Magical and mystical as the holy city itself, even shopping here is done with reverence to the exquisite craft and the craftsmen. Benarasi silks and brocades are famous all over India. Brides resplendent in silken wonders from Varanasi are only some from a multitude who have Benarasi shopping to sport and show-off. Besides intricate and expensive wedding silks, Varanasi also boasts of fine silk with very little dazzle of gold. However, silken saris are not the only shopping to be done here.
Rich brocades are part of an ancient weaving tradition.
Yards and yards of plain and printed silks and brocades adorn the shop windows and racks. A shopping experience that is unique to Varanasi alone is the Saree Satti of Kunj Gali. In this street, silk and brocade saris are actually auctioned. Primarily a wholesale outlet, individual buyers too are served with the same aplomb and style by these commission agents. A city with a long history of music, Varanasi also offers various other musical instruments to the tourists tabla, pakhawaj, shehnai, to name a few.