Shopping guide

Shopping in Varanasi: what to buy in Banaras

From handwoven Banarasi silk to brass puja thalis, the best things to take home and where to find them.

GI-tagged craft

Banarasi silk saree

Woven with real silk and zari (gold or silver thread), the Banarasi saree is the city's most famous craft and a must for every Indian wedding trousseau. A single handloom saree can take weeks to weave, and the designs carry Mughal-era motifs like paisleys, creepers and floral buttas.

Katan (pure silk)
Organza (Kora)
Georgette
Tanchoi
Jangla
Cutwork
Butidar

Where to buy: Chowk, Godowlia and Vishwanath Gali for shops; Madanpura, Peeli Kothi and Sarai Mohana are weaving neighbourhoods.

Tip: Look for the Silk Mark label and the Handloom Mark. Machine-made (powerloom) sarees are much cheaper, so ask clearly which one you are buying.

Great gifts

Brocade, dupattas & silk fabric

If a full saree isn't for you, Banarasi dupattas, stoles, suit pieces and brocade fabric by the metre are lighter on the pocket and easy to carry. Brocade cushion covers and table runners make beautiful home-decor gifts.

Dupattas & stoles
Suit pieces
Brocade by the metre
Cushion covers
Ties & pocket squares

Where to buy: Godowlia, Chowk and the lanes around Dashashwamedh.

Tip: Compare prices at two or three shops before buying, and politely bargain at smaller stalls.

Experience

See a handloom at work

Thousands of weaving families still work on wooden pit looms in the old neighbourhoods of Banaras. Watching a weaver lift the threads one by one to build a zari pattern gives you a new respect for the saree, and buying directly supports the craft.

Weaver clusters
Live demonstrations
Buy direct from weavers

Where to buy: Madanpura, Lallapura, Peeli Kothi and Sarai Mohana. Visiting with a registered guide is the easiest way in.

Tip: Be careful when an auto driver insists on a 'factory visit'. Those tours often add a hefty commission to the price.

Old-city craft

Brass & copper ware

Banaras has a long tradition of metal craft. Puja thalis, diyas, kalash, bells, idols and copper water vessels are sold in narrow lanes where artisans still hammer metal by hand.

Puja thalis & diyas
Kalash & lota
Bells
Idols
Copper bottles

Where to buy: Thatheri Bazar near Chowk is the traditional metalware market.

Tip: Metal is often priced by weight, so ask for the rate per kilo and check the weight on the scale.

Spiritual souvenirs

Rudraksha & puja items

As Shiva's city, Banaras is the place to buy rudraksha malas, Ganga jal containers, sacred threads, chandan, sindoor and small Shivlings to take home for family and friends.

Rudraksha malas
Ganga jal
Chandan & sindoor
Small Shivlings
Prayer beads

Where to buy: Vishwanath Gali, Dashashwamedh market and the shops around Kaal Bhairav temple.

Tip: For expensive or 'rare mukhi' rudraksha, buy only with a lab certificate from a trusted shop.

Markets

Where to shop

Vishwanath Gali

The lane leading to Kashi Vishwanath, packed with puja items, bangles, sarees and souvenirs.

Directions

Godowlia Market

The busiest market in the old city, with clothes, sarees, footwear and street food all around.

Directions

Thatheri Bazar

The historic metalware market near Chowk for brass, copper and puja utensils.

Directions

Chowk

The traditional heart of Banarasi saree and silk trading, with old, established shops.

Directions

More crafts

Other Banarasi crafts

Several crafts from Banaras and nearby carry a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Look out for these too:

Wooden lacquerware toys
Gulabi Meenakari (pink enamel work)
Banaras glass beads
Bhadohi hand-knotted carpets
Banarasi zardozi work

Smart shopping tips

Shop with a clear budget, and compare prices at two or three shops before you buy.
For silk sarees, ask for the Silk Mark and Handloom Mark labels and a proper bill.
Avoid 'factory tours' pushed by auto or rickshaw drivers; they usually come with a commission.
Most shops in the old city accept UPI, but keep some cash for small stalls.
Ask the shop to pack silk and brass items properly for travel.