Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is considered to be the oldest living city in the world. This city has been a center of religion, philosophy, art, music and culture for thousands of years. It is said that this city was founded by Lord Shiva himself. Situated on the banks of the river Ganges, this city is not only a pilgrimage site for Hinduism, but it is also a very sacred place for Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs. Let’s know about those 10 special things to buy from Varanasi in detail so that you don’t miss out on these things during your next Varanasi Visit!
Top 10 Things to Buy From Varanasi
Varanasi offers endless shopping spots that cater to every kind of traveler. The city is also a great marketplace for art, crafts and traditional goods. If you are roaming the streets of Varanasi, you must know about the things to buy in Varanasi. If someone is shopping in Varanasi, haggling a bit is important. Also, checking the authenticity of souvenirs is important. Here’s a list of things to buy in Varanasi.
1. Banarasi Saree
If you are curating a list of things to purchase in Varanasi, you cannot miss out on the Banarasi silk sarees, especially if you are a woman. Banarasi Sarees are known all over India for their embroidery, silk and zari work. These sarees are handwoven by traditional weavers, with intricate patterns and gold-silver zari work. It is a priceless purchase for a wedding or special occasion.
Special Features: A genuine Banarasi saree has a tangle of threads at the back, which is not the case with machine-made sarees.
2. Gulabi Meenakari
The Gulabi Meenakari art of Varanasi is world famous. It is a special type of enamel jewellery in which pink coloured designs are made on silver. It is a pure Banarasi style and is made by only a few families. So, if you are creating the Banaras famous things to buy list, you cannot forget about these rare specimens of local art!
Place to buy: Gadaulia and Godaulia Market.
3. Rudraksha Mala
You will easily find Rudraksha beads on the ghats along the Ganga or around the Kashi Vishwanath temple. These are of religious significance and are used for yoga, meditation and worship. Although a sacred thing for devotees, it is also among the cheap things to buy in Varanasi.
Note: Genuine Rudraksha can be identified by counting the seeds inside it and sinking in water.
4. Glass Beads
Glass beads from Varanasi are exported all over the world. These small colorful beads are used in making jewelry, decoration and fashion jewelry. You will find colorful, shiny and different sizes of beads here.
Popular uses: DIY projects, jewelry designing and handicrafts.
5. Wooden Toys
Handmade wooden toys are made in the villages near Varanasi. These toys are not only suitable for children but also for decoration. Natural colors and traditional designs increase their attraction. So, the next time you plan a trip to Banaras, don’t forget about these toys as they are among the top things to buy in Varanasi!
Popular designs: Chariots, bullock carts, birds, monkeys etc.
6. Sweets
Thinking about what is famous in Varanasi for eating? You don’t have to work hard to discover it! If you smell a sweet smell while walking in the streets of Varanasi, it may be coming from the delicious sweets such as rabri, malaiyo, laddu, peda and Banarasi paan. Don’t forget these sweet things to buy in Vanarasi, especially if you are a sweet lover!
Must try: ‘Malaiyo’ and Kashi chaat in winters.
7. Bangles and Other Accessories
The traditional bangles, maang-tika, earrings and anklets here are very beautiful. You will find bangles made of glass, metal and colorful plastic which look great with sarees. These accessories and ornaments are among the best Banaras things to buy for women!
Markets: Thatheri Bazaar and Godaulia.
8. Handwoven Carpets
Pondering Varanasi is famous for which things? If you want to buy something special for the home, then Varanasi’s handmade carpets are a great option. The carpets here are strong, attractive and long-lasting.
Specialty: Traditional Kashmiri and Persian designs.
9. Ramnami Cloth
The name “Ram” is printed repeatedly on this cloth. This cloth is a symbol of religious sentiments and is used in temples for covering during worship or meditation. So, if you want to buy things in Varanasi as a token of its religious heritage, purchasing the Ramnami Cloth can be one of the best decisions of your life!
Religious use: Ram devotees tie it on the head or drape it on the shoulder.
10. Musical Instruments
Varanasi is no less than a treasure for music lovers and there are many things to purchase in Varanasi if you are a music lover. Here you can find traditional musical instruments like Mridang, Tabla, Sarangi, Sitar and Flute, which are made by hand.
Land of Musicians: Birthplace of musicians like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Bismillah Khan.
FAQs of Things to Buy in Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Benaras, is recognized for the sacred ghats along the Ganges, which millions of devotees visit yearly. Kashi Vishwanath temple, being the primary attraction, symbolizes divine significance. It is known for its exquisite Banarasi Sarees, and the city also thrives on cultural value. The streets are filled with delightful street foods and iconic Banarasi Paan to add flavors while its promise of moksha remains famous worldwide.
Varanasi is a fabulous place to shop as it merges tradition and craftsmanship. It is popular for Banarasi Saree, Shivlinga idols, Wooden Toy, Rudraksha, Flute, etc. The hustle-bustle of the city has a strong essence of aromatic spices, authentic hand woven rugs, and iconic Banarasi Paan that complete the vibe of Benaras.
The city is a shopper’s heaven with a vibrant market that offers a blend of a mix of tradition and craftsmanship. Godowlia market is excellent for Benarasi silk saree, brassware, and handicrafts, while Chowk Market has incredible accessories, wooden toys, and traditional textiles. For religious items, you can buy brass utensils in Thateri Bazaar and Vishwanath Lane.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Ramgarh Fort, Dhamek Stupa, Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Assi Ghat are some of the major attractions in Varanasi owing to their beautiful views that have a fascinating, rich history.
The best time to explore Varanasi is between October and February, when the temperature dips. You can visit Varanasi during the monsoon months, especially in July, August, and September. The city temperature exponentially rises during the summer seasons.
Varanasi is a hub for food lovers that offers a range of delicious dishes. Some must-try foods include Kachori-Sabzi, Tamatar Chaat, Jalebi and Bedai. Don’t miss trying out Malai, a winter delicacy made with froth and saffron, or Banarasi Lassi served in clay cups.
Varanasi is filled with shops selling a wide variety of Banarasi sarees and other silk products like scarves and fabrics. Here, you’ll find fantastic craftsmanship and legacy-rich textile and silk weaving. Shopping for Banarasi silk is a must-do activity when visiting the city.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is 4km away from the main city.
