Famous Local Things of Varanasi, India

• 🧵 1. Banarasi Sarees

  Why Famous: World-renowned for their rich silk, gold and silver zari work, and intricate hand-woven patterns.

  Occasions: Popular for weddings and traditional ceremonies.

  Where to Buy: Godowlia, Chowk, and Madanpura markets.

  🍛 2. Street Food & Local Delicacies

  Must-Try Dishes:

  Kachori Sabzi

  Tamatar Chaat

  Baati Chokha

  Chena Dahi Vada

  Banarasi Thandai (with or without bhaang)

  Lassi with Malai

  Rabri Jalebi

  Best Places: Kachori Gali, Vishwanath Gali, and Lanka area.

  ☕ 3. Banarasi Paan

  What Is It: A betel leaf preparation filled with areca nut, slaked lime, spices, and sweet fillings.

  Symbol Of: Banarasi hospitality and celebration.

  Famous Shop: Tamboolam, Keshav Paan Bhandar, and Rajan Paan.

  🎭 4. Ganga Aarti Experience

  Where: Dashashwamedh Ghat (most famous), Assi Ghat (morning aarti)

  Why Go: Spiritual and mesmerizing ritual of fire, chants, and devotion on the Ganges.

  📿 5. Rudraksha, Beads & Handicrafts

  Items: Rudraksha malas, sandalwood beads, copper vessels, and religious artifacts.

  Where: Vishwanath Lane, Godowlia, and Chowk.

  🔮 6. Perfumes & Attars (Natural Oils)

  Popular Types: Rose, sandalwood, jasmine, kewra

  Traditional Preparation: Still made with age-old distillation methods.

  📚 7. Classical Music & Dance

  Banaras Gharana: A prominent school of Hindustani classical music

  Famous Names: Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan

  Where to See: Local concerts, festivals, and BHU campus.

  🥣 8. Wooden Toys & Lac Bangles

  Handcrafted: Made in nearby areas like Ramnagar

  Colors & Designs: Traditional with vibrant hues and ethnic motifs

  🔔 9. Religious Books, Idols & Puja Items

  Specialty: Items for rituals, temple offerings, and spiritual practices

  Where: Markets around Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Dasashwamedh Ghat

  🧘‍♂️ 10. Spiritual Tourism & Yoga

  Offerings: Yoga ashrams, spiritual walks, boat rides on the Ganges, visits to ashrams and ghats.

  Famous Ashrams: Sarnath area, Assi Ghat spiritual centers .