Varanasi is famous for its silk weaving and Banarasi silks are a part of every girl’s wedding trousseau. Varanasi’s brocades are famous world over. Some of the other materials of Vranasi that are famous includes Brassware, copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewellery. Along with this, the handcrafted carpets of Mirzapur that lies near to varanasi and musical instruments are other major attractions from shopping point of view.
Varanasi is also famous for its ‘Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the summer. Paan or the betel leaf is of its specialty. The main shopping areas in the city includes Chowk, Vishwanath Lane, Thatheri Bazaar, Lahurabir, Godowlia, Dashashwamedh Lane and Golghar.
The narrow lanes of Varanasi are always bustling with visitors and locals thronging the shops of all kinds. Shopping in Varanasi is worth seeking for the city’s rich silk weaving and brasswork. The best areas for shopping are the Thatheri Bazaar (for brass), Gyan Vapi and the Vishwanatha lane with its Temple Bazaar (for silk brocade and jewellery). State runned Emporia in Godowlia, Lahurabir and the Chowk – the three Handlooms outlets at Lahurabir, Nadesar and Neechi Bag and Mahatex in Godowlia –provides products with assured quality. Housed in a former palace opposite the Taj Hotel, Cantt, the CIE has a large and impressive selection.
Upica, emporium run by government has the advantage of fixed prices and has outlets at Godowlia opposite to Taj Hotel, Cantt. Handloom House in Sigra is the place to buy silk with a modern showroom.
Urban Haat ( Handicraft Centre) has been developed with the aim of providing easy availability of various handcrafted products of Indian artisans to tourists. Here, various artisans of various states who have received national awards, showcase their products. This Haat consist of all basic public amenities. Along with this, for visitors Haat also has a fooding facility and cultural programmes that displays Indian Music, Art and Craft are organised here from time to time.