Exquisite design and craftmanship
Waltzing through Benarasi Palli
Sabira Manir
The sari has always had a distinctive appeal in fashion and has blended in well with the Bangalee culture and heritage. Some saris designs are evergreen and have a timeless appeal. Let's look at the brightly decorated shops in Mirpur where exquisite Benarasi saris vie for attention. There are saris for every occasion: ranging from weddings to festivals. The shining colour of Benarasi, its impeccable design, embroidery of golden and silver yarn- all these have rendered Benarasi a unique place at all times. Although Benarasi saris hailed from India's ancient city Benaras, shopkeepers say that Dhakai Benarasi has gone past its predecessor in its quality. Dhakai Benarasi is woven from thread and golden-silver yarn imported from China, Japan and Pakistan and is claimed to be of superior quality in terms of its brightness and longevity. A large area at Mirpur's block eleven is occupied by the 'Benarasi Palli'. Several factories are located here. A view of Mirpur Benarasi Palli reveals small cottage industries operating from narrow tin sheds.The Benarasis woven here find their place at the well-decorated showrooms of the big metropolitan shopping malls of the city. The Benarasi saris require meticulous craftsmanship. The karigars (craftsmen), who compose the main design and their associates (commonly known as the helpers) put in considerable effort to give the customers the exquisite finished product. The artistry of Benarasi lies particularly in its design. However, there is no certain formula for the exclusive designs. The karigar uses his artistic skills and imagination to give the sari a final touch. There are varieties of Benarasi sari like Ranguly Katan, Satin Brocade Katan, Ahamori Katan, Shundari Katan, cascade Katan, Muslin Katan. The price of a Benarasi Sari depends on its immaculate design and gravity. With the Eid spirit on us, one can take a stop at the Benarasi Palli. There are designs galore--guaranteed to make for a beeline of eager buyers.
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