• Weavers in Varanasi, India make Banarasi silk saris the traditional way. 
• Mohammad Afzal Ansari has been weaving for over 40 years. 
• He weaves real gold and silver zari threads into silk on a handloom that’s over 200 years old.

Banarasi silk saris flourished in the city of Varanasi in India in the 16th century. Weavers like Mohammad Afzal Ansari learned the craft from older generations. Saris are made by weaving silk on handlooms and adding intricate motifs made with real gold and silver zari threads. However, cheaper, machine-made saris being sold as authentic Banarasi saris have threatened the craft.

We visited Varanasi to see how this centuries-old tradition is still standing.