This story is from July 9, 2016

Banarasi saris losing sheen

Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have presented a Banarasi sari to the US first lady Michelle Obama, but the demand for the once admired silk material is on the decline in the country.
Banarasi saris losing sheen
Patna: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have presented a Banarasi sari to the US first lady Michelle Obama, but the demand for the once admired silk material is on the decline in the country. Till 1980s-90s, it was in high demand and every woman had at least a couple of Banarasi saris, especially for weddings. But now less than 20% brides want it because of the craze for light chiffon and designer saris.
Earlier, wearing a Banarasi sari was a status symbol because of the fine quality of silk and gold and silver or zari work on it.

"Every woman felt proud of having Banarsi saris in her wardrobe, but I didn't buy one even for my wedding because these saris are usually stuffed in trunks and worn only at weddings," said Priya Singh, a newlywed homemaker who lives in the city.
Ishita Chakraborty, a student of BCA, said, "Being a Bengali girl, Banarasi sari was always close to my heart and even now, in Bengali weddings, people prefer it more than lehngas or designer dresses. It always gives a classy look. Still, its demand is less because people are afraid of carrying it due to its heavy weight."
Guarav Kumar, a sari shopowner in Patna market, said the sale of Banarasi saris has declined by 80%. "Our shop is here for the last 50 years and we see a drastic change in the demand for Banarasi saris. Now, the Kanjeevarams have taken over Banarasis. Earlier, girls usually picked up a Banarasi, at least for their weddings. Now they prefer designer saris more or turn to chiffon and Georgette for small occasions. The sale of Banarasi sari has come down to less than 20% of the total saris sold even during wedding season," Kumar told TOI.
"In the past decade, Banarasis were in high demand, but now it is only 10%-20% compared to the Kanjeevarams or designer saris. Only one or two persons out of 10 demand for Banarasis," said Raj Kumar, owner of a sari shop in Hathwa market.
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