July 22, 2022
The Difference Between Kanjivaram & Benarasi Sarees
Kanjeevarams of the South & Benarasis of the North
Kanjeevaram Silk Saree
Benarasi Silk Saree
Dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation in the 2800- 1800BC, Sarees are the most common women’s garments in India. While there are various different types of weaves and different styles of draping a saree, that are unique to the different states and regions of the country, the two most popular weaves worldwide are Kanjeevarams of the South and Benarasi sarees of North India.
Kanjivaram sarees originated from Kancheepuram, South India and are often called Kancheepuram Sarees which are made from pure mulberry silk thread from South India.
Some of the Kanchipuram sarees have a pinti, which is the joint between the pallu and the body and offer the customers choice among traditional temple design, plain Kanjivaram with gold border, and floral weave motifs. Blouses are the better half of a Kanjivaram saree, and there are some factors to consider before choosing a matching blouse for your attire. Though a contrast color palette between the saree and blouse is a famous affair, going traditional with a matching blouse is an evergreen hit. One of the drawbacks of Kanjeevaram sarees is that they are not as drape friendly due to the heavy weight of the fabric and the weave. While they look beautiful and are usually very traditional and festive, carrying them and being able to work during the festivities tends to become a task.
Benarasi sarees on the other hand are handwoven on the looms in the holy city of Benaras. Traditionally inspired by the Mughal time, these sarees are available in all shades and a variety of fabrics, that are ideal for any and all occasions, be it the afternoon luncheons or weddings and festivities.
They are well known for their motifs, poths, kalgas and the intricate jaals that require excellent craftsmanship using gold and silver zari to bring to you handwoven heirloom textiles. Due to the intricacy and detailing, a classic Banarasi saree can take anywhere between two to six months to prepare.
Earlier, benarasi sarees were only woven on pure silk which made them heavy and difficult to carry, but in today's time, you can find beautiful benarasi in a range of textiles that include kora, georgette, katan silk, organza, tissue and so much more.
Since its establishment in 2008, our founders at Roliana, Roli & Vikash Mehra, have been constantly working closely with our weavers to come up with different blends of fabrics that can make the textiles more drape friendly and wearable, which in no way alters the quality or purity of the fabrics but rather enhance the pure fabrics like moonga georgette, tussar georgette, gajji silk, to name a few.
This kept the richness and exclusiveness of the heirloom textiles in place while also making them comfortable to wear for people of all generations.
We named it Roliana’s Revival Series, which became a feature in every collection that was showcased ever since,a touch of tradition and transformation.
The collection of sarees at Roliana promises to offer something for everyone, whether you are looking for the classic traditional rangkats and kadhwa jaal sarees, or soft hand painted sarees, the stunning revival pieces or the delicate tissues and organza sarees, the festive lehengas to everyday suits and from traditional dupattas, to handpainted scarves & pocket squares, and traditional benarasi thaans by the meter that can be used to make anything and everything, for men and women.
Choose any of these royal affairs to stand out in the crowd because a classic Roliana benarasi saree would always showcase the breathtaking amalgamation of art created by our weavers and hand painters."We welcome you to be a part of our Roliana Family and experience heirloom benarasi textiles like never before. "
