Silk is a fabric born from nature, and when woven in combination of colours and metallic threads, the fine artistry pieces called Banarasi Sarees are born. The other way that Banarasis are born is from a rich cultural confluence as the weavers and artisans blended multiple heritage pieces into multiple combinations and brought gorgeously lustrous and durable handloom silk sarees and fabrics into existence that were fit for the kings, queens, nobles and brides. For over a century now, JDS Banaras has withstood the test of time and stayed loyal to their support and admiration of the Banarasi handlooms and have been the torchbearers even when the machine-made cheaper fabrics were ruining the very fabric of the heritage artistry. Now wonder their joy when an enthusiastic popular person wishes to visit their store and are welcomed with open arms. On one such prestigious occasion, Arun Govil graced the JDS Banaras store with his pristine aura. Let us share a glimpse of his visit.
The man needs no introduction to the people for whom he was a television diety from the 90’s.
Arun Govil a living legend of Indian Television
Television was still a limited luxury for most and there was a time when people would not schedule anything between early hours of morning on weekends. The black and white television sets were the best friends and with reverence people would bathe and remove their footwear while watching Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan on their televisions. Such was the pristine aura of Arun Govil ji that for most of from that generation of TV viewers, he became the modern day embodiment of Lord Ramchandra himself. His valour while killing the demons, his agony while bearing the loss of his divine consort Sita, every little nuance done so well on the screen. For years, and even now, many may have played that divine role, but Arun ji remains etched in our hearts and minds.
Arun Govil meets Rajesh Shah: A banarasi meet
In the Varanasi based store, from where JDS Banaras has been operating for years, Arun Govil ji was welcomed with folded hands and open arms by the present-day leader of the JDS Banaras house, Mr. Rajesh Shah. He showed him around the store and narrated the whole journey of JDS Banaras, which we are sure even Govil ji would have known and related to. The two men walked throughout the century old establishment and saw yards of opulence in the Banarasi handloom fabrics of different varieties and Govil ji was introduced to the many varieties which he may not even have realized were Banarasis.
Rajesh Shah’s acumen and year of expertise shone forth as he led the tour and his passion for their heritage business and patronage of the Banarasi handloom cause was so easy to spot in every word that trickled and flowed.
Arun Govil receives a token from JDS Banaras
As part of the celebration of their esteemed guest, the JDS Banaras family showered Arun ji with attention, which was reciprocated by him through his interest, intrigue and attentiveness. It was worth emulating how such a popular name was gracing our banarasi abode with his pristine presence and not for a moment let us feel overwhelmed. JDS wanted to give him some memories to remember and behold for years. The picture you see here of the legendary actor holding the JDS Banaras book is a small capture of the pure moment.
Team JDS meets Arun Govil
JDS Banaras is not an individual. You become a part of the family as you set foot in their store and you can be an artisan, a key member of the banarasi saree process, a client, anyone; the love is indiscriminate. In the same spirit, the team welcomed Arun Govil ji with open arms and welcomed him home to the sheened world of banarasi handlooms. The team not only got to meet him, but also learnt from his experience and admired his humility. It was an experience and to capture this memory for a lifetime, they even captured it in their hearts and through the camera lens.
Final Address:
For everything refined and authentic, we show the way to the Rathyatra stores. We are humbled when satisfied smiling faces leave as the patrons of the banarasi handloom heritage. Our constant effort is to create newer designs while lavishing love on the classic designs. So if you ever need anything Banarasi, be it the handloom sarees or lehengas or fabrics, visit Varanasi and come directly to us as we cater to the retailers, wholesalers, and more, delivering authentic certified handloom silk without a doubt.
If Arun Govil ji could leave with an imprint and memory, we would love to recreate that with all of you.
Sacred Weaves
The online boutique collection store of banarasi handloom sarees and dupattas and more, Sacred Weaves has continued to deliver on the promise of authentic silk, in continuum of the JDS name and fame. As with time online shopping gains favour, Sacred Weaves found a newer way of guided online shopping where you book an appointment for a video call and make a unique shopping experience your own.