As the hum of looms reverberates through the narrow lanes of Varanasi, a sense of anxiety hangs heavier than the delicate threads produced by the city’s artisans.

Those involved in the saree industry say the iconic Banarasi saree, traditionally woven with fine gold and silver threads and steeped in centuries-old craftsmanship is struggling under rising input costs and declining demand.
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Many artisans, carrying forward family legacies, say the slump in demand has forced several workers to migrate to other towns in search of alternative livelihoods. They are calling for higher wages to sustain their families and, in turn, preserve the centuries-old tradition of weaving Banarasi sarees.

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As the countdown to the Union Budget continues, Varanasi’s weavers are looking to government interventions that could breathe new life into their trade. The budget, scheduled for next month, will be the second full budget of the Modi government’s third term.