Shopping in Varanasi - the exquisite Banarasi Sari is the pride of Varanasi

Of all the things that Varanasi is famous for, the Banarasi Sari, a rich Sari made by expert weavers using the finest of silks stands out.Banaras is one of the more commonly used names for Varanasi in India and hence the sari's that were weaved here became famous as 'Banarasi Sari'. The Sari is the traditional costume of Indian women and the ‘Banarasi Sari’ epitomizes the best of the breed. It is said that the Banarasi Sari is veritable a 'poetry in silk'.

The history of the silk industry in Varanasi is traditionally linked to the Muslim community, which for almost 800 years was in charge of production. The exotic art of weaving perfected by the weavers in Varanasi remains unmatched. One of the unique features of the Banarasi Sari is the heavy gold brocade which has an extra weft of rich gold thread running across the warp threads. The motifs are picked up in silk thread and bright colors are added in the unique style called Meenakari that is used in gold jewellery. The all over gold brocade known as kimkhab carries patterns of ‘jal’ a trellis enclosing stylized rounded bits. Another variety consists of fine tissue like gold cloth which has warp and weft of gold thread and the patterns worked in silk and gold thread. Generally, the background material is woven in silk and the patterns in gold.

The Banarasi Sari is generally a little costlier than the other type of Saris. The reason is simple. The weavers use the best quality silk yarn that is brought from Karnataka, another state in India, unlike the China silk which is low quality and cheaper. Secondly, the Banarasi saree is woven on handlooms unlike those woven on powerlooms. The former is not only better in terms of design and motif but also in terms of weaving quality and durability. And of course, there is the exotic artistry of the weavers in Varanasi who have been rendering these masterpieces for the past few centuries. Their embroidery work (called Zardozi) is an art to behold.
The common types of Banarasi sarees include the pure banarasi silk sari, georgette sari, Meenakri, Zardozi,Cansal, Jamvar, Navrangi and Jamdani. It is the dream of every Indian woman to own at least one original Banarasi saree and Indian brides love to drape themselves in the ‘poetry in silk’ epitomized by a pure banarasi sari. Travelers from around the world who come to Varanasi and who are aware of the quality of Banarasi saris, make it a point to visit the popular shopping centers in Varanasi to buy their favourite Banarasi Sari. It’s one opportunity they don’t wish to let go off.

Shopping for Carpets and Rugs in Varanasi - what you should know?

The region between Varanasi-Bhadohi-Mirzapur is India’s carpet belt with Bhadohi near Varanasi being the epicenter of the carpet industry in India. Carpet weaving was introduced in India in the 16th century after the Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered India. Influeneced by the popular Persian culture, the Mughal dynasty set up carpet weaving centers that churned our Persian-inspired weavings as well as classic Mogul carpets featuring realistic floral and pictorial renditions.Now the carpet belt of this region near Varanasi is one of the key centers that produce both pile and flat-woven rugs available in an impressive range of qualities, designs, colorations, and sizes. The Bhadohi weavers have shown a remarkable ability to adapt to ever-changing Western decorative tastes while recreating Persian rug designs at increasingly higher quality standards. Moreover, their rugs are produced in an impressive range of qualities averaging from approximately 85 to 150 knots per square inch. Some of the weavers' dexterity is such that they are even able to produce carpets with over 300 knots per square inch. Most popular in the last decade have been wool dhurries, now mainly characterized by floral designs in an array of fashionable colorations including pastels and more vibrant hues. Also available, although in lesser quantity, are cotton dhurries displaying bold geometric patterns.

The weaving of the rugs is an extremely complex, and time consuming process. Once the yarn has been readied, the skill and artistry of the weavers begin. With the design already rendered in full scale, a team of three to five weavers will prepare a large handloom with the finest machine-spun threads, known as warp threads. Running from the top to the bottom of the loom, this extra strong foundation serves both as the base of the carpet and the trademark fringe.At this stage, gifted hands commence the time-honored process of looping knots of colored yarn around each warp thread, thus creating the rug’s dense pile. After each row of knots is tied, a weft yarn is passed from one side of the carpet to the other before the next row of knots is tied. The wefts are beaten down with heavy steel tools, keeping all the knots securely in place. This balance of tension and compression is unique to hand-woven rugs, and is one of the keys to their legendary durability. This patient process continues, with each craftsman tying as many as 10,000 to 14,000 knots a day – sometimes for as long as 18 months. Little wonder then that some of the hand woven rugs can cost up to a few thousand dollars.
The handwoven rugs are long lasting too and remain beautiful for decades. The key is to treat the rug like your prized antique furniture.

Shopping in Varanasi - The Exotic Handmade Carpets of Varanasi

Varanasi is also recognized the world over as a hub of Carpet industry. The Varanasi-Bhadohi-Mirzapur belt of this region has been home to traditional carpet weavers who produce some of the most exotic carpets,rugs and durries renowned globally for their quality and magnificent artwork.The carpet trade from this region had been going on for centuries and carpets from this belt are exported to almost all the countries of the world.Bhadohi, a small town about 45 kms from Varanasi is the center of Carpet trade and has some of the oldest and largest carpet manufacturing units.Historical evidence shows that the Banaras weaving industry reached its peak during the Mughal period, due to the patronage of mighty Mughal emperors such as Akbar.

The vast majority of rugs in this region are made using traditional hand knotting skills in small loom sheds or village homes.In addition to Persian designs, pile-woven Aubusson and Savonnerie rugs and flat-woven tapestry-technique dhurries are woven near Varanasi.Exquisite hand made carpets including Handmade Rugs, Handmade Carpets, Hand Woven Dhurries, Hand Tufted Carpets,... the sheer variety of carpets you van find in Varanasi and Bhadohi can leave you spell bound.

The main area where one can look for carpets and handloom products in Varansi is the 'Chowk' area and Godowlia and Thatheri Bazaar.AroundVaranasi also offers its clients special shopping trips which will take them to some of the most dependable and reputed shopping centers in Varanasi for carpets and handlooms.write to us at aroundvaranasi@gmail.com

Bhadohi near Varansi is the current manufacturing hub where there are both small and large units churning out some of the most incredible carpets and rugs.Here you can find cotton durries,Chapra Mir Carpet,Loribaft,Indo-gabbah,nepalese carpets and shaggy type carpets.There are estimated to be around 90000 weavers in this region and about 90 percent of the products are exported to foreign countries.

It is only fair that when you travel to Varanasi, you should get one of these magnificent carpets. You are likely to get a good deal at some of the reputed shops.And, it sure can be a great gift for your friends and family back home.