H.D. Banaras is the trading name of Hartirathram Dayaram, a Banarasi saree and textile house established in Varanasi in 1907. Now in its fifth generation, the business works directly with over 100 master weaver families across Varanasi, offering both wholesale and retail Banarasi sarees.

H.D. Banaras was founded in 1907 — making it over 117 years old and one of the oldest textile businesses in Varanasi. The business has been passed down through five generations of the same family.

Hartirathram Dayaram (H.D. Banaras), established in 1907, is one of the oldest continuously operating Banarasi saree and textile houses in Varanasi.

H.D. Banaras is located in Sigra, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. You can find us on Google Maps by searching "H.D. Banaras." Our new store is now open for retail visitors in addition to wholesale buyers.

H.D. Banaras has always been a wholesale house, supplying retailers and bulk buyers across India. We have recently expanded into retail as well. Our three retail brands — Sautri Banaras (@sautribanaras), Stotra Banaras (@stotra_banaras), and Saanjh Banaras (@saanjh_banaras) — are available on Instagram for those who wish to shop online.

A Banarasi saree is a handwoven silk saree made in Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its fine silk, intricate zari work using gold and silver threads, and Mughal-inspired motifs like Kalga, Jaal, and Butidar. Banarasi sarees hold a GI (Geographical Indication) tag from the Government of India.

The main types are: Katan Silk — the most premium variety, heavy and lustrous. Organza (Kora) — sheer and lightweight. Georgette — soft and drapeable. Tissue — metallic base thread gives a shimmer throughout. Tanchoi — coloured silk self-patterns without heavy zari.

A handwoven Banarasi saree is made entirely on a traditional loom by a skilled weaver — one saree can take 15 days to 6 months. A power loom saree is machine-made and produced in hours. On the reverse side, handwoven sarees have visible floating threads between motifs; machine-made ones are finished flat.

Real zari is made from silver wire coated with gold, wound around a silk core. It has a warm, deep lustre that softens beautifully with age. Imitation zari is copper or polyester wire with a metallic coating — it looks bright initially but tarnishes within a year or two. Rub with a damp cloth — real zari leaves no mark; imitation will leave a faint metallic residue.

Three checks: 1. The GI tag — genuine handwoven Banarasi sarees carry a Geographical Indication tag from the Government of India. 2. The reverse side — a handwoven saree has floating threads visible on the underside between motifs. Machine-made sarees are smooth and flat on the reverse. 3. The zari — real zari has a warm, muted lustre, not a harsh foil-like shine.

Pure handwoven Banarasi sarees start at roughly ₹8,000–12,000 for simpler designs, and go up to ₹50,000–2,00,000+ for heavy Katan silk with intricate Jaal work. If you see a “pure handwoven Banarasi” priced below ₹5,000, it is almost certainly machine-made.

Both options are available through H.D. Banaras. Visit our store directly to see the drape and feel the silk, or browse our three retail brands online: Sautri Banaras (@sautribanaras) for pure handwoven sarees, Stotra Banaras (@stotra_banaras) for semi suits and sarees, and Saanjh Banaras (@saanjh_banaras) for pure sarees and suits.

For a bride, a heavy Katan silk saree with real zari in a deep colour — red, maroon, or ivory — is the classic choice. For wedding guests, Georgette or Organza Banarasi sarees in jewel tones are elegant and comfortable. Bridal Katan with real zari should be ₹25,000+.

Ask: What is the silk type? Is the zari real or imitation? Is this handwoven or power loom? Can you show me the reverse side? A reputable shop will answer all of these clearly. If a shopkeeper is evasive on any of them, that tells you something important.

Yes. Wholesale has been the core of H.D. Banaras since 1907. We supply retailers, boutiques, and distributors across India, working directly with over 100 master weaver families. Contact us via WhatsApp to discuss wholesale terms.

Minimum order quantities vary by product type and are discussed directly with buyers. We work with retailers of all sizes — from boutique shops buying a few dozen pieces to large distributors placing bulk seasonal orders.

Yes. Because we work directly with master weavers, we can commission custom designs — specific colour combinations, motif patterns, or exclusive weave structures — for wholesale buyers. Lead times and minimums apply; contact us to discuss.

Cleaning: Always dry clean a pure silk Banarasi. Avoid washing with water. Drying: Never expose to direct sunlight. Air in shade after wearing. Fragrance: Apply perfume before wearing and let dry first. Storage: Use muslin or cotton bag, never plastic. Fold with zari on the inside. Keep a small piece of camphor nearby to prevent tarnishing. Refold occasionally in a different direction to avoid permanent crease lines.

Wrap each saree individually in muslin cloth, not plastic. Store flat or loosely rolled in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space away from direct light. Place a small piece of camphor in the area to prevent zari from tarnishing and to deter insects. Many families in Varanasi have Banarasi sarees that are 50–70 years old and still in excellent condition because of proper storage.