River Weaves

Exhibition Opening: 11:00 am | Friday, 15 August

Timings: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Exhibition on show until Wednesday, 20 August

Walkthroughs:

Everyday [Aug 15-20] – 12:00 pm & 5:30 pm

Conversations:

Panel Discussion – Friday, 15 August | 11:30 am – 1 pm

River Weaves: Brocades of Banaras is an immersive experience & exhibition that invites visitors into the world of Banarasi handloom, one of India’s most exquisite and storied textile traditions. Presented by Chandra Jain and designed by Siddhartha Das Studio, the exhibition is a tribute to the artistry, symbolism, and sustainability embedded in every thread of Banaras brocade.

From shimmering motifs inspired by Mughal gardens and temple carvings, to rare handwoven sarees dyed using natural dyes after a gap of 125 years, River Weaves presents a textured narrative of tradition and revival. It highlights the unseen processes behind each masterpiece, degumming, spinning, dyeing, and weaving, while also centring the voices of the weavers, many of whom have inherited and protected this craft for generations.

But this tradition is withering. Fewer artisans are able to sustain the work, and the next generation is stepping away. Through this exhibition, we hope to rekindle awareness and inspire a return to wearing and supporting these textiles, because unless people continue to buy, the craft will not survive.

River Weaves is more than a showcase, it’s a call to action. Every Banarasi brocade is not just fabric, but a living story of skill, memory, and community.

The concept and vision for the exhibition were conceived by Chandra Jain, a long-time advocate of India’s crafts and textiles. As Founder-President of Kadambari and a passionate promoter of Banaras brocade for over two decades, she has played a pivotal role in reviving and supporting traditional artisans through design, awareness, and market development.

She has curated and led numerous landmark exhibitions across India, and her work has been recognized for its impact on sustaining endangered craft traditions. Chandra’s approach combines cultural integrity with contemporary relevance, making heritage accessible and meaningful to modern audiences.

The exhibition has been curated by Chiara Nath and Siddhartha Das of Siddhartha Das Studio, an award-winning, multi-disciplinary practice known for its powerful storytelling of India’s cultural heritage. The studio specializes in museums, interpretation centres, exhibitions, and craft installations. Their design brings together historical depth and contemporary relevance, inviting visitors to engage meaningfully with the legacy of Banaras Brocade.

Host or Publisher Event Navigator