Banaras wooden toys win new global fans with an eco-friendly makeover

One of Kashi's most colourful crafts is enjoying a bright moment. The city's GI-tagged wooden lacquerware and toys — those glossy, hand-turned figures, fruits and trinkets sold along the lanes — are finding fresh demand at home and abroad, supporting thousands of artisan families across the Varanasi cluster. A big reason is a quiet, careful makeover. Many workshops have switched to non-toxic, organic-certified lacquers, allowing the toys to meet strict safety standards in Europe and the United States and opening doors to premium retail shelves. With more online listings and global publicity, Banaras pieces are now reaching buyers in markets such as the United States, Japan, France and beyond, with seasonal orders giving artisans a welcome lift. For shoppers in the city, it is a reminder of how much craft sits within easy reach — lightweight, charming souvenirs and gifts that carry a slice of Kashi's heritage. Buying directly from local artisans and cooperatives helps keep this centuries-old skill alive and puts earnings straight into the hands of the families who turn the wood. As Banaras toys travel further than ever, their home city remains the best place to discover them first.

Compiled by HelloBanaras from public sources: DD News — Varanasi wooden toy industry · District Varanasi — Wooden Lacquerware & Toys