Shopping Shenanigans: Varanasi's Market Madness
- Aj
- Mar 18
- 3 min read
Varanasi isn’t just about spiritual awakenings and ghats; it’s also a paradise for shopaholics who love a bit of chaos with their retail therapy. From centuries-old brassware to dazzling Banarasi silks, every market here has its own unique charm. Ready to dive into the madness? Here’s your ultimate guide to navigating Varanasi’s most famous shopping hubs.
Thatheri Bazar
Thathera in Hindi refers to a smith. Thatheri Market is famous for its metal and brass work. The Market is near Sankat Mochan Temple of Varanasi, also referred to as Monkey Temple by foreign tourists because of the large number of monkeys seen here. The locality has a large number of brass smiths that give the market its name. Bells, door knobs, articles of home decoration, vases, grills, copperware, hand-crafted carpets, and clay toys are the speciality of this market. Besides the world-famous silks and brocades, one can pick up artefacts decorated with stone inlay work and minakari.
Vishwanath Lane: Vishwanath Lane is another such market. It is very crowded. Vishwanath Lane takes about 15 minutes to reach from Varanasi Railway Station. It is situated in Lahori Tola. Shops here are traditional and have been selling bangles and offering silk trinkets. The lane is interspersed with tiny toy shops specialising in small wooden toys and others where local artisans sell their wares. There are shops selling fabric and readymade garments, and after bargaining, most things can be bought here at a reasonable rate.
Godowlia Market: The Everything Emporiumhas everything from kitchen gadgets to the latest fashion trends. It's like Amazon, but with more cows and cheaper prices. Perfect for people-watching and finding things you never knew you needed.
Godowlia Market is the oldest and most loved market for its variety of goods and its privilege to offer wholesale to retail goods. Situated not far from the entrance of the world-famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The actual market street is flooded with pedestrians, cycles, motorbikes, rickshaws and the occasional cars. Godowlia has narrow streets lined with small shops that sell everything from regular everyday household items to hardware, fine silk and brocaded fabrics, remarkably good inlaid wood-work, shawls, zari work, readymade garments, shoes, beads and bracelets and other costume jewellery. The market lanes are full of repairing, retail, luxury, groceries and all the items that one needs throughout their life.
Rajan Silk Market: Established over 40 years ago, Rajan Silk Store has made a mark for its fine collection and variety of Banaras sarees, stoles, dress decorative embroidery pieces, and dress materials. Visit to view an ethnic collection of banarasi saris and stoles at wholesale prices.
Banaras Art Gallery: Banaras Art Gallery is a lively hub for art, hosting world-class exhibitions that connect with the art community. With a skilled team, they maintain high-quality standards while keeping reasonable costing. The gallery offers a variety of art, including sculptures, original paintings, photography, and crafts, all available for viewing and purchase at affordable prices.
The Real Talk
Come with an open mind and an empty stomach, and leave your diet plans and your need for perfect organisation at home. Varanasi doesn't do perfectly, but it does memorable. And hey, when someone offers you that extra serving of paan or another helping of chaat? Just say yes. Calories don't count in Varanasi – it's an ancient holy city rule, I swear.