VARUNA

A Parvai Original

In the weaving neighbourhood of Bajardiha, Varanasi, where the art of silk weaving has flourished for centuries, this remarkable organza sari is brought to life by master weaver Taleem. Woven entirely by hand on a traditional pit loom, it is a celebration of one of Banaras’ most revered weaving traditions, where extraordinary skill and patience transform the finest silk into heirloom textiles.

Crafted from 3-ply, 20–22 denier pure filiature mulberry silk, the sari possesses the characteristic crispness, luminosity and graceful transparency that define authentic Banarasi organza. A serene lavender body is elegantly framed by slender wine-toned borders finished with a striking red selvedge, creating a composition that is understated, refined and timeless.

The design draws inspiration from the richly woven shawls and ceremonial patkas of the early eighteenth century, when Banaras produced sumptuous textiles for royal courts across the Indian subcontinent. Scattered across the sheer field are delicate stylised floral buttas, inspired by this historic design vocabulary and interpreted with remarkable restraint.

What appears to be effortless simplicity is, in reality, an extraordinary feat of craftsmanship. Every floral butta is woven using the traditional Kadwa (Kadhua) Bootidar technique, one of the most technically demanding methods in Banarasi weaving. Unlike cutwork weaving, where motifs share continuous supplementary threads, Kadwa requires each individual motif to be woven separately by hand, with the supplementary weft secured before the next motif begins. This meticulous process creates motifs that are crisp, durable and beautifully defined, free from loose floating threads on the reverse of the fabric.

The challenge extends far beyond the motifs themselves. Hundreds of these delicate floral buttas are meticulously positioned at perfectly measured, equidistant intervals across over five and a half metres of transparent organza. Maintaining such flawless rhythm on a fabric that reveals even the slightest inconsistency demands exceptional concentration, mathematical precision and years of weaving experience. It is a slow, deliberate process that cannot be hurried, making Kadwa Bootidar weaving one of the most labour-intensive expressions of the Banaras handloom tradition.

After ten days of careful pre-loom preparation and eighteen days at the loom, the result is a sari that embodies the quiet luxury of true craftsmanship. Every motif, every border and every thread stands as a testament to the dedication of the weaver and to a tradition that continues to preserve the highest standards of Banarasi handloom excellence.

• Inspiration: The magnificent woven shawls and ceremonial patkas of early eighteenth-century Banaras.
• Woven by: Mr. Taleem
• Woven in: Bajardiha, Varanasi
• Silk: 3-ply pure 20–22 denier filiature mulberry silk
• Zari: Silver zari
• Technique: Handwoven on a traditional pit loom using the Kadwa (Kadhua) Bootidar technique with a jacquard mechanism. Every floral motif is woven individually by hand using supplementary weft threads, creating exceptionally crisp and durable motifs without cutwork.
• Colour: Lavender with wine-toned borders and contrasting red selvedge
• Motifs: Traditional stylised floral buttas woven individually using the Kadwa technique and arranged in perfectly measured, equidistant intervals across the body.
• Pre-loom Preparation: 10 days
• Weaving Time: 18 days
• Dimensions: 5.5 metres with 1 metre blouse fabric | Width: 1.14 metres (45 inches)
• Weight: Approximately 400 grams

At Parvai, we believe the true luxury of a handwoven sari lies not merely in its beauty, but in the invisible hours of human skill, patience and precision woven into every inch. This sari is a tribute to that enduring philosophy.

This product is handwoven; there might be slight irregularities. Imperfections and variations in the product cannot be termed defects, as these are intrinsic to the handmade process. The actual product colours may vary due to the light sources and your monitor settings.