accessorize it religiously, and look stunning on your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day.