If you have shopped for a Mekhela Sador, you have seen the words everywhere: golden Guna, silver Guna, antique Guna, Mina work. They decide how a piece looks and where you can wear it. Here is what each one means, in simple words.
What is Guna?
Guna is the metallic thread woven into a Mekhela Sador to create its shine. It forms the motifs, the buti and the border, and it is what makes a piece look festive.
The main types of Guna
| Type | How it looks | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Guna | Bright, warm gold shine | Weddings, Bihu, festive wear |
| Silver Guna | Cool, soft silver shine | Pastel shades, evening functions |
| Copper Guna | Warm reddish tone | Earthy colours, Puja and family functions |
| Antique Guna | Deeper, muted gold with an aged look | A rich look that is not too shiny |
Silver Guna on a Rich Purple Banarasi Semi Paat Mekhela Sador
Copper Guna on a Regal Maroon Semi Paat Mekhela Sador
So what makes Antique Guna different?
Antique Guna has a darker, softer tone than regular golden Guna. Instead of a bright sparkle, it gives a deep, old-gold glow. Many women choose it because it looks rich in photos and in daylight without feeling too flashy.
It pairs especially well with deep colours such as maroon, bottle green, royal blue, coffee brown and black.
Antique golden Guna with magenta Mina on a Royal Muga Mekhela Sador
And what is Mina work?
Mina is coloured thread used alongside Guna. It fills in parts of the motif with colour, such as red, pink, magenta or wine. A piece described as "antique golden Guna with red Mina" has old-gold motifs with red detailing inside them.
Antique gold Guna with red Mina on a Coffee Brown Banarasi Semi Paat Mekhela Sador
How to choose
- For a wedding or reception: golden or antique Guna on Semi Paat or Muga-tone pieces.
- For Puja and family functions: copper or silver Guna on Kesa Cotton.
- If you like a subtle look: antique Guna, or a design with less Guna and more plain body.
- If you love colour: look for Guna with Mina or multi dhaga work.
Caring for Guna work
Dry clean only. Fold with the Guna side inward and store in a cotton cloth so the threads do not catch.
See it for yourself
Browse antique Guna designs in our Semi Paat Mekhela Sador and Muga Mekhela Sador collections, or explore copper and silver Guna in Kesa Cotton.
