Varanasi is the silk capital of India. A real Banarasi saree starts at Rs.3,000 for cotton-silk and goes to Rs.50,000+ for pure katan with zari. Know the weave, the price ladder, and the burn test.
Weave types
| Katan (pure silk) | Rs.8,000-50,000+. Handloom, pure silk. |
| Organza (kora) | Rs.5,000-25,000. Sheer, bridal favourite. |
| Chanderi | Rs.3,000-12,000. Cotton-silk with gold motifs. |
| Tussar | Rs.2,000-8,000. Textured, earthy tone. |
Where to buy
| Madanpura weavers | Buy from the loom, best prices. |
| Thatheri Bazar | Main silk market, compare before buying. |
| Varanasi Silk Emporium | Govt certified, fixed prices. |
The burn test
Pull a thread from the saree and hold a lighter to it. Real silk burns with a burnt hair smell and leaves ash. Synthetic melts into a hard bead and smells of plastic.
How to negotiate
Start at 40%
Quote minus 40%, settle around 60-70%.
Walk away once
If called back, price was inflated.
Compare three shops
Same weave, different prices.
Ask for GI tag
Authentic Banarasi silk has GI tag.
Quick Takeaway
- ✓ Pure katan starts Rs.8,000.
- ✓ Do the burn test.
- ✓ Buy from Madanpura weavers.
- ✓ Compare 3 shops.
- ✓ Ask for GI tag.
Quick Answers
How to know real silk?
Burn test — real silk smells like burnt hair and turns to ash.
Fair price for saree?
Cotton-silk Rs.1,500-3,000. Pure katan Rs.8,000-15,000 simple, Rs.20,000-50,000+ with zari.
Madanpura vs bazaar?
Madanpura 30-50% cheaper from loom. Bazaar more variety, AC comfort.