The Silk Weavers of Banaras

Highlights

• Pit looms working in family homes
• The punched cards that carry each pattern
• Talk with the weavers, with Shiva translating
• You are there to see, not to shop

What you will do

Banarasi silk saris are still woven by hand, in family homes. We visit a weavers’ neighbourhood and see the pit looms and the punched cards that carry each pattern. Then we talk with the people who do the work.

How the time goes

1. StartPickup at your hotel
2. +30 minWeavers’ neighbourhood
3. +1 h 30A master weaver’s home and loom
4. +3 hBack to your hotel

Meeting point

Shiva picks you up at your hotel or guesthouse in Varanasi. Staying near the ghats, where cars cannot go? He meets you at the nearest landmark.

Good to know

• Looms rest on Fridays in many weaving families.
• Ask before photographing people at work.

Best for

Textile lovers, designers, slow travellers.

Meals and tips

Meals are never included, unless the page says so. Shiva can suggest where to eat, and you pay at the stall or restaurant.

Tips are optional. If a tip is useful, Shiva tells you where, how, when and how much, and only then. Nothing else is extra: everything not listed above is included in the price.