We begin with a visit to weavers, hard at work on their traditional handlooms, and give an overview of the history of the silk trade and how zari, the metaled thread of Banaras sari patterns & designs, characterised the Banaras sari. You will see the beautiful detail work done by hand in the homes of local artisans. As we walk through the alleys of the weavers you will notice a sharp contrast of styles between the Muslim & Hindu communities, but also hear how they have interacted and worked together for centuries in both business & pleasure. After passing through the weaver’s lanes you will end up strolling down Dal Mandi, the Lentil Market, formerly the Ta’waif mohalla, or courtesans’ neighbourhood, hearing folktales of the city’s elite relating to the high culture of music and dance in Varanasi. The walk ends at the classical tabla drum makers & historic wholesale silk market.
