Silk
weaving is perhaps the most popular art of Varanasi and Banarasi silk
sarees form an indispensable part of an Indian bride's trousseau. The
world-famous gold and silver brocades and richly worked saris are known
to have passed on from generations to generations much like family
jewels without loosing their charm. Besides Banarasi saris and brocades,
you may look for wonderful pieces of brassware, copperware, wooden and
clay toys and antique designs of heavy gold jewellery in Varanasi.
Other shopping attractions of Varanasi include the hand-knotted carpets
of Mirzapur, musical instruments, the 'khatta-meetha' (sweet 'n' sour)
'Langda Aam', a popular variety of mangoes available during summer
season and the famous betel leaf that is considered a specialty of the
place. Benarasi people can be seen chewing betel leaves as a part of
their cultural upbringing and they even welcome their guests by offering
them the famous betel leaves.
The shopping hotspots in Varanasi are Chowk, Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath
Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia or Dashswamedh Gali and
Golghar. Besides the illustrious and fine silks and brocaded fabrics,
one can also buy shawls, carpets, wall hangings, Zari work; stone inlay
work, glass beads and bangles, masks of Hindu and Buddhist deities and
lampshades. However, one has to be on watch while buying silk saris and
beware of the imitations that are much cheaper than the real silk ones
but are not so easy to distinguish.
One can also buy 'kamandalam' or brass water pot from Varanasi, which
is often used by saints to carry water. People buy bottled 'Ganga jal'
or jerrycans from the riverbank too for religious purposes or to be used
as Holy Water in various rituals. Besides, people can also take water of
Ganges themselves from the river.
