Benaras is famous for its socio-economic and religious importance all over the world. The city is equally important as a brocade-weaving centre throughout the country. The weaving industry, which flourished during the Vedic period and touched its peak at the time of Mughal period, explains how the act of weaving was a part and parcel of the life of the Benaras people. Whether it is the religious activity or earning of livelihood for the population, the weaving activity surpassed all other
occupations. From the historical perspectives, the textile industry has found place from rig Vedic literature to post independent India.
The historical evidence depicts that the Banaras weaving industry reached its peak during the Mughal period due to the patronage of Mughal emperor like Akbar. From the Akbar period onwards, we begin to get an uninterrupted account of the zari work and brocades through the Mughal and Rajasthani painting. The brocade weaving of the Benaras is cluster based and scattered all over the Varanasi district and some adjacent districts. The Benaras city is the main center of weaving. The
maximum weavers of the product belong to the city only. The main centers of the brocade weavings are at Varanasi, Azamgarh, Mirzapur, Bhadohi (Sant Ravidas Nagar), Chandoli, Chunar and Chakia.
Among all, Varanasi city is the most important center of brocade weaving and more than 80 percent weavers belong to the Varanasi city and its adjacent area only. Out of the different Mohallas (areas) of the Varanasi, Madanpura and Bunkar Colony are two most important areas of the brocade weaving. The other areas like Badi Bazar, Nati Imli, Lathapura, Philkhann, Chittanpura, Ramnagar, Lohta, Chiragaon, Baburi, Baragam, and Ashapur are equally important. Benaras is one of the rich weaving craft centers of India, famous for Brocade Saris and dress material. One unique and intricate silk brocades and sarees of Benaras has made it world famous.
Among the different varieties of sarees produced in the centers, some exclusive varieties of the sarees are Jangla, Tanchoi, Vaskat, Cutwork, Tissue and Butidar which are made of silk warp and silk weft, on plain or satin ground base, brocaded with extra weft patterns in different layouts introducing Buties, Bells, Creepers, Buttas in ground, border and anchal for getting glamorous appearance. With the change in time and consumer preference, the weavers of the cluster are also undertaking changes in the design and pattern of the product along with product diversification. In order to cater to the need of the overseas and domestic buyers, the weavers of the cluster are also producing home furnishing, silk dhotis, stole, scarf, muffler, mats, dress material, wall hanging, made ups like curtain, cushion cover, table cover, napkins, runners, etc.
- Duration of this visit activity will be 4 hours including travel time from place of stay in Varanasi to Weavers’ Village and back, starting time will be 1:00 pm
- Your guide will pickup you from your place of place of stay in Varanasi city at mutually decided time and bring you to Weavers’ Colony (Bunkar Colony) by shared public transport
- (E Rickshaw or Auto Rickshaw) and drop you back at the scheduled time
- You will see how weavers work in local weaving industry, you can talk to them with the help of your English speaking guide
- Local snacks, packaged drinking water and tea is complimentary in this visit activity
- You need to carry your photo identity card throughout the visit activity. For tourists from outside India, passport is mandatory
- Visit activity Ticket is valid only for the date and time specified. Once booked, cannot be cancelled, however ticket can be utilised on any other date if intimated before 24 hours of the scheduled time
- You will receive a confirmation email and voucher instantly after booking
- Your personal information will be used for verification with your ID, so please ensure that you entered your name as in your ID
- You will get the details of your guide / organizer (his phone number for Voice Calls and WhatsApp) 4 hours before scheduled visit activity