10 most expensive sarees in the world: From the Guinness World Record to heritage weaves
From the Guinness World Record-winning Vivaah Patu to heritage weaves like Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, and Paithani, the most expensive sarees in the world combine artistry, culture, and luxury. Priced from lakhs to crores, these sarees represent not only luxury, but also hundreds of years of tradition and incredible craftsmanship.
The Vivaah Patu Saree (Tamil Nadu) The Vivaah Patu, made by The Chennai Silks (which is now the "world's most expensive saree" according to Guinness), has a total price of approximately ₹3.93 crore. The saree features images of Raja Ravi Varma's paintings made out of gold, silver, and platinum threads. It is also embellished with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, and took more than a year to finalize. If it's ever worn, it is really going to be more of a wearable work of art in the form of a saree and an example of the best craft of textile in India.(Image: Guinness World Records)
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Banarasi Silk Saree with Real Zari (Uttar Pradesh) Banarasi sarees from Varanasi have overly luxurious reputations. Their reputation is backed with the most intricate handwork on any saree in India's textile industry. The most expensive ones having prices ranging from ₹5 to 10 lakh are made with real gold and silver zari. Their handwork shows floral and paisley motifs further embellished with stitched zari. The Banarasi saree is hand woven by artisans for months at a time for the finest quality. The richness and timelessness of Banarasi silk sarees remain an asset for brides and royals in India.(Image: Pinterest)
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Kanjeevaram Silk Saree with Pure Zari (Tamil Nadu) Kanjeevaram sarees, often referred to as the “Queen of Silks,” are durable and exhibit striking jewel tones. The highest quality sarees cost between ₹2 to 7 lakh. They are made from pure mulberry silk and zari, made from pure gold and silver. The unique weaving technique uses the three parts - body, border and pallu. The body, border and pallu are each woven separate and put together at a later point. Kanjeevaram sarees are stolen heirlooms that never degrade in cultural or financial value.(Image: Pinterest)
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Paithani Silk Saree (Maharashtra) Paithani saree is one of the sublime traditional weaves with origins firmly entrenched back to Satavahana dynasty in their appearance. A Paithani saree can be held around ₹3 to 8 lakh depending on size, motifs and artwork. The fabric is fine silk with genuine zari for certain motifs. Famous for motifs of peacock and lotus, these sarees were eventually accessible to all particularly royals and aristocrats. Their rarity comes from the laborious slow weaving, and using pure materials.(Image: Pinterest)
Patola Saree (Gujarat) Patola sarees from Patan are delicate pieces of art created by a style of weaving called double ikat. The time required to weave one sarree can take several months to even years, which is why their prices start at ₹2 lakh and can range up to over ₹7 lakh. Unlike a regular sari that uses dyed threads, a Patola sari has every thread dyed before it is woven together, so by the time the table is assembled, instead of fabric that looks pretty, you end up with fabric that's hypnotically symmetrical in geometric and/or floral patterns. Originally meant for royal families to wear, Patola sarees for women's fashion remain highly desired and cherished as luxurious heirlooms.(Image: Pinterest)
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Mysore Silk Sari (Karnataka) Mysore silk sarees are a requirement for weddings in South India. Lovers of Mysore silk sarees appreciate their smooth feel and richness of color. The most special ones are a single piece of pure silk with gold zari borders and can sell from ₹1 to 3 lakh. The Wadiyar dynasty of Mysore helped popularize Mysore silk sarees, and brides across South India still wear them today. Their simplicity, combined with richness, makes them a classic look.(Image: Pinterest)
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Jamdani saree (Bengal) The Jamdani saree fabrics made in Bengal are considered to be some of the best in the world. Starting from ₹80,000 to ₹2 lakh depending on difficulty, Jamdanis are made with motifs (often floral or geometrical) that are made with cotton threads and golden threads. The motifs lie delicately on the fabric, almost floating. Jamdani sarees have been worshipped since the Mughal era and represent heritage craft-woven textiles that embody centuries of craftsmanship.(Image: Pinterest)
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Baluchari silk saree (West Bengal) Baluchari sarees are characterised by elaborate storytelling borders and pallus (the long end of the saree), usually demonstrating a story from mythology and epics. A ballpark average cost for a Baluchari saree, ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, takes several weeks to weave. Traditional sarees were primarily worn by zamindars or aristocrats, and along with the Jamdani saree, are now considered valuable as well as used as high-end attire.(Image: Pinterest)
Chanderi silk saree (Madhya Pradesh) Chanderi sarrees are light-weight and sheer materials. The high-end Chanderi sarees cost around ₹40,000 to ₹1 lakh and incorporate both silk and cotton along with zari motifs in either gold or silver. Historically, royal figures have adorned Chanderi sarrees, and they were made for large festive occasions or wedding ceremonies. Although considered festive, they are still among the most-worn garments from all parts of India.(Image: Pinterest)
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Tussar Silk Saree (Bihar and Jharkhand) Tussar silk sarees are unique in that they have a natural golden shimmer and a rough texture. Prices range from ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 depending on the complexity of the design. This eco-friendly silk is made from how the silkworms are found in the forests and it is handwoven into unique sarees with tribal and traditional designs. Tussar silk sarees are rare and natural beauty for dressing up for special events. (Image: Pinterest)