The majority of eccentric shopping can be found in the labyrinth of narrow lanes, crowded with people, cycle, and ambling cows. The streetcorner food shops make trays of sweets, the famous creamy rabri or thickened milk and glasses of cool thandai and lassi, a sweet yogurt drink. Travelers with strong stomachs can be experimental and try all the food options. The paan shops presents a mix of paans (betel) with a subtle mix of masala, a spice often used in curry. Another serpentine alley is lined with shops selling brass and trinket, fake gold pieces, silks and flower garlands.
One should note that asides from silk, there is nothing very significant to buy at these booths, asides from basic essentials. The raw silk is made into beutiful scarfs, saris, and clothing here. The city also offers a variety of tailors to custom make garments out of the silk bought. Also, Varanasi has many silk factories which you can visit. The owner will take you on a tour of his factory in the hope that you will buy something from the showroom at the end.There are at least a half dozen ATMs available in Varanasi which accept Visa cards. One is at Godaulia Crossing.
It is also important that one does not get tricked or fall prey to persistent sellers. Some traders will try to sell travelers polyester rather than real silk, or at least a less fine quality of it. It is important to have an idea between the fake and real before buying anything.
The shopping hotspots in Varanasi are Chowk, Gyan Vapi, Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazar, Lahurabir, Godoulia or Dashswamedh Gali and Golghar. Besides the illustrious and fine silks and brocaded fabrics, one can also buy shawls, carpets, wall hangings, Zari work; stone inlay work, glass beads and bangles, masks of Hindu and Buddhist deities and lampshades. However, one has to be on watch while buying silk saris and beware of the imitations that are much cheaper than the real silk ones but are not so easy to distinguish.
One can also buy 'kamandalam' or brass water pot from Varanasi, which is often used by saints to carry water. People buy bottled 'Ganga jal' or jerrycans from the riverbank too for religious purposes or to be used as Holy Water in various rituals. Besides, people can also take water of Ganges themselves from the river. |
