Fabric Stories: Colours of Banaras – From Natural Dyes to Modern Hues 🌈 September 19, 2025Ruchi Agarwal 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...
Fabric Stories: Zari – The Golden Thread of Banarasi September 18, 2025Ruchi Agarwal 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...
Fabric Stories: Matka, Spun Silk & Suta – The Unsung Heroes of Banarasi Weaving September 17, 2025Ruchi Agarwal 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...
Fabric Stories: Tussar & Moonga – The Beauty of Wild Silks September 16, 2025Ruchi Agarwal 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...
Fabric Stories: Katan – The Queen of Banarasi Weaves September 15, 2025Ruchi Agarwal 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...
Fabric Stories - The Soul of Banaras: Understanding Silk September 14, 2025Ruchi Agarwal 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,...
Lightweight Elegance – Georgette, Organza & Tissue Banarasi Sarees September 13, 2025Ruchi Agarwal 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...
The Varieties of Banarasi Sarees: From Katan to Organza (and Beyond) September 11, 2025Ruchi Agarwal Banarasi sarees are not just garments; they are heirlooms, woven stories of tradition, artistry, and elegance. For centuries, these sarees have graced women at weddings, festivals, and celebrations, carrying with...
Textiles of Banaras: Weaving History, Culture, and Spirituality September 10, 2025Ruchi Agarwal Banaras, also known as Kashi or Varanasi, is one of the world’s oldest living cities. Famous for its ghats, temples, and philosophy, the city is equally celebrated for its Banarasi...
Chikankari: A lucknawi Tradition September 11, 2022Vinayak mannuvinayak2@gmail.com Chikankari is a craft that has become world famous for its intricateness and beauty. Chinakari is a prominent craft among India's handloom specialities that has captivated everyone - from the...
Phulkari - The dyeing embroidery of Punjab September 11, 2022Vinayak mannuvinayak2@gmail.com The term "phulkari" refers to Punjabi traditional needlework. Although it refers to flowers, the designs also feature geometrical patterns, which consist of flowers (phul) and shapes (Akari). This style of...
The Origins of Colour- A fascinating history August 08, 2022Vinayak mannuvinayak2@gmail.com Beyond their use as adornment, colours have deep meaning. Artists can both access and change our most buried wants and impressions. Shades provide a kaleidoscope of insights into an almost...