On 16th November 2025, we hosted our eighth Live From Loom session from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, featuring the Banarasi weaving tradition.

We were joined by Kunal Maurya, a Textile Engineer from IIT Delhi and a fifth-generation master weaver. Kunal also created HastKalaPramanak, which is a Block chain, AI and IoT based authentication system that verifies a Banarasi saree’s authenticity and weaving journey.

In this session, we decoded the art, science, and economics behind Banarasi saree. We explored why buying an authentic Banarasi saree can be so challenging, the common pitfalls that lead people to purchase counterfeits, and practical methods to identify genuine craftsmanship.

Watch the recording of the session to become more confident and informed about choosing a real Banarasi.