HolyWeaves was founded in Banaras in 2012 by Umang Agrawal, building on a five-decade legacy in manufacturing and wholesale of handloom textiles. With a background in international finance—an MBA, CFA, and FRM—and a deep love for music, Umang made an unconventional shift from global markets to the quiet rhythms of handloom weaving, with a hope to take the exclusive craft of Banarasi textiles to a global audience. At a time when e-commerce was still nascent, HolyWeaves led the way, making artisanal textiles directly accessible to end users, designers, and businesses worldwide. Since then, the journey has been deeply rewarding—not just for us, but for many in the industry who have followed suit.

Arguably, HolyWeaves was the first to take the Banarasi design library beyond traditional paisleys and florals, introducing sacred texts, animal stripes, and geometric motifs—many of which have now become a part of the trade’s shared vocabulary. Besides pioneering new design directions, we also explored innovative treatments that made even simple motifs stand out with renewed character. 

Visitors to our atelier in Banaras often tell us that the energy is unmistakable—the quiet intensity of our looms, the fresh ideas, and the fine attention we give to every detail. That same spirit continues online. When we designed our online store, we intentionally echoed the language of the atelier: the reed-inspired header bar, the gently shifting jacquard background, curated artworks, and countless subtle cues that reflect elements of weaving. It is our way of ensuring that even a digital interaction carries the tactile warmth of the handwoven.

Our designs have featured in fashion shows in India and abroad, yet we feel our story is just beginning. Today, we remain a small, passionate team with a big vision: A Banarasi Textile in Every Wardrobe. While challenges of intellectual property remain, we will continue to push boundaries with integrity, creativity, and purpose.