Nita Ambani buys Benarasi lakkha buti saris costing lakhs ahead of Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant’s wedding

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.

#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Banarasi weavers say that they have been given an order to prepare sarees for the Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant wedding.

Akshay Kushwaha, the owner of Angika Handloom says, "Order has been given for saris from Mumbai…These saris are being… pic.twitter.com/Pe0ca5SmZH

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 29, 2024

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.

The creation of a hazara buti sari is a feat in itself. Taking an estimated 40-45 days to complete, it requires the expertise of numerous artisans, each specialising in different stages of the weaving process.

The creation of a Banarasi sari is a testament to teamwork. Each intricate design involves the skilled work of 20-25 people, from the initial design and layout to the final weaving on the loom.

According to ANI, the saris chosen by Nita are crafted with real zari, a luxurious blend of silver and gold threads. (Read all about the art of zardozi) The silver content ranges from 58-60%, with a touch of gold (1.5%) adding a hint of opulence. This intricate craftsmanship comes at a premium, with prices ranging from Rs 1.5 to Rs 6 lakh.

The wedding festivities for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, daughter of Encore Healthcare CEO Viren Merchant and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant, are set to commence on July 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. Nita Ambani’s dedication to showcasing the beauty of Banarasi saris adds a special touch to this momentous family occasion.