Varanasi’s Oldest Saree House Hartirathram Dayaram Opens New Sigra Store, Marking 119 Years of Legacy

Religious Travel

Hartirathram Dayaram, popularly known as H.D. Banaras and widely regarded as one of the oldest wholesale saree gaddis of Varanasi, has entered a new phase in its 119-year journey. After operating for more than a century from the traditional saree business hub of Chowk, the fifth-generation family-run business has now shifted its wholesale operations to Sigra.

Founded in 1907, Hartirathram Dayaram has been closely associated with the Banarasi saree trade for generations. The family’s roots in textile trading go back even further, beginning with Pashmina shawls before the forefathers of the business moved from Lahore to Amritsar and eventually settled in Varanasi. It was here that the family turned its focus towards Banaras’ world-famous handwoven sarees.

Over the decades, H.D. Banaras built a strong reputation in the wholesale saree market, supplying authentic Banarasi weaves to some of the country’s leading saree and textile retailers. South India has remained one of its strongest markets, with the business working closely with over 100 master weavers to bring traditional Banarasi craftsmanship to customers across India.

The relocation to D-58, Gandhi Nagar, Sigra, is being seen as a major step in the modernization of the historic saree house. Along with continuing its wholesale trade, Hartirathram Dayaram is now also welcoming retail customers at the new Sigra address. This marks the first time in its long history that the gaddi has opened its doors directly to individual buyers.

The original Chowk location, which remained the heart of the business for more than a century, is currently under renovation and will later reopen as a dedicated retail outlet.

“This move is not about leaving our roots behind — it is about giving our legacy the room it needs for growth,” said Sanjay Wahi, Director, Hartirathram Dayaram. “Banaras has changed, the trade has changed, and after 119 years, we felt it was time for us to change with it, while holding on to everything that got us here.”

The shift reflects a larger change within Banaras’ traditional saree trade, where heritage businesses are now adapting to modern retail formats, improved customer experience, and digital presence while continuing to stay connected with the city’s handloom ecosystem.

Hartirathram Dayaram continues to work with master weavers and supply authentic Banarasi sarees to major retailers across the country. With its new Sigra premises, the historic saree house is now looking to bridge its legacy wholesale identity with a more direct retail presence for the next generation of customers.

Address: D-58, Gandhi Nagar, Sigra, VaranasiReligious Travel

Email: hrdrvns@gmail.com

Website: hdbanaras.com