Sircilla weaver crafts sari with 24-carat gold flowers

Karimnagar: Sircilla, famed for its rich handloom heritage, is once again in the spotlight thanks to the exceptional craftsmanship of renowned weaver and ‘Chandana Kala Ratna Award’ recipient, Nalla Vijay Kumar. The skilled artisan has woven a one-of-a-kind saree embedded with 24-carat gold flowers blending tradition with luxury.

Continuing the legacy of his father, Nalla Parandhamulu, who first brought international acclaim to Sircilla by weaving a saree small enough to fit inside a matchbox, Vijay Kumar has carved a name for himself through a series of innovative and record-setting handloom creations. His past works include the ring sari, dabban sari, a laceless pajama, and even a handwoven national flag.

The latest creation — a sari designed with 20 grams of pure gold — features intricately woven banana and lotus flower motifs. Measuring 5.5 metres in length, 48 inches in width, and weighing around 800 grams, the sari was entirely handwoven over 10 days using traditional looms and techniques.

Commissioned by a businessman from Ballari for his daughter, the sari carries a price tag of ₹2.28 lakh.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Vijay Kumar expressed his pride in completing the luxurious piece. “It’s not just about the gold. It’s about preserving and evolving the art of handloom weaving,” he said, adding that he plans to create another similar sari soon.