The world's longest saree is here

New Delhi: Behold! At 486 metres, this is world’s longest silk saree. And guess what? It depicts India’s rich heritage and culture.

With images of Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa depicted on it, the fabric appears to be an ensemble of India's cultural integration.

There are also patterns of architectural marvels such as Taj Mahal, Qutab Minar, traditional dance forms, musical instruments and festivals of India crafted on it.

The Kancheepuram red silk saree is currently on display at the Ansar Mall in Sharjah for five days till May 30, after which it will be auctioned at Sharjah.

The saree has been designed by Kerala-based Seematti Textiles.

"We expect it to be sold to a prestigious buyer or a museum," Beena Kannan, CEO of Seematti Textiles, was quoted by news agency PTI.

According to Kannan, the making of the saree was a tedious process.

"It took 80 weavers under the supervision of our master weaver, Thiru Selvan, who worked round the clock for two months and 18 days to complete it," Kannan was further quoted saying.

The saree, which has already made it to the Guinness Book of World Records, weighs a whopping 72 kg. The embroidery itself weighs nearly 15 kg.

The total weight of the silk used in the crafting was around 57kg, while the cost of making the saree was around Rs 2.04 crore.

Special motorised machines had to be made to roll the saree around two massive rods on an iron stand.

"The rods were then placed in a wooden case and all together it weighed more than 600 kg. We had to have the case transported by air cargo," Kannan told PTI.

Kannan’s next project is equally challenging and ambitions. She would like to weave the family tree of Dubai's rulers in pure silk.

(With inputs from PTI)