Finding a single sentiment, an emotion, a “feeling” to describe the complex multiplicity of narratives that an inherited sari evokes is at the heart of this story.
Its mind (of the story that is) is more like a closet, organised to some extent–so let’s pick its brains first.
Sarees of India, an enduring exhibition of woven saris representing handloom traditions of the country, completes 25 years in 2024. To mark the milestone, Delhi Crafts Council (DCC), that remains an annual high point on Delhi’s watch and buy calendar, decided to dig the roots and grow the shoots of the tree they once planted. The working committee of DCC wanted to move the needle and take the conversation back to where it all began.
‘Heirloom Sarees: The Glory of India’s Woven Heritage’ is a selection of exceptional, never-seen before, privately owned handloom saris, curated, catalogued and archived by DCC. It will be showcased at the India International Centre (see details below).
Kanjeevarams, Paithanis, Banarasis, Ikats and incredibly beautiful-complex weaves defined by a language of their own (each specified in the captions with the sari images below), speak of India’s cultural economy. With motifs, patterning, yarn, weft and warp grammar that only the Indian artisan is capable of creating, they speak to inheritance in handloom traditions. Also of the people who created, valued and visibilised them for the rest of the world. Not just wearers, connoisseurs and historians but also the makers. The saris thus speak of cultural relationships between weavers and wearers. These ideas reside in the samaan (honours) that DCC recognises artisan-karigars-craftspeople and artists with, every year. Visibly the work can be seen and bought in the DCC founded Kamala store.
Some of the heirloom saris that will be displayed belong to DCC members; others are on loan from sari collectors, who have held them as jewels with feelings stuffed into narrative pots jostling with beguiling family stories. Love and lust, weddings and closures, birth, life and passing, men and women, mothers and others, then and now—in the way only saris can bind human lives.
The collection—that will have around forty pieces–speaks in all languages of the country, bringing out generational histories associated with weaving skills. The sari, whether you wear it or not, evokes homing instincts in us as a people. It may be time to come home with this collection.
A selected representation of saris from the upcoming exhibition.




Banner(L-R): Patola, Gujarat. A double ikat (both warp and weft are tie dyed) sari showcases complex designs – groups of heart shaped leaves, central flowers and white star motifs on the body. Flowers and serrated leaves are seen on the borders.
South silk sari, Tamil Nadu. A heavy black silk body with a tissue pallu. Its borders are adorned with fine patterns woven in zari.
Product Styling: Anupriya Roy, Kanupriya Lal
Production: Unnati Saini