UP Tex-2026 Showcases Varanasi’s Textile Heritage and Business Potential
Varanasi: Varanasi’s centuries-old textile heritage and growing business potential are taking centre stage at UP Tex-2026, a two-day textile expo aimed at positioning Uttar Pradesh as a major textile manufacturing and sourcing hub in India and global markets.
The expo opened at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, bringing together industrialists, investors, textile experts, policymakers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs from the handloom, apparel and textile sectors. The event is being organised with the support of the Directorate of Handloom and Textile Industry, Uttar Pradesh, and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI).
A major attraction at the expo is a live demonstration of Banarasi saree weaving, allowing visitors to observe the intricate craftsmanship involved in producing the traditional sarees that are closely associated with Varanasi’s cultural identity.
The event also features a live demonstration of readymade garment manufacturing, highlighting the combination of traditional textile skills and modern production capabilities in the region. The demonstrations are designed to give buyers, investors and industry stakeholders from India and overseas a closer understanding of the production processes and opportunities available in Varanasi.
Around 50 manufacturers, exporters, weavers, Banarasi saree traders and readymade garment entrepreneurs from Varanasi are participating in the expo. The platform is enabling businesses to connect with potential buyers, explore new markets and expand their presence in both domestic and international markets.
Students pursuing textile-related courses are also participating in the event, providing them with exposure to industry practices and emerging opportunities in the sector.
The expo is facilitating B2B networking between buyers, suppliers and manufacturers, helping participating businesses establish direct commercial connections. Industry experts and leaders are also engaging with entrepreneurs on business planning, market trends, changing consumer requirements and opportunities in the global textile market.
Government schemes, subsidies and incentives available to textile businesses are another key focus of the event. Panel discussions and knowledge sessions are covering advanced technologies, policy support, market trends, investment opportunities and industry requirements.
According to Kusum, Deputy Commissioner of Industries Enforcement, Handloom and Textile, Varanasi, discussions at the expo are focusing on investment opportunities, advanced technology, production capacity, supply-chain development, access to global markets and industry-friendly policies.
Readymade garment entrepreneur Rajesh Jaiswal said the live manufacturing demonstration would give buyers and investors a better understanding of the garment production process and the capabilities available in the region.
Banarasi weaver Gaurav Maurya, who is demonstrating saree weaving at the expo, highlighted the value of the platform in showcasing the skill, effort and time involved in producing each Banarasi saree. He expressed hope that the event would help weavers access new markets while creating greater employment and business opportunities for Varanasi’s textile community.
With its focus on heritage craftsmanship, modern manufacturing, investment and market connectivity, UP Tex-2026 is providing a platform to showcase Varanasi’s textile strengths while supporting Uttar Pradesh’s broader ambition to expand its presence in the national and global textile industry.