In preparation for her son Anant’s wedding on July 12, Nita Ambani, the philanthropist and founder of Reliance Foundation, embarked on a special trip to Varanasi to offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and hand-deliver her son’s wedding invite. Finding herself in the heart of Benarasi sari weaving, Nita also met with loom owners and weavers, buying at least 50 stunning Banarasi saris for the wedding, news agency ANI reported.
According to Prof. John Varghese, School of Fashion, World University of Design, Benaras’s silk weaving is renowned for its intricate brocade and zari work. Brocade weaving involves the meticulous insertion of zari threads—often made from real gold—into the silk fabric while its being woven to create intricate patterns and embossed look.
Nita Ambani’s choices highlight the intricate beauty of Benarasi saris. According to ANI, Chhote Lal Pal, a third-generation weaver, expressed his delight at her selecting one of his Lakkha buti saris.
Know all about the Lakkha buti and Hazara buti Benarasi sari
Today, Benares silk saris and fabrics are available in a variety of types, each named after its specific motifs and weaving techniques, both the Lakkha buti and the Hazara buti sari among these, Varghese explained.
The lakkha buti sari, literally translating to “one lakh motifs,” lives up to its name with its exceptional intricacy. This complexity is reflected in the weaving process itself. Unlike most saris, the loom for a lakkha buti is prepared three times over. This meticulous attention to detail allows for the creation of a dense and captivating design, often featuring floral or geometric patterns. The weaving process itself takes a staggering 60-62 days, a testament to the dedication and skill required by the artisans.
Owning a lakkha buti sari signifies not just a beautiful garment, but a piece of artistic heritage.
The hazara buti sari, translating to “thousand motifs,” is another masterpiece of Banarasi weaving. While the number of motifs might not be a literal thousand, the name reflects the incredible density of the intricate silver embellishments adorning the sari. These motifs, often floral in nature, are meticulously hand-woven using real zari, a luxurious blend of silver and gold threads.