NEW STORE NATIONAL
NEW DELHI, INDIA
By IFAB MEDIA - NEWS BUREAU - July 16, 2025 | 133 4 minutes read
House of Banaras opened its first flagship studio recently in the sacred heart of Varanasi. Nestled in Kasturba Nagar, Sigra, this intimate sanctuary offers visitors a profound encounter with the soul of Banarasi weaving traditions while remaining gracefully accessible within a neighbourhood that pulses with the city's cultural essence.
Thoughtfully designed across 300 square feet, the studio creates an intimate dialogue between visitors and the timeless artistry of Banarasi textiles. The space unfolds like a carefully curated narrative: a heritage gallery that whispers tales of bygone eras, a draping sanctuary where silk transforms into poetry through stylised mannequins, a master craftsman's atelier for bespoke creations, and a virtual consultation alcove that bridges continents. Climate-conscious preservation chambers safeguard precious heirloom pieces, honouring their journey through generations.
The studio's crowning jewel is the "Studio Series" – an exclusive rotation of limited-edition sarees born under the watchful eyes of master artisans. Each piece embodies rare motifs passed down through generations, employs ancient dyeing secrets, and celebrates the meditative rhythm of time-intensive weaving. Every saree bears individual numbering and carries its own provenance story – a testament to its authentic heritage.
"Opening our studio in Varanasi is our deepest homage to this eternal city, its master weavers, and the ancient art that breathes life into our collections. We have crafted a space where the whispered wisdom of artisans meets the sensuous touch of silk, where every visitor can feel the heartbeat of tradition in every thread. Our mission transcends preservation – we seek to keep Banarasi weaving vibrantly alive while reverently honouring its sacred origins. This studio is an invitation to witness, to understand, and to become part of an unbroken chain of artistic excellence," said Urmila Srivastava, Founder of House of Banaras.
In a celebration that awakened the very spirit of Banaras, House of Banaras, led by founder and creative visionary Urmila Srivastava alongside distinguished dignitaries – Jeela Panchayat Adhyaksha Smt. Poonam Maurya and Joint Commissioner Industries Umesh Kumar Singh, Varanasi Mandal – unveiled an extraordinary collection of limited-edition authentic handcrafted Banarasi sarees. These masterpieces represent the most revered styles of weaving and design that have made Banaras legendary. The gathering offered rare insights into the sacred art of House of Banaras saree creation, illuminating the dedication of master craftsmen who devotedly labour for over three months to birth each saree, channelling centuries of ancestral skill, artistry, and tradition into every golden thread.
Drawing inspiration from Varanasi's millennia-old tapestry of history, the studio embraces lime-washed walls that echo ancient palaces, handcrafted teakwood shelving that speaks of royal heritage, gleaming brass accents that catch the light like temple bells, and artistic installations featuring antique looms and bobbins – silent witnesses to generations of weaving mastery. Visitors immerse themselves in interactive draping ceremonies, witness live weaving demonstrations that unfold like meditation, and explore the saree story wall – a visual pilgrimage through the sacred traditions and mystical motifs of Banarasi artistry.
House of Banaras envisions establishing more experiential sanctuaries in the coming years, each designed as a cultural pilgrimage that nurtures the living heritage of Banarasi textiles while ensuring their rightful place in contemporary wardrobes.