The Banarasi silk weave, protected by its GI tag, keeps drawing buyers

The Banarasi saree — famous for its fine silk brocade and intricate zari work — continues to enjoy the protection of its Geographical Indication tag, which certifies authentic Varanasi-made weaves and shields buyers from machine-made imitations. For the city's handloom families, the GI mark is more than a label: it helps preserve generations of skill, supports fair recognition for master weavers, and strengthens the saree's appeal in markets at home and abroad. Visitors to Kashi can still watch the looms at work in the weaving mohallas and carry home a genuine piece of one of India's most celebrated textile traditions.

Compiled by HelloBanaras from public sources: Khurana & Khurana