Ferozabad in Uttar Pradesh is synonymous with glass as the entire community is involved with this craft. Traditionally this town produced only glass bangles but presently glass table ware and other sophisticated products are produced. Varanasi is known for its glass beads and a very thin glass from which little pieces locally called tikulis are cut. These adorn the foreheads of women or are used for decorating fabrics, while glass mouthpieces for hukkas and toys containing coloured liquid called panchkora are the specialities of Saharanpur.
Varanasi is one of India’s largest exporters of beads and bead products. Different types of beads are used to ornament various products like clothing, decorative items, curtains, purses, clothing accessories, jewellery and suchlike, and this trend is increasing rapidly. More than 2,000 artisans are involved in bead production and handicrafts in Varanasi, with most of them being concentrated in the areas of Chandpur, Kandwan and Ramnagar. Glass, the major raw material required, is getting expensive and scarce. Better training and technology are also needed to scale up this growing industry, since it has great potential. Major products include earrings, bracelets and neckpieces made out of multicoloured glass beads.
