Because no wardrobe is complete without a Banarasi beauty
There are cities you visit.
Then there is Varanasi —a place you experience.
Varanasi, with its labyrinthine lanes, the distant chime of temple bells, the aroma of freshly made jalebis, and the shimmering saree shops, offers a unique shopping experience that is hard to find elsewhere.
Once you are in Varanasi, you will not leave without a saree. It is a city that promises to captivate you the moment you enter.
Surrounded by hundreds of shops, showrooms, and roadside stalls, all vying for your attention, the task of finding that one perfect saree can seem daunting. But fear not, this guide is here to help you navigate this bustling city with patience and calm.
This guide will help you navigate the bustling streets and markets of Varanasi to find the perfect Banarasi pattu saree.
Why Varanasi? Why Banarasi?
Why Varanasi? Why Banarasi? Because it’s not just about silk, it’s about a rich cultural legacy that has been passed down through the generations, inspiring the intricate zari threading patterns and the ornamental motifs that adorn each saree.
A Banarasi saree isn’t stitched or sculpted. It takes weeks, and sometimes as long as six months, to manufacture each one, depending on the detail and design. The architecture of the Mughals inspires the intricate zari threading patterns and the ornamental motifs that adorn them, and this style has been passed down through the generations.
A Banarasi saree is not just a piece of fabric; it's a symbol of pride for Indian brides, a testament to India's rich cultural heritage.
To tourists, it becomes the ultimate souvenir to bring back.
The Experience: More Than Just Shopping
Saree shopping in Varanasi is not about picking a piece off a rack. It’s a ritual.
You’ll be offered chai. You’ll sit on a mattress while sarees are unfurled in front of you, one after another, in a riot of colour and texture. You’ll touch, feel, and compare. You’ll lose track of time. And somewhere in between, you’ll fall in love with a saree, or maybe with the story behind it.
Where to Go: Best Shops and Markets in Varanasi
Let’s take a closer look at where the real gems are.
1. Thatheri Bazaar – For the Weaving Legacy
This is not a touristy market. It’s the heart of Varanasi’s weaving community.
In Thatheri Bazaar, you’ll walk into homes where looms sit in bedrooms and kitchens. Older adults and young boys, patient as all artists are, sit beside each other, working on the threads of silk. To get in the maze, you might require the assistance of a local, but when you are inside, it is magic.
Why visit:
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Direct access to weavers
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Reasonable pricing
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Custom designs possible
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You’re supporting traditional handloom work.
Tip: Don’t rush. Let's show you the craft. Ask questions. They love it.
2. Godowlia Market – Colourful, Crowded, Classic
It is a must-watch for people who love the chaos of an Indian bazaar.
Godowlia is a densely populated area situated adjacent to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, where the busiest parts of the city are located. The streets of saree stores are filled to bursting point with Banarasis of all colours and textures - pure silk, katan, georgette, and so on.
You’ll need to bargain, and you’ll need patience, but you might also find the perfect piece at half the showroom price.
What to expect:
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Mixed quality (be sharp!)
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Wide price range
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Ready-to-buy stock
Check: Best Saree Manufacturer in India
3. Vishwanath Gali – Hidden Treasures in the Heart of the City
Just behind the main temple, this narrow lane is known for its old-school saree stores. Many have been around for decades, some even longer. The shopkeepers here won’t push you—they’ll just slowly open one masterpiece after another until you’re completely overwhelmed.
Expect:
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Vintage designs
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Gold and silver zari work
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Well-preserved, classic pieces
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Personal conversations, not sales pitches
4. Mavuri – Tradition, But Without the Guesswork
Let’s face it: not everyone has the time or patience to go from lane to lane. Some of us want the real thing, but with trust and convenience.
That’s where Mavuri comes in.
Known for their deep ties with traditional weavers in South and North India, Mavuri’s Banarasi collection is everything a saree lover dreams of:
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Real silk
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Pure zari
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Elegant motifs
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And craftsmanship that’s easy to see even before you touch it.
Unlike street-side stalls, you won’t have to wonder if you’re being overcharged or tricked. What you see is what you get—and it’s often better than expected.
Who should shop here:
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Brides-to-be
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Gift buyers
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Saree collectors
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Anyone looking for guaranteed quality
You can visit their website or come to their actual showroom if you are in town. Anyway, you would not only be purchasing a saree, but you would also be acquiring a heritage.
5. U.P. Handloom Emporium – Government-Verified Peace of Mind
Still unsure?
Shop at the Uttar Pradesh Handloom showroom located in Sigra or Cantonment. These are state-owned shops, and thus the prices are fixed and guaranteed to be authentic.
Perfect for:
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First-time buyers
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Tourists
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Bulk purchases (marriage, send back gifts)
Check: Best Saree Brands in India
Simple Ways to Identify If It Is Real
Some sellers may claim “Banarasi” when it’s machine-made polyester. How, then, do you detect the real thing?
The texture: Real silk is soft and not stiff, unlike flimsy alternatives. It has a natural sheen, not a plastic shine.
The reverse side: You’ll see fine threadwork. No glue, no mesh.
The zari: Genuine zari will age gracefully. Fakes go dull fast.
The price: A true Banarasi artisan can cost anywhere between 8,000 and 80,000 and onwards.
Last Word: It is More than a Buy
Banarasi saree is not a saree to forget.
It is the one that you unfold during holidays, fold nicely, and keep lovingly.
It is what you give away to daughters and nieces, wrapped in memories.
You are seeking a saree that is handwoven, honest, and heirloom worthy?
So whether you're picking it up from the narrow bylanes of Chowk or choosing a piece from Mavuri’s curated collection, take your time. Ask questions. Touch. Feel. Listen.
Because the right Banarasi saree doesn’t just suit you.
It finds you.
You are seeking a saree that is handwoven, honest, and heirloom worthy? Explore Mavuri, where every weave carries a legacy.
