Souvenirs you must buy from Varanasi
From extravagant evening Aartis by the banks of the holy Ganges, spectacular sunset boat rides, soul-cleansing temple visits and gastronomical delights, Varanasi is a city that has much to offer tourists. Let us also not overlook the fact that the markets of Varanasi are bustling with exquisite ware, making it a collector’s paradise. In this article, we have explained the top 5 best souvenirs you must buy from Varanasi.
Whether you visit this ancient city as a pilgrim or as a tourist, it is a great idea to take home souvenirs that remind you of your time spent here. Here are five such amazing keepsakes that you should buy for yourself or as gifts for loved ones on your next trip to Varanasi.
Ganga Jal
With all cultural, social and economic aspects of Banaras being closely linked to the River Ganga, it is a quintessential symbol of this historic city. Pilgrims come from all over the world to dip in its holy waters and wash away sins. This holy water, called Ganga Jal, is available in sealed plastic and copper cans at various shops in the city. The water in these vessels is clear as it is obtained from mid-stream. Purchase a sealed copper can which will not leak, and you can store it for years.
Gulabi Meenakari
An indigenous craft form of Varanasi that is known to few, Gulabi Meenakari uses precious metals like gold and silver to create intricate details on figurines, jewelry, trinket boxes and other décor items. The dominance of pink color makes this craft unique to Varanasi. Gulabi Minakari is rather expensive due to the use of precious metals and the time-consuming nature of the art. However, little trinket boxes, animal figurines and jewelry are available for smaller budgets.
Wooden toys
Colorful wooden toys made by expert wood crafters in Khojwa area of Varanasi make delightful keepsakes and gifts. You can find these toys all over the winding lanes of the city. Figures of Lord Shiva and his entire family are some of the most sought-after wooden figures. You will also find human figurines in traditional attire, Russian dolls and a variety of keychains and animal models.
Glass beads
Varanasi has the world’s largest factory for glass beads. This manufacturing unit sells both machine-produced beads as well as exquisite hand-made ones in various sizes and colors. The beads are very colorful and perfect for artwork and jewelry making. You can find beautiful jewelry made from these vibrant beads in various shops. So, don’t forget to add it to your collection of artificial jewelry.
Iconic Banarasi saree
A visit to Varanasi is incomplete till you buy the world-famous Banarasi saree. These six-yard drapes are painstakingly handmade by master weavers using the finest quality silk and gold and silver zari threads. Original Banarasi sarees take weeks or even months to create and feature exotic traditional Indian-Persian motifs that are tastefully woven on fine silk.
To find genuine heirloom quality Banarasi sarees of exemplary beauty, visit JDS Varanasi. When you include JDS Varanasi in your Kashi itinerary, you are sure to find the most amazing variety of Banarasi sarees and go home with nothing but the very best.