Janhvi Kapoor Brought Timeless Tradition to Anshula's Pre-Wedding Celebrations

When Janhvi Kapoor steps out in traditional wear, she does not simply wear an outfit — she tells a story. At the pre-wedding celebrations of her sister Anshula Kapoor, Janhvi chose to make a quiet yet powerful statement by draping herself in a magnificent Banarasi saree that celebrated one of India's rarest and most intricate handloom traditions — the Kadiyal weave.

The saree, created by designer Sourav Das, was not just a fashion choice. It was a tribute to centuries of craftsmanship, artistry and the extraordinary skills of Varanasi's legendary weavers.
Breaking Down Janhvi's Complete Look

The Saree — A Masterpiece of Handloom Craft

At the centre of Janhvi's entire ensemble was the Banarasi saree itself — woven using the rare and labour-intensive Kadiyal technique. The saree featured the signature contrasting border that is the hallmark of this weaving method, setting it apart from more commonly seen Banarasi drapes. The richness of the weave and the depth of the craftsmanship were visible even at first glance.
The Blouse — A Unique Historical Silhouette

Styled by fashion stylist Meagan Concessio, Janhvi paired her saree with a blouse that drew inspiration from an unexpected and fascinating source — the traditional "fisherman's wives choli." This distinctive silhouette added a layer of cultural storytelling to the overall look, blending regional craft traditions in a way that felt both authentic and fashion-forward.
Jewellery — Traditional Temple Pieces

For her accessories, Janhvi kept things rooted in tradition. She chose classic temple jewellery, wearing a statement necklace, elegant jhumkas and a kada. The jewellery complemented the heritage saree without competing with it — each piece working in harmony with the handloom fabric rather than overshadowing it.

Hair and Makeup — Effortlessly Understated

Janhvi's hair was left loose and straight, falling gently past her shoulders — a style choice that kept the focus firmly on the saree and the jewellery rather than drawing attention away from them. Her makeup echoed the same restrained philosophy, featuring softly kohled eyes, a subtle eye shadow and glossy lips. The overall effect was muted, graceful and perfectly in keeping with the traditional character of the ensemble.
The Rich Handloom Heritage of Varanasi

Varanasi — historically known as Banaras — is home to some of the most celebrated handloom traditions in the entire world. The city's weavers have, over centuries, developed and perfected a remarkable range of weaving techniques, each with its own distinct identity and following.

Among the most well-known Banarasi handloom weaves are Tanchoi, Jangla, Meenakari, Gyasar, Rangkaat, Ektara, Kadhwa and Kadiyal. Each of these techniques represents a unique expression of the weaver's skill and artistry, and each has earned a dedicated community of admirers among saree connoisseurs and fashion lovers alike.
The Three-Shuttle Wonder — How Kadiyal Is Woven

The Banarasi Kadiyal weave — also known by its other name, Korvai — is a three-shuttle weaving technique. As the name suggests, three separate shuttles are used simultaneously during the weaving process: one for the body of the saree and one each for the upper and lower borders.

What makes this technique truly special is the way the borders are attached to the body of the saree. Rather than being woven as a single continuous piece, the borders and the body are woven separately and then joined together using a distinctive interlocking method. It is this specific interlocking technique that is called Kadiyal — and it is what gives sarees woven in this style their unmistakable look, with a clearly defined, contrasting border that stands out boldly against the body of the fabric.
Why Kadiyal Weavers Are Hard to Find

The Kadiyal technique is rare for a very specific reason — it demands highly specialised artisans who have trained extensively in this particular method. Not every Banarasi weaver possesses the skill set required to work with three shuttles simultaneously and execute the precise interlocking technique correctly. This scarcity of skilled artisans is one of the primary reasons why Kadiyal sarees are considered so precious and command significant value among collectors and connoisseurs.
Not Just Banarasi — The Paithani Connection

Interestingly, the Kadiyal interlocking technique is not exclusive to Banarasi sarees. The same method is also used in the creation of Paithani sarees from Maharashtra — another of India's most celebrated handloom traditions. This shared technique across two geographically distant weaving traditions speaks to the deep and interconnected history of Indian textile craftsmanship.
Why a Kadiyal Saree Is Worth Every Penny

A Banarasi saree woven in the rare Kadiyal technique is not simply a garment — it is an investment and, arguably, a piece of living history. Given the scarcity of artisans trained in this method and the extraordinary amount of time, skill and effort required to produce each saree, a Kadiyal weave piece is widely considered worthy of becoming a family heirloom — the kind of saree that is passed down from mother to daughter across generations.

Owning one is, as any saree enthusiast will tell you, a genuine fashion and cultural milestone.