Varanasi: Varanasi’s rich textile legacy and growing business potential are being showcased at UP Tex-2026, a major initiative aimed at positioning UP as a leading textile hub in India and globally.The two-day expo opened at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow on Tuesday. Organised with support of the directorate of handloom and textile industry, UP and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry, the event has brought together industrialists, investors, experts and policymakers from the textile, handloom, apparel and manufacturing sectors.One of the key attractions is a live demonstration of Banarasi saree being woven on a handloom. Visitors are getting an opportunity to witness the intricate process behind the making of the iconic Banarasi saree, which remains an integral part of Kashi’s identity and cultural heritage.The expo features a live demonstration of readymade garment manufacturing. The initiative is to help buyers, investors and textile stakeholders from India and abroad understand traditional craftsmanship and modern manufacturing capabilities of Varanasi’s textile sector.Around 50 manufacturers, exporters, weavers, Banarasi saree traders and readymade garment entrepreneurs from the city are exploring business opportunities, connecting with buyers and expanding their reach in domestic and international markets.Students pursuing textile-related courses are also participating.Through B2B networking among buyers, suppliers and manufacturers, entrepreneurs at the expo are getting direct access to new markets and potential clients.The expo also offers opportunity to interact with industry experts and leaders to learn business planning, market trends and emerging requirements in textile sector.Participants are being informed about govt schemes, subsidies and incentives for textile sector. Panel discussions and knowledge sessions are focusing on new technologies, policy support, market trends and business opportunities.Deputy commissioner of Industries Enforcement, Handloom and Textile, Varanasi, Kusum, said discussions will focus on investment opportunities, advanced technology, production capacity, supply chains, global markets and industry-friendly policies.Readymade garment businessman, Rajesh Jaiswal, said live demonstration of readymade garment manufacturing will help buyers and investors closely understand the production process.A weaver demonstrating Banarasi saree weaving at the expo, Gaurav Maurya, said the platform will help buyers and industry representatives from India and abroad see the hard work, skill and time involved in making each saree. He expressed hope the event will open new markets and generate more employment and business opportunities for weavers of Kashi.
