Nita Ambani’s Madurai cotton gharchola sari took 10 months to come to life

Nita Ambani’s latest look was an ode to the crafts of India. For a puja ahead of the opening of the Swadesh flagship store at Eros in Mumbai, a cultural initiative dedicated to reviving India’s artisanal landscape and bringing it to everyday consciousness, the businesswoman and philanthropist chose a look that honoured the store’s very spirit.

Nita Ambani’s Madurai cotton gharchola sari was handwoven over 10 months by artisan Shri Rajshrundar Rajkot. The gharchola, whose name literally translates to ‘house sari’, is a ceremonial garment deeply embedded in Gujarati wedding customs.

Dyed using the bandhani technique, it featured grid-like zari checks adorned with symbolic motifs such as lotuses, elephants and peacocks, each representing prosperity and divinity. Rooted in ritual, it was crafted in auspicious reds and vermilions. But under Ambani’s gaze, the sari was anything but expected. In a fresh fuchsia pink shade, the sari relayed a story of handloom reverence and sartorial reinvention. Every khat (square design) echoed patterns of sacred geometry and symmetry, while the border was accented with real zari hand embroidery.