Varanasi Weavers in Chennai

Upasana (www.upasana.in) is a designer initiative based in Auroville with more than a decade of work in textile design.

Over the last several years Upasana has initiated and managed several social enterprises that have not merely brought in commercial returns as a venture, but, also have resulted in satisfying the development and social goals of the producers/craftspersonnel.

Some of Upasana's ventures include the Tsunamika, Small Steps (www.smallsteps.in) and Varanasi Weavers (www.varanasiweavers.in).

Varanasi Weavers is a brand under which Upasana markets the wonderful silk crafts (and accessories) of weavers community in Benaras that has all but disappeared from the market (most of us can't figure out the difference between a pure Benaras silk and a synthetic, Chinese, cheap alternative that crowds the market today).

If you are in Chennai and dare to step out this week for shopping, do visit Amethyst for some genuine Benaras silk that is crafted with an eye for quality and also benefits some of the most deserving communities in India.

I would recomment the interesting Benaras Buttons that are made in several colours and variations by the women (wives and daughters of the weavers) in the weaving villages. Benaras apparently used to make such buttons that adorned erstwhile royalty. Now these designs are fashion accessories, with as many applications as the mind can conjure up!