|
Varanasi is
famous for its silk weaving, and Banarasi silks are a part of every girl’s
wedding trousseau. Banaras Brocades are prized the world over. Brassware,
copperware, wooden and clay toys and exquisite gold jewelry are some of the
other craft the city is famous for. The hand - knotted carpets of Mirzapur
and musical instruments are among the other shopping attractions. Banaras is
also famous for its ‘ Langda Aam’, a variety of mangoes available in the
summer. Betel leaf is also a specialty. The main shopping areas are Chowk,
Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri bazaar, Lahurabir, Godoulia , Dashswamedh Gali and
Golghar.
With hustlers
and rickshaw drivers keen to drag tourists into shops offering commission,
shopping in Varanasi can be a nightmare but its worth seeking out the city's
rich Silk weaving and brasswork. The best areas to browse are the Thatheri
Bazaar (for brass), Jnana Vapi and the Vishwanatha Gall with its Temple
Bazaar (for silk brocade and jewelry). State run emporia in Godaulia,
lahurabir and the Chowk - the three Handlooms outlets at Lahurabir, Nadesar
and Neechi Bag, and Mahatex in Godaulia - of fixed prices and assured
quality. Housed in a former palace opposite the Taj Hotel, Cantt, the CIE
has a large and impressive selection but, despite its official-sounding
name, is outrageously expensive Kashmiri-run chain aimed exclusively at the
fivestar market.
Sales pitches
tend to become more aggressive when it comes to silk, and you need be wary
of the hard-sell. Qazi Sadullahpura, near Chhavi Mahal Cinema, lies at the
heart of a fascinating Muslim neighborhood devoted to the production of
silk. Upica, the government-run emporium has the advantage of fixed prices,
with outlets at Godaulia opposite the Taj Hotel, Cantt. Handloom House,
D64/132K Sigra, another government sponsored chain, is the best and safest
place to buy silk with a modern showroom although the sales staff appear
disorganized. For tailoring, try Paraslakshmi Exports, Chandrika Colony
Sigra (ph: 361496), a silk business providing a good and prompt service;
they'll deliver to your hotel, and also offer ready-made waistcoats and
boxer shorts. |
|
