Diwali is not simply a festival of lights; it is a celebration of our heritage, family, and the beautiful moments in life. From exquisite diyas to laughter-filled evenings, it is a festival that everyone looks forward to, bringing the whole family together with many opportunities to sparkle in every moment. And nothing says Diwali like a Banarasi saree.

With every weave having a story to tell, at Aura Benaras, our sarees are not mere clothes. Instead, they are heirlooms recreated for the women of today who wish to blend tradition with a modern sense of style. From the rich red Banarasi saree to the majestic blue Banarasi silk saree, there's a beautiful drape to match every celebratory occasion.

This guide will help you find your perfect look, from selecting your saree to the ideal drape, blouse, accessories, and makeup, so that each Diwali moment is picture-perfect.

Selecting Your Signature Banarasi

The saree is where each Diwali look starts. Aura Benaras brings alive age-old weaving traditions with festive finishes that meet every mood:

• Red Banarasi Saree: An emblem of prosperity and convention, ideal for puja ceremonies, family functions, or celebration occasions. The dark red silk immediately translates to celebration.

• Maroon Colour Saree: Luxurious and adaptable, this colour imparts elegance to evening functions or intimate Diwali dinners, making it an ideal background for subtle or bold accessories.

• Golden or Peach Tissue Silk Saree: Light, sheer, and ideal for daytime functions, dancing, or playing cards. Its lustrous texture provides effortless sophistication.

• Off-White Banarasi Saree: Soft, subtle, and ideal for those who prefer understated elegance at daytime pujas or family functions.

• Royal Blue Banarasi Saree: Jewel-coloured and dramatic, this saree is ideal for women who desire to make a statement with royal elegance at evening events or Diwali cocktail parties.

Choosing your saree is not merely about fabric or colour; it's about picking a piece that matches your personality, the occasion, and your festive mood.

Draping Styles to Make Your Saree Stand Out

The Banarasi saree is versatile, and the way you drape it can completely change your appearance. Here are a few draping ideas:

• Classic Drape: Ageless and sophisticated, this drape showcases the zari-rich pallu. Ideal for all showy Banarasi silks.

• Gujarati Drape: Draped across the front to highlight fine work, it hugs the curves and enhances the embroidery of the saree. Looks stunning with red and maroon Banarasi sarees.

• Bengali Drape: With its distinctive two-pleat pallu style, the Bengali drape is imbued with old-world charm and looks particularly stunning with red, maroon, or blue Banarasi silks.

• Flowing Style: Ideal for tissue silk or lightweight ivory sarees, allowing the fabric to fall gracefully and catch the light effortlessly.

Pro Tip: Use good safety pins to secure your pleats and pallu. When you are comfortable, you feel confident; when you feel confident, you are stylish.

Draping the Red Banarasi Saree

The red Banarasi saree is always a popular choice during festivals. The bright shade represents auspiciousness, happiness, and celebration. Aura Benaras' signature Red Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree and the Red Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree exemplify this enduring spirit - combining the craftsmanship of heritage textiles with festive flair.

Here are some ways to drape your red saree creatively:

• Blouse Options: Pair with a red or gold brocade blouse for traditional sophistication, or experiment with bold, modern cuts, such as halter-neck, high-neck, or backless styles with embroidery. 

• Jewellery Variations: Classic gold jewellery, such as tiered necklaces and bangles, is perfect with red. To maintain a contemporary style, consider using emerald or silver jewellery for a striking contrast.

• Makeup: A makeup look featuring bold makeup, winged eyeliner, and red lips perfectly complements the saree's richness. To achieve a subtle look, keep the lips nude or glossy and emphasise metallic eyeshadow.

• Hair Styles: Low bun or simple braid adorned with gajra for tradition, or loose curls for a young, modern look.

The red Banarasi saree is perfect for Diwali puja ceremonies or family occasions and conveys warmth, tradition, and grandeur.

Styling the Maroon Colour Saree

A maroon saree showcases regal sophistication and a hint of charm - great for night parties or smaller-scale Diwali celebrations. The Maroon Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree drapes softly and gracefully. The Maroon Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree has a deeper sheen that adds to its festive richness. Together, they represent the subtle strength and charm of Banarasi craftsmanship.

• Blouse Options: Mix and match with a plain silk or metallic blazer in brown, champagne or antique gold colour. Adding some sequined sleeves with sparkle or velvet edges gives the outfit modern flair. 

• Jewellery Options: Silver or diamond jewellery is perfect. Minimalist chokers, statement earrings, or simple pearls keep the limelight on the saree.

• Makeup Look: Kohl-lined eyes, berry or nude-colored lips, and subtle bronzer provide balance and enhance the depth of maroon.

• Hair Styles: Twisted buns accented with jewelled pins or low waves provide sophisticated, chic elegance.

Maroon Banarasi is all about balance - it pairs playful accessories with an elegant, regal stature.

Styling the Golden or Peach Tissue Silk Saree

For light-as-air elegance, the tissue silk saree is unbeatable. Its radiating texture promises an easy glow and festive elegance. Whether it’s the soft shimmer of the Golden Pure Tissue Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree or the gentle warmth of the Peach Pure Tissue Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree, each piece captures luxury in a subtle way.

• Blouse Inspiration: Simple silk or satin blouses in neutral colours keep it simple. Delicate sequins add a touch of modernity.

• Jewellery Inspiration: Less is more. Pearls, rose-gold or silver ornaments, or tiny studs work well with the shimmer without overwhelming it.

• Makeup: A makeup look featuring rose-gold shimmering nuance on nude colours, highlighting the eyes and cheeks, lends a festive, fresh glow.

• Hair Styles: Half-tied hairstyles, tight bun or soft waves allow the lightweight drape to flow freely, ideal for comfort through the night.

Tissue silk sarees are perfect for day functions or casual Diwali parties where comfort and sophistication go hand in hand.

Styling the Off-White Banarasi Saree

The Off-White Banarasi saree embodies understated elegance, making it perfect for day pujas or family gatherings. The Off white Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree

showcases a soft, flowing drape, while another variant of the Off white Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree highlights a delicate sheen that catches the light beautifully, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship of Aura Benaras.

• Blouse Suggestions: Metallic brocade, the colour of the saree border, or embroidery-infused blouses pair well with the pale colour. Subtle embellishments give a contemporary touch.

• Jewellery Options: Strapped pearls, dainty or antique gold, or subtle earrings add to the elegance of the saree. Opt for not-so-bulky pieces.

• Makeup Look: A peach or nude-coloured foundation with gentle shimmer, glossy or nude lips, and cheekbones defined with highlighters maintain the freshness and glow.

• Hair Styles: Loose waves, braided buns with a low profile, or floral detailing add elegance with a touch of femininity.

The Off-White Banarasi is ideal for women who appreciate understated chic with a touch of celebratory style.

Styling the Royal Blue Banarasi Saree

The bold, bright blue Banarasi silk saree stands out at any festive gathering. The Royal Blue Pure Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree has a rich, shiny drape that boosts its royal charm. Meanwhile, the Royal Blue Pure Kora Silk Handloom Banarasi Saree offers a slightly lighter, crisp texture that flows elegantly, catching the light with every step. Both showcase the exquisite craftsmanship and heritage of Aura Benaras.

• Blouse Options: Pair with contrast colours such as mustard, off-white, or gold. Visual interest is created with high-neck, elbow-length sleeves, or sequined motifs.

• Jewellery Options: Gold, pearls, or diamond jewellery make a perfect combination. Statement earrings or a minimalist choker seal the regal look.

• Makeup Style: Smoky eyes paired with nude lips or metallic eyeshadow in berry or pink shades complement the blue silk perfectly.

• Hair Styles: Sleek ponytails, side-swept waves, or beautiful buns with hair accessories create drama and sophistication.

Blue Banarasi silks are ideal for evening gatherings, formal Diwali celebrations, or functions where you wish to make a stylish impression.

Blouse Trends to Watch in 2025

The blouse can turn a saree from conventional to cutting-edge. This year's fashion trends are:

• Backless Blouses with tie-up details for a bold look.

• High-Neck Designs with embroidery or sequins for formal events.

• Ornamented sleeves, such as those featuring feathers, beads, or zari, are effective.

• Contrasting Shades - Pair jewel colours with traditional red, maroon, or blue for a contemporary glamour.

Note: Weighty embroidery - plain blouse; plain or tissue silk - elaborate blouse design.

Celebratory Accessories & Jewellery

Accessories complement your appearance without overpowering it:

• Gold on red and off-white Banarasis.

• Silver or diamonds for maroon or blue sarees.

• Pearls and rose-gold on tissue silk.

• Clutches: Embellished clutches for heavier silks; metallic or pastel clutches for tissue or off-white sarees.

• Footwear: Embellished juttis, metallic flip-flops, or chic heels.

• Hair Accessories: Fresh flowers or a gajra for a traditional appeal; jewelled pins or crystal clips for a sophisticated, chic look.

Always keep in mind: Let your saree speak for itself. Accessories must add, not overwhelm.

Makeup That Completes Your Diwali Look

Makeup adds coherence to your celebratory look:

• Red Banarasi Saree: Bold red lips, winged eyeliner, bold makeup.

• Maroon Saree: Kohl-lined eyes, berry lips, light bronzer.

• Tissue Silk Saree: Metallic eyes, nude lips, highlighted cheeks.

• Off-White Saree: Peachy colour, soft shimmer, coral or glossy lips.

• Blue Banarasi Silk Saree: Smoky or metallic eyes, berry or nude lips.

Balance is the key - Bold eyes require subtle lips, and vice versa.

Quick Styling Tips for Stress-Free Diwali

• Comfort First: Tuck in pleats and pallu for confidence.

• Balance: For a heavy saree, opt for less jewellery; for a lightweight saree, choose bold accessories.

• Blend Tradition & Modernity: Match heritage Banarasis with trendy blouses or eclectic clutches.

• Experiment with Colours: Complementary blouses and accessories can instantly spruce up any vintage saree.

Confidence is the Key: No saree glows more radiantly than the one worn with confidence.

Why Aura Benaras?

Aura Benaras celebrates heritage with a modern twist. Every saree is handwoven with care, marrying centuries-old traditions with today's trends. Whether it's a red Banarasi saree, maroon, tissue silk, off-white, or blue Banarasi silk, you're wearing more than just fabric; you're wearing history, art, and elegance.

Final Thoughts

Diwali is the time to glow, and a Banarasi saree from Aura Benaras will make you do so with ease. With the perfect drape, blouse, accessories, and makeup, you can create a look that's festive, unforgettable, and uniquely yours.

This Diwali, let your saree speak for you. Because while diyas light up your house, your Banarasi saree will light up every space you walk into.