The Benarasi Bliss
The Benarasi Palli in the capital's Mirpur is abuzz with excitement. Women are driving a hard bargain while sellers are displaying the splendid Benarasi saris, brocaded in gold and silver, taking them down from neatly arranged stacks of shining colours. Known for its fine silk, rich embroidery and intricate patterns, Benarasi is the most coveted sari among Bangalee women. Unlike other varieties of sari using ready-made fabric for prints, Benarasis are woven from fine silk yarn. Artists then stitch meticulous patterns with zaris and refulgent designs onto the silk fabric. It takes a dedicated artist at least 20 days to finish a Benarasi sari for which he gets about Tk 2,000 on an average. At least 2.50 lakh people are involved in knitting, stitching and selling Benarasis. Prices of Benarasi range from Tk 5,000 to Tk 20,000. Demand for Benarasi usually rockets during the occasions of Eid and Puja.
Photo: Amran Hossain
Comments