Handloom weaver Nagraju, based in the Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh, has earned nationwide acclaim for his exceptional craftsmanship. His most notable creation involves crafting sacred silk dhotis and utareeyam for Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami at Tirumala. Alongside these divine vestments, his workshop is widely recognized for producing royal-style silk wedding invitation cards, silk paintings of deities, and high-end customized silk sarees tailored to individual client preferences.
Coming from a family steeped in the weaving tradition for four generations, Nagraju continues to breathe new life into indigenous handloom art. Having entered the profession in 2004, he has spent the past 22 years weaving intricate patterns onto silk fabrics that constantly astonish onlookers. His primary strength lies in his ability to accurately translate any custom design requested by a client directly onto a silk saree.
Nagraju has installed 20 handlooms at his center, where 20 skilled artisans work consistently. Every saree, invitation card, and product produced here is customized to meet the specific aesthetic and functional requirements of buyers. This dedication has earned him a steady stream of orders not only from within Andhra Pradesh but also from neighboring states like Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Among his most talked-up creations are the royal-style silk wedding invitation cards. Fabricating a single invitation takes about three hours and costs 2,000 rupees. These traditional yet opulent invitations have found great favor among affluent families and prestigious celebrations.
Nagraju also crafts exclusive designer silk sarees based on direct customer orders. While ordinary silk sarees start at 10,000 rupees, specialized bespoke sarees can range from 30,000 rupees up to 2 lakh rupees. Simpler patterns take four to five days to complete, whereas sarees featuring heavy deity motifs or intricate layouts require at least two weeks of painstaking work.
Beyond apparel and cards, Nagraju produces captivating silk fabric portraits of Hindu deities. These are framed and sold as decorative gifts, priced at roughly 1,000 rupees per frame, enjoying strong demand during festive and religious occasions.
The pinnacle of Nagraju's career is his contribution to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams by crafting sacred vestments for Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami. Each year, approximately 60 dhotis and 60 utareeyams are required for the deity, half of which are woven right in Nagraju's workshop. At the Tirumala temple, the deity's garments are changed every Friday following the abhishek ritual. The consecrated vestments removed during this ritual are then presented as honors to distinguished dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and retired senior officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.
