AEROCITY VARANASI
By Quick answer: For retail, visit the established showrooms around Godowlia, Chowk and Thatheri Bazar. For wholesale, the lanes of Kunj Gali in Chowk are the traditional silk trading hub. To buy direct from weavers, visit clusters in Madanpura, Peeli Kothi, Bajardiha, Lohta and Sarnath. Banarasi sarees carry a GI (Geographical Indication) tag; ask for GI and handloom marks and a bill that states pure silk and zari type.
Where to buy
Retail showrooms
- Godowlia, Chowk and Thatheri Bazar: long-running family showrooms with wide ranges
- Sigra and the Cantonment: larger air-conditioned showrooms
Wholesale
- Kunj Gali, Chowk: wholesale lanes where traders buy sarees, dupattas and fabric in bulk
- Weaver-traders in Madanpura and Peeli Kothi supply to shops across India
Weaving clusters (buy direct)
- Madanpura and Peeli Kothi: traditional handloom and powerloom weavers
- Bajardiha and Lohta: large powerloom and handloom clusters
- Sarnath and Cholapur: handloom weavers in surrounding villages
Types of Banarasi sarees
- Katan: pure silk base, often with zari work
- Organza (Kora): light, sheer silk with zari
- Georgette and shattir: softer drapes, popular for parties
- Jangla, Tanchoi, Cutwork, Butidar: traditional weaving styles and motifs
How to check a genuine Banarasi silk saree
- GI tag and Handloom Mark labels on the saree or box
- Silk Mark for pure silk certification
- Floats on the back: handloom sarees show uneven floats of thread behind the motifs
- Burn test on a loose thread (with the shop's permission): real silk smells like burnt hair and leaves ash; synthetic melts
- Zari: pure (real silver/gold-plated) zari is costly; tested zari is common and cheaper. Ask which one it is.
- Get a bill that states the fabric, zari type and price
Buying wholesale or for export
- Ask for GSTIN, rate lists and minimum order quantities
- Check sample pieces before bulk orders
- Agree delivery, packing and returns in writing
- For export, the seller needs an IEC and the correct HS code. Read our export guide for Banarasi silk
- Find manufacturers and exporters in our marketplace and the export and import section
Key takeaways
- Godowlia and Chowk for retail; Kunj Gali for wholesale; weaving clusters for direct buying.
- Look for GI, Handloom Mark and Silk Mark, and get a detailed bill.
- Sample first and agree terms in writing for bulk orders.
Ask AI about this topic
- "Where to buy pure Banarasi silk sarees in Varanasi"
- "Banarasi saree wholesale market in Varanasi"
- "How to identify a real Banarasi silk saree"
- "Banarasi saree manufacturers in Madanpura for bulk orders"
Related searches
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the wholesale market for Banarasi sarees in Varanasi?
Kunj Gali in Chowk is the traditional wholesale silk market. Many weaver-traders in Madanpura and Peeli Kothi also sell in bulk.
How can I tell if a Banarasi saree is genuine?
Look for the GI tag, Handloom Mark and Silk Mark, check the floats on the back, ask about the zari type, and get a bill that states the fabric. A burn test on a loose thread can confirm real silk.
Can I buy directly from weavers in Varanasi?
Yes. Weaving clusters in Madanpura, Peeli Kothi, Bajardiha, Lohta and around Sarnath sell directly. Visit with a local contact and check samples.
Do Banarasi sarees have a GI tag?
Yes. Banarasi brocades and sarees are protected by a Geographical Indication. Authorised producers can use the GI logo.