Our guide Manoj took us to a visit through one of the Varanasi silk factories.
We had a guide who showed us how the silk gets woven, from the men who develop the patterns, make the cards that steer the electric looms, or weave the silk by hand.
I can’t comprehend how you can invent these machines, how it all works so well and creates these beautiful patterns.
I can understand the principle for a uni-color cloth, but those patterns? Beyond my comprehensions, and especially at the speed at which these machines work.
It was an impressive, colorful visit, and of course followed by a visit to the manufacturers.
It is a cooperative of 690 families, mostly Muslim, who work together and create different silk products, from shawls to Wedding Sari to bed linen…
Our sales rep wasn’t pushy, no obligation to buy, but he skillfully convinced the girls to splash a little on shawls and other beautiful stuff.
It seems our Tuk-Tuk driver Manoj also got his (well deserved) cut.
