Khinkhwab Diaries

From the scattered buti to the magnificent shikargah hunting scene, here's a friendly field guide to the classic motifs woven into a Banarasi saree — and what each one means.

Zardozi is the gold-thread embroidery of Banaras. What it is, the threads used — salma, dabka, sitara, kalabattu — and how it differs from aari (hath-ari) work.

A plain-language guide to the great Banarasi weaves — kimkhab brocade, amru, tanchoi, jangla, tissue (ab-e-rawan) and cutwork — what each one is and how to tell them apart.

Kadwa or cutwork? The two ways a Banarasi saree is woven — what kadwa (kadhua) weaving is, how it differs from cutwork, and why it costs more.

From the fine cloth that wrapped the Buddha to the looms still working in Varanasi today — the long, astonishing story behind every Banarasi saree.

When you think of Banarasi sarees, the first image that comes to mind is colour — a deep crimson bridal saree glowing with zari, a royal blue drape with floral...

If silk is the soul of Banaras, zari is its sparkle. The shimmering metallic thread, woven into silk fabrics, is what transforms an ordinary drape into a regal masterpiece. From...

When people think of Banarasi sarees, their mind often jumps to rich Katan silk Banarasis or shimmering zari brocades. But behind the grandeur lies a set of humble, hardworking fibres...

While Banarasi sarees are most often associated with pure mulberry silk, the city’s looms have also embraced the earthy charm of wild silks. Among these, Tussar and Moonga are the...

Among all the fabrics of Banaras, Katan silk reigns supreme. Known as the purest form of Banarasi weaving, Katan is smooth, lustrous, and incredibly strong — making it the perfect...

When you run your fingers across a Banarasi saree, what you’re really touching is silk — nature’s most magical fibre. Silk is the very soul of Banaras weaving. Without it,...

When you think of Banarasi sarees, the first image that comes to mind is often a heavy bridal silk — but Banaras is also home to lighter, more versatile fabrics...