Video Desk10 January 2026, 10:56 AM ISTShare 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 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. ALSO READ | Union Budget 2026: Biggest customs overhaul since GST plannedWith the Union Budget just weeks away, weavers have pinned their hopes on Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to unveil targeted measures to revive the fading trade.
