Banarasi saris are exquisite works of art, perfect for any occasion. Ahead of her son Anant Ambani’s wedding, Nita Ambani, the Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, traveled to Varanasi to shop for these saris.
During her visit, Nita Ambani met with loom owners and weavers, personally selecting around 50-60 saris. She invited Banarasi merchants and craftsmen to her hotel, where she carefully placed orders with several weavers, deeply appreciating their craftsmanship.
The international prominence of Banarasi saris is set to rise due to the high-profile guests, including Bollywood and Hollywood stars, attending Anant Ambani‘s wedding. Weavers expressed joy at receiving orders from the Ambani family. Chhote Lal Pal, a Banarasi handloom weaver, shared his excitement that Nita Ambani liked his Lakkha Buti sari, highlighting the significance of having his creation worn at such a prestigious event.
“We are traditional artisans from Banaras, with generations of weaving heritage. Our special Lakhha Buti saris require intricate craftsmanship, taking 60 to 62 days to complete,” he explained. The process involves meticulous steps and the collaboration of 20 to 25 people, from preparation to the final weaving.
Another weaver, Akshay Kushwaha, noted Nita Ambani’s visit to his loom and the order of 15 to 20 saris made of genuine zari threads, incorporating silver and gold. These exclusive saris, like the Hazara Buti with thousands of silver motifs, can take up to 45 days to craft and are valued between Rs 1.5 to 6 lakhs.
The Banarasi weavers expressed their gratitude for the substantial orders received for the Ambani wedding, providing work for many families in the community.
Nita Ambani’s visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple for blessings and her attendance at Ganga Aarti reflected her spiritual connection to Varanasi. Expressing her happiness and blessing-seeking for her son’s wedding, she emphasized the sacredness of the occasion and her admiration for the city’s development.
With Mumbai gearing up for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding festivities at the Jio World Convention Centre, the event promises a blend of tradition and opulence. The celebrations will span several days, featuring traditional Hindu ceremonies and a grand reception.
The pre-wedding events earlier held in Jamnagar saw a galaxy of stars and global dignitaries attending, making it a memorable affair. From business leaders to Bollywood icons and international celebrities, the event showcased a fusion of cultures and entertainment, highlighted by performances and mesmerizing acts.
