River Weaves

15 - 20 August 2025 | Bangalore International Centre

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.

Exhibition Dates: 15 - 20 August 2025
Venue: Bangalore International Centre
Time: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Presented by Kadambari, a group for the performing arts & crafts