Where Heritage
Meets Elegance
Authentic handwoven Banarasi silk sarees, suits & dupattas.
Crafted by master weavers of Varanasi — a 45-year legacy.
Our Collections
Handpicked from the looms of Varanasi's finest weavers
Katan Silk
Rich texture & premium zari
Shop Now →Organza
Lightweight elegance
Shop Now →Georgette
Flowing drapes
Shop Now →Banarasi Suits
Traditional ethnic wear
Shop Now →Bridal Dupattas
For your special day
Shop Now →Bestsellers
Our most cherished pieces, loved across generations
Where Every Thread
Tells a Story
Founded in 1979 by the Choudhary family in the heart of Varanasi, Dharohar Banarasi is more than a brand — it is a living tradition. For over 45 years, we have worked directly with master weavers who have inherited this art across generations.
Each saree takes 15 days to 6 months to craft, with weavers meticulously interlacing gold and silver zari threads into silk on traditional handlooms. The result is wearable art that carries the soul of Banaras.
Every product made by hand, never machine
Authentic gold & silver thread weaving
Delivering heritage globally
Loved by Thousands
"The Katan silk saree I ordered was breathtaking. The zari work is so intricate — you can tell it was crafted with love and expertise. It felt like wearing a piece of history."
"I ordered a bridal dupatta via video call. The team was so helpful showing me details live. It arrived perfectly packed, and on my wedding day I received so many compliments!"
"Ordered from London and received my organza saree in perfect condition. The authenticity is real — you can see the floating threads at the back. Worth every penny!"
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Our Collections
Handwoven Banarasi Silk — Straight from the Looms of Varanasi
Help & Heritage Guides
Everything you need to know about caring for, authenticating, styling, and tracking your handwoven Banarasi treasures.
How to Care for Your Banarasi Silk Saree
Pure Banarasi silk is an investment in artisanal craftsmanship. With proper care, these handwoven masterpieces retain their luster and zari strength for decades, passing gracefully from one generation to the next.
1. Washing & Cleaning
Strictly Dry Clean Only: Always dry clean pure Katan, Organza, Tanchoi, and Georgette Banarasi sarees. Water washing can tarnish genuine zari threads and cause pure mulberry silk to lose its natural sheen.
- Choose a trusted, experienced dry cleaner familiar with real silk and zari.
- Avoid petrol washes or harsh chemical bleaches.
- For minor liquid spills, immediately blot gently with a dry white cotton cloth without rubbing.
2. Storage & Wrapping
Use Breathable Muslin Cloth: Never store silk in synthetic plastic bags, which trap moisture and can react chemically with metallic zari threads.
- Wrap each saree individually in unbleached cotton muslin cloth or soft mulmul.
- Store flat on a wooden or cloth-lined shelf, away from direct sunlight and dampness.
- Use natural dried neem leaves or cloves instead of naphthalene balls to prevent chemical discoloration.
3. Refolding Routine
Change Folds Periodically: Storing heavy zari sarees in the exact same fold for long durations can weaken silk yarns along crease lines.
- Unfold and change the crease lines every 3 to 4 months.
- Air out the saree in a well-ventilated room in gentle shade for 20 minutes before refolding.
- Fold with the zari work facing inward to protect against accidental friction or snagging.
4. Ironing & Steaming
Low Heat & Protective Buffer: Never apply a hot iron directly onto the saree face or zari motifs.
- Set the iron to the lowest 'Silk' setting.
- Always iron on the reverse side or place a fine cotton cloth over the saree.
- Do not spray water directly on silk while ironing, as this can cause water ring marks.
5. Perfume & Sweat Protection
Keep Scents at a Distance: Spritzing perfumes, deodorants, or hairsprays directly on zari causes rapid silver/gold oxidation and dark tarnishing.
- Apply perfume and body lotion and let it dry completely before draping your saree.
- Use underarm sweat pads if wearing in hot or humid conditions.
- Air the saree immediately after wear before placing it back into storage.
6. Fall, Pico & Roll Press
Professional Finishing: Adding a high-quality cotton fall provides weight and structure, safeguarding the lower hemline from heel abrasion.
- Stitch a 100% pre-washed cotton fall along the pleats and bottom border.
- Get pico (overlocking) done along both pallu ends to prevent thread fraying.
- Request traditional steam roll-pressing from silk specialists to maintain the crisp fall.
Have questions about a specific fabric or stain?
Our Varanasi textile specialists are available on WhatsApp to assist you with personalized care advice.
5 Hallmarks of an Authentic Handloom Banarasi Saree
Varanasi handweaving is protected by Geographical Indication (GI). Here is how you can verify genuine handloom purity against powerloom imitations.
The Floating Weft (Kadwa vs Kadiyal Technique)
On genuine handloom Banarasi sarees, turn the saree over to inspect the reverse side. In authentic handwoven Kadwa weaving, each booti motif is individually crafted with separate shuttles, leaving neat, soft floating threads without harsh plastic mesh. Powerlooms cut threads mechanically, resulting in stiff, scratchy patches.
The Loom Pin Marks on the Selvedge
Look closely at the border edge (selvedge) of the saree. Authentic handloom sarees feature tiny, evenly spaced pinholes or shuttle clip marks where the warp threads were pinned to the wooden pit-loom beam during weeks of weaving. Machine-woven sarees have sharp, cold laser-cut synthetic edges.
Warm Metallic Luster of Tested Zari
Authentic Banarasi uses electroplated gold and silver zari on silk/metallic core threads that impart a rich, muted, regal warmth. Cheap synthetic imitations exhibit an unnaturally bright, glossy plastic-like yellow glare that turns black or flakes easily.
Silk Mark & GI (Geographical Indication) Proof
Dharohar Banarasi works under the aegis of Choudhary Saree Industries (Est. 1979). Our pure silk creations comply with Silk Mark guidelines guaranteeing 100% natural mulberry and katan silk filaments with zero polyester blending.
The Weight, Drape & Touch of Pure Katan
Pure mulberry Katan silk possesses a distinctive natural hand-feel — crisp yet soft, cool to the touch, and surprisingly light despite rich zari density. When rubbed gently between fingers, genuine silk produces a faint rustling sound known as the 'scroop' of silk.
Handloom vs Powerloom: Quick Reference
| Feature | Authentic Handloom (Dharohar) | Mass Powerloom Imitation |
|---|---|---|
| Artisan Time | 15 days to 6 months per saree | 2 to 4 hours machine run |
| Reverse Texture | Soft hand-tied knots, no scratchy plastic | Rough, prickly cut-ends and glue coating |
| Fabric Purity | 100% Pure Mulberry / Katan Silk | Nylon / Art-silk / Polyester blends |
| Heirloom Value | Appreciates over generations as antique art | Fades and deteriorates within 1-2 years |
| GI Authenticity | Varanasi Weaver Guild Certified | Unregulated mass industrial print |
Step-by-Step Banarasi Saree Draping Styles
Elevate your presence with traditional and contemporary ways to showcase the opulent zari pallu and regal border of your Banarasi saree.
1. Classic Nivi Drape (Royal Pleated)
The universally flattering traditional drape that showcases the pleats cleanly and lets the heavy zari pallu rest gracefully over the left shoulder.
Tuck the plain inner end into the petticoat waistband, starting at navel and completing one full clockwise circle around your waist.
Measure the pallu length (keep at least 1 to 1.2 meters to showcase the full Banarasi zari jaal) and bring it across your back over the left shoulder.
Create 6 to 8 even pleats (approx. 5 inches wide) from the remaining fabric in the front and tuck them firmly into the waistband.
Neatly arrange the shoulder pleats and secure with a cushioned safety pin behind your shoulder seam.
2. Gujarati / Seedha Pallu Drape
Ideal for weddings and grand ceremonies as it brings the entire heavy zari pallu to the front chest, highlighting every woven motif.
Complete the basic waist tuck from right to left as usual.
Form pleats in the front and tuck them in, leaving the pallu end free.
Take the pallu from the back over your right shoulder to the front, letting it fall vertically across your torso.
Spread the intricate left corner of the pallu across your waist and secure it neatly on the left side of your hip.
3. Bengali Regal Drape
A magnificent drape with wide box pleats and a sweeping double-pallu accent, perfect for Durga Puja, receptions, and family celebrations.
Tuck the saree from right to left around the waist, then reverse and create 2 large broad box pleats in front.
Take the pallu around your back and drape it generously over the left shoulder, letting it hang down.
Pick the tip of the pallu, bring it under your right arm, and throw it back over the right shoulder with an ornate silver key-ring or brooch.
4. Open Floating Pallu (Cocktail Style)
Let the sheer lightness of Organza or flow of Georgette Banarasi speak for itself with a fluid, unpleated open-arm pallu.
Complete the waist tuck and tuck 5 to 6 neat pleats in front.
Leave the pallu unpleated, pin only at the shoulder top, and let the sheer fabric drape fluidly over your forearm.
Pair with a sleeveless or embroidered blouse for a contemporary royal look.
Track Your Dharohar Order
Enter your 6-digit Order ID (e.g. DHB849201) or registered phone number to view the live status of your handwoven parcel.
Royal Shikargah Katan Silk Saree
Order Confirmed & Artisan Assigned
Order verified & authentic handloom weaving record matched
Day 1 • 11:30 AMMaster Quality Check & Silk Testing
Saree inspected by master weavers; packed in breathable cotton muslin
Day 2 • 03:45 PMDispatched via Express Courier
Package in transit from Varanasi Hub to local delivery center
Yesterday • 06:10 PMOut for Delivery
Arriving safely at your doorstep with signature confirmation
Expected Soon7-Day Hassle-Free Return & Exchange Policy
We want you to be completely enchanted with your Banarasi treasure. If for any reason you are not satisfied, our transparent return and exchange policy guarantees complete peace of mind.
7-Day Return Window
You can initiate a return or exchange request within 7 days of delivery. Simply contact our support team with your order details.
Free Doorstep Reverse Pickup
Our courier partner will arrange pickup directly from your address across 19,000+ PIN codes in India at zero extra cost.
Prompt Refunds & Replacements
Refunds are processed within 24–48 hours of quality inspection to your original payment method or bank account for COD orders.
Video Exchange Consultation
Looking to exchange for another color or design? Book a free video call to inspect alternative weaves live from our Varanasi loom.
Return & Exchange Conditions:
- The saree/dupatta must be unused, unwashed, and in its original pristine condition.
- Original brand tags, Silk Mark tags, and packaging box/muslin cover must be intact.
- Customized orders (e.g. customized blouse stitching or personalized fall-pico done upon special request) are eligible for exchange/alteration assistance.
- In the rare event of damage in transit, please share an unboxing photo or video within 48 hours for immediate replacement.
How to Initiate a Return in 3 Easy Steps:
Send your Order ID on WhatsApp at +91 95656 30398 or email us.
Our courier picks up the package from your doorstep with secure bag seal.
Upon verification, 100% refund is credited to your bank account or UPI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find instant answers to common questions regarding ordering, fabrics, custom bridal orders, and shipping.
Yes, absolutely. Every piece at Dharohar Banarasi is hand-woven by master weavers in Varanasi under Choudhary Saree Industries (Est. 1979). We use 100% pure mulberry/katan silk filaments with real tested zari. Each product carries authentic weaving hallmarks and floating weft threads on the reverse side.
We accept all major payment methods including Cash on Delivery (COD), UPI (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, RuPay), Net Banking, and International cards for overseas clients.
Domestic orders across metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata) take 2–4 business days. Other regional PIN codes take 4–6 business days. International orders via DHL/FedEx Express are delivered within 6–9 business days worldwide.
You can schedule a dedicated WhatsApp or Google Meet video session with our textile master in Varanasi. We showcase the drape, fall, zari shimmer under natural light, and reverse weaving of any saree you wish to inspect before making a purchase. Simply WhatsApp us at +91 95656 30398 to schedule a slot.
Yes! All our sarees are 6.5 meters in total length, which includes a running unstitched 0.8-meter matching pure silk blouse piece with coordinating zari border work.
Yes, you can modify shipping details or cancel your order within 24 hours of placing it before the parcel is dispatched from Varanasi. Simply message our WhatsApp support desk at +91 95656 30398 with your Order ID.
We provide 100% Free Shipping across all of India on orders above ₹2,999. For orders below ₹2,999, a nominal flat shipping fee of ₹150 is applied at checkout.
Yes, we specialize in bespoke bridal weaving! If you have a custom color palette, heritage Shikargah motif, or specific family heirloom design in mind, our master weavers can custom craft it on our handlooms. Lead time ranges from 3 to 6 weeks.