Indian weavers prepare traditional sari for Michelle Obama

Weavers in India's northern city of Varanasi city have prepared a Banarasi sari for United States First Lady, Michelle Obama, who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday (January 25) for a three-day visit with her husband, President Barack Obama.

The sari, named after Varanasi's old name Banaras, is one of the defining products of the city's handloom sector. It is a five-meter-long drape worn by Indian women and is mostly made by hand, taking days and even months to complete.

The weavers believe the handloom business will be boosted if Michelle Obama wears the sari during her India visit.

Co-owner of a fabric unit in Varanasi, Imran Matin, said that the order for Michelle Obama's sari was placed five months ago by a member of the International Advisory Council of the US Institute of Peace, Frank Islam, who has bought saris from the shop in the past.

"We have high expectations because she is the First Lady and if she wears the sari, it will boost the dying Varanasi handloom industry. Every one will get business and we all will prosper," said Imran.

Imran's father, Abdul Matin, said that a special Sona-rupa Kadua sari, made in the ancient days with traditional means, has been prepared for Michelle.

"Silver and gold zari [even thread] and cotton have been used in the sari," said Abdul, adding, "It's been made in four to five months."

The sari is priced at 125,000 Indian rupees ($2,035.96), Abdul added.

Barack Obama and Michelle are visiting India for the second time, to build on what the US President calls one of the defining relationships of the 21st century.

He was invited by Indian Primer Minister Narendra Modi and will be the first US president to attend Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26. — Reuters