What To Buy & Eat At Varanasi Saras Fair With 100+ Stalls Open Now
Varanasi has a new shopping-and-snacking hotspot this week: the Regional Saras Fair at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University’s sports ground, Chaukaghat. Held under DAY-NRLM, it brings women-led self-help groups and artisans from several states into one lively lane of crafts, food, and evening shows.
The fair was inaugurated by district panchayat president Poonam Maurya and district magistrate Satyendra Kumar, with a push for the “Lakhpati” programme that helps SHG women scale income journeys. Organisers say the fair remains open till March 20, 2026.
What To Buy And What To Eat At Saras Fair
Shop smart by going aisle-wise. For textiles, look for silk sarees, chikan work, zari-zardozi pieces, bed sheets, and everyday jute bags. For gifting, pick black pottery, bamboo and jute crafts, wooden and soft toys, decorative items, and glass bangles. Food counters are equally tempting, with pickles and murabba, coconut products, natural/organic items, and rotating regional bites from Telangana, Haryana, Odisha and more.
Quick Plan: Timings, Crowd Tips, And Cultural Nights
Organisers have shared a visitor window of 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, so you can shop early and return after sunset for performances. Officials have projected around 5,000 visitors daily, so weekdays are smoother for browsing and bargaining. Carry UPI and some cash, and keep fragile pottery in a separate bag. Getting there is easy from Chaukaghat and Cantt-side routes; autos and e-rickshaws are the fastest during peak hours. For an official date-and-timing post, see UPSRLM’s reel.
FAQs
Where Is The Saras Fair Held In Varanasi?
It runs at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University sports ground, Chaukaghat, a short ride from railway Cantt.
What Are The Best Things To Buy First?
Start with handloom textiles like silk sarees, chikan pieces, then move to pottery and crafts.
What Food Should First-Time Visitors Try?
Try regional pickles, murabba, coconut snacks, and state-specific savouries too; stalls change daily and seasonally.
What Time Should I Visit For a Less Crowd?
Go on weekday afternoons before sunset; evenings usually draw families for performances and heavier footfall.
How Long Will The Fair Run This Season?
The latest organiser update says it stays open officially until March 20, 2026 in Varanasi.
