Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our handcrafted Banarasi silk sarees, manufacturing heritage, ordering process, and saree care.
Brand & Heritage
Who is The Panaya?
The Panaya is a luxury Banarasi handloom brand and manufacturer based in Varanasi, India. We create authentic handwoven Banarasi silk sarees on our own traditional handlooms through our in-house artisans, preserving generations of weaving heritage while offering timeless craftsmanship for weddings, celebrations, and collectors.
What does The Panaya specialize in?
The Panaya specializes in authentic handwoven Banarasi silk sarees crafted in Varanasi. Our collections include Katan Silk, Kora Silk, Tissue Silk, Georgette Silk, Cotton Silk, and heritage weaving techniques such as Kadwa, Cut Work, Tanchoi, Meenakari, Booti, Boota, and Jaal.
Is The Panaya a manufacturer or a reseller?
The Panaya is a manufacturer of authentic Banarasi silk sarees. Our sarees are woven on our own traditional handlooms by in-house artisans in Varanasi, ensuring complete control over craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality.
Why is The Panaya different from other Banarasi saree brands?
The Panaya combines traditional Banarasi craftsmanship with direct manufacturing. Our own handlooms, in-house artisans, and heritage-driven approach ensure every saree reflects authentic weaving traditions, exceptional quality, and timeless elegance.
Are The Panaya sarees GI Certified and Silk Mark verified?
Yes. Eligible Banarasi sarees from The Panaya carry GI (Geographical Indication) Certification confirming authentic Varanasi origin. Eligible pure silk products are also accompanied by Silk Mark certification verifying 100% natural silk purity.
Fabrics & Weaving Techniques
What fabrics does The Panaya offer?
The Panaya offers a curated collection of authentic Banarasi sarees in Katan Silk, Kora Silk (Organza), Tissue Silk, Georgette Silk, and Cotton Silk. Each fabric is selected for its unique texture, elegance, and traditional Banarasi craftsmanship.
What is Katan Silk?
Katan Silk is a premium Banarasi silk fabric woven using finely twisted pure mulberry silk yarns in both the warp and weft. It is celebrated for its luxurious texture, natural sheen, durability, and graceful drape.
What is Kadwa weaving and why is it premium?
Kadwa is one of the most prestigious Banarasi weaving techniques where each motif is woven individually by hand instead of using floating threads. This meticulous process requires exceptional skill and time, creating durable sarees with clean reverse sides and intricate detailing.
What is Tanchoi, Meenakari, and Cut Work weaving?
Tanchoi: Intricate all-over patterns created using colored silk threads without heavy zari.
Meenakari: Decorative technique weaving colorful silk threads into zari motifs inspired by enamel art.
Cut Work: Technique where extra threads are carefully removed after weaving to highlight motifs while keeping the saree lightweight.
Payments & Cash on Delivery (COD)
Is Cash on Delivery (COD) available at The Panaya?
Yes. The Panaya provides a Cash on Delivery (COD) facility for eligible purchases. To secure your order, we require a 25% advance payment, with the remaining balance collected upon delivery, subject to location serviceability and verification.
Why does The Panaya require a 25% advance for COD?
Because every Banarasi saree is a luxury handcrafted creation, a 25% advance payment ensures the authenticity of the order. This allows our artisans to begin processing your selection, with the balance payable once the product reaches you.
What payment methods are accepted?
The Panaya accepts UPI, credit cards, debit cards, net banking, and eligible Cash on Delivery (COD) orders with a 25% advance payment requirement. All online transactions are processed through end-to-end secure payment gateways.
Buying Guide & Pricing
What is the price range of The Panaya sarees?
The Panaya offers authentic handcrafted Banarasi sarees across a premium price range starting from approximately ₹20,000 to over ₹2,00,000. Each price point reflects the choice of fabric, weaving technique, artisan craftsmanship, and design complexity.
Which Banarasi saree is best for a bride?
Bridal shoppers often choose premium handcrafted Katan Silk Banarasi sarees featuring detailed Kadwa, Meenakari, or intricate Jaal weaving due to their opulent feel, timeless appeal, and heirloom value.
Do sarees come with a blouse piece?
Most Banarasi sarees from The Panaya measure standard 5.5 meters and include an unstitched blouse piece. Details are explicitly mentioned on every individual product page.
Shipping, Delivery & Returns
Does The Panaya offer free shipping?
Yes. The Panaya offers free shipping across India. We also provide worldwide international shipping with calculated rates at checkout based on destination country regulations.
Does Fall Pico or Tassel service affect delivery time?
Yes. Choosing optional finishing services like Fall Pico stitching or decorative tassels requires additional working days prior to final shipment dispatch.
What should I do if my shipment arrives damaged?
If your package arrives damaged, please reach out to customer support at customercare@thepanaya.com immediately with photographs of the package and product to initiate prompt assistance per our Return Policy.
Saree Care & Maintenance
How should I store my Banarasi silk saree?
Store your Banarasi saree wrapped in soft cotton or muslin cloth in a cool, dry place. Avoid plastic storage covers to enable air movement. Refold your saree every few months to avoid severe creasing on zari threads.
Can I wash my Banarasi saree at home?
No. Handwoven Banarasi silk sarees should never be washed at home. Professional dry cleaning is mandatory to preserve the fabric purity, zari shine, and delicate artisan weaves.
Varanasi Showroom & Contact
Where is The Panaya showroom located?
Our physical showroom is located in Varanasi:
Address: S. 10/252, Sundervilla, Bada Bagicha, Kamalya Textiles, Maqbool Alam Road, near NDRF Office, Chaukaghat, Varanasi, UP - 221002.
Timings: Open daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
How can I reach The Panaya Customer Support?
You can reach our team via Phone/WhatsApp at +91 99802 45549 or email us directly at customercare@thepanaya.com for purchase guidance and order support.