Banarasi Soft Silk Sarees

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Banarasi soft silk sarees for receptions, sangeet and festive pujas — gold and rose-gold zari woven into jaal, kalga buti and paisley pallus, finished with a gold lace edge and a brocade blouse piece. At about 400 grams they are far lighter than traditional katan silk, so you can wear one through a long evening. Free shipping across India, cash on delivery available.

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Banarasi soft silk: what it is, and what it isn't

Banarasi sarees take their name from Varanasi (Banaras), where weavers developed the brocade technique of floating gold and silver zari through the weave to build flowers, paisleys and trellises. The classic Banarasi is pure katan silk: heavy, formal, and priced several times higher than a soft silk.

Gulbaag, Meher and Ghungroo Ki Saugaat are Banarasi soft silk blend: the same zari brocade look on a lighter, softer base. Each weighs about 400 grams for 5.5 metres, has a gold lace fringe along the edge, and comes with a brocade blouse piece. We say "blend" on purpose. If you need pure silk for a bridal trousseau, buy from a Varanasi handloom weaver and ask for the Silk Mark label.

DesignZari workColoursPrice
GulbaagGold and copper floral jaal edge to edge, rose-gold brocade palluRed₹3,789
MeherGold kalga buti on the body, paisley pallu, zari floral borderRed, rani pink₹3,789
Ghungroo Ki SaugaatClusters of small gold ghungroo bells across the bodyMaroon₹4,297
NoorBroad gold zari border with sequinned lace; gold and silver striped palluChampagne gold₹3,289

Which Banarasi for which wedding function

As a guest you can wear a Banarasi to almost any function; the colour is what changes.

  • Pheras and the wedding night: red, the traditional choice. Meher in red has gold kalga buti; Gulbaag is covered edge to edge in a gold and copper floral jaal.
  • Sangeet and cocktail evenings: Ghungroo Ki Saugaat in maroon, with clusters of small gold ghungroo bells that chime as you move.
  • Mehendi and day functions: Meher in rani pink.
  • Engagement, reception and Diwali: Noor in champagne gold, a sheer Banarasi tissue with a sequinned lace border, for when you want shine but not red.

If you are the bride, buy pure katan silk from a Varanasi weaver for the main ceremony, and keep a soft silk for the reception and post-wedding functions, when you will be on your feet for hours.

Where soft silk makes sense

Receptions, sangeet, festive pujas, Karva Chauth, Diwali, and any wedding where you are a guest on your feet all evening. Soft silk drapes more easily than katan and is kinder in warm weather. For a humid daytime function, handloom tissue is cooler.

Care

Dry clean only. Store it folded in a cotton or muslin cloth away from damp, refold it every few months so the zari doesn't crack at the creases, and never spray perfume directly on zari.

See every festive option in our party wear edit.

Banarasi saree questions

What is a Banarasi soft silk saree?

A Banarasi soft silk saree is woven in the Banarasi brocade style, with gold or silver zari floated through the weave into motifs, on a soft silk or silk-blend base instead of heavy katan silk. It is lighter and easier to drape than traditional Banarasi and keeps the zari look.

Are Muralika's Banarasi sarees pure silk?

No. Gulbaag, Meher and Ghungroo Ki Saugaat are Banarasi soft silk blend, and we label them that way. Pure katan silk Banarasi is heavier and costs several times more; if you need pure silk, look for the Silk Mark label.

How much does a Banarasi soft silk saree cost?

Muralika's Banarasi sarees cost ₹3,289 (Noor), ₹3,789 (Meher and Gulbaag) or ₹4,297 (Ghungroo Ki Saugaat). Each comes with a blouse piece. Shipping is free across India and cash on delivery is available.

What is the difference between Banarasi soft silk and katan silk?

Katan is pure silk woven from tightly twisted threads, so it is heavier, stiffer and more formal, and it is the traditional bridal choice. Soft silk is lighter and more fluid, easier to carry through a long evening, and costs much less.

Is a Banarasi saree right for a wedding guest?

Yes. A red, rani pink or maroon Banarasi with gold zari is one of the safest choices for a reception or sangeet, and soft silk keeps it light enough to wear for hours.

How do I care for a Banarasi saree?

Dry clean only. Store it folded in cotton or muslin away from damp, refold every few months so the zari doesn't crack, and keep perfume off the zari.

Which colour Banarasi should a wedding guest wear?

Red suits the wedding night, though some families keep it for the bride, so maroon and rani pink are safe alternatives. For an engagement, reception or Diwali, champagne gold gives you shine without competing with the bride.