RETAIL THERAPY
An array of famous products exclusive to Varanasi makes the city a shopper’s paradise.
The city is best known for the resplendent and utterly gorgeous Banarasi silk saris. Among the finest saris made in the subcontinent, Banarasi saris are known for their smooth fabric adorned with gold and silver brocade, or zari, and opulent embroidery. While these saris are available at almost all the markets as well as standalone shops, the best places to score great wholesale deals are 11 Rajan Silk Market ( banarasi.net), Mehrotra Silk Factory ( mehrotrasilk.com), and Godowlia market.
Most visitors to Varanasi return with plastic cannisters of Ganga water, but for an eco-friendly alternative, opt for copper cans that are available in many shops around the ghats. Shivling idols can be bought from the vibrant Vishwanath Gali. They are available in stone and crystal, and start at ` 100/ USD1.5. Rudraksha necklaces, which comprise beads made from the polished seeds of the Rudraksha tree, are sought after; authentic ones can be bought from Banaras Rudraksham near Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Banarasi Gulaabi Meenakari is a rare craft practised in the lanes of Gai Ghat. One can buy jewellery, home decor items, and souvenirs adorned with this beautiful Persian art form. Varanasi also has the world’s largest manufacturing unit of glass beads, which are made into colourful bracelets, anklets, and earrings—available at Thatheri Bazar. The market is also known for its copper and brass artefacts, and antiques with stone trim work. For handloom and handicrafts, Chowk and Urban Haat are the best bets, while Banaras Art Gallery houses a huge collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists.