Starting a business in Varanasi doesn’t require a big budget—just a smart idea and the will to work. With ₹50,000 or even less, you can build a sustainable, profitable business that serves local needs while giving you financial independence.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best low investment business ideas in Varanasi—tailored to the city’s culture, tourism, and local economy.
Why Varanasi Is a Great Place to Start a Small Business
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of India’s oldest and most culturally rich cities. Here’s why starting a business here is smart:
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Constant Footfall: With tourists, pilgrims, and students coming in year-round, there’s always customer demand.
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Low Setup Costs: Renting a small space or operating from home is much cheaper than in metro cities.
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Local Demand: From puja samagri to tailoring, the demand for daily essentials is huge.
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Cultural Relevance: Varanasi supports businesses tied to tradition—handlooms, rituals, and local crafts.
Top 12 Low Investment Business Ideas in Varanasi (Under ₹50,000)
1. Puja Samagri and Religious Items Store
Estimated Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000
Why It Works: Pilgrims and locals regularly need incense sticks, flowers, diyas, and other puja items.
Start small near ghats, temples (like Kashi Vishwanath), or operate online via WhatsApp groups.
You’ll Need:
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Inventory of basic items
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Small table or shelf setup
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Local sourcing from wholesalers
2. Tea and Snacks Stall Near the Ghats
Investment: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Profit Margin: 40–60%
Location: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, or college areas
Serve hygienic tea, samosas, and bread pakoras. Locals and tourists both crave small bites, and this business gives daily cash flow.
Requirements:
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Hand cart or counter
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Stove, utensils, and raw ingredients
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Basic hygiene awareness
3. Handloom or Banarasi Saree Reselling
Investment: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000
Profit Margin: 30–50%
Varanasi is world-famous for its Banarasi sarees. Tie up with weavers in areas like Madanpura and sell online or to local boutiques.
Ideal For:
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Women entrepreneurs
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Online sellers
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Boutique owners
4. Home-based Tuition or Exam Coaching
Investment: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000
Tools Needed: Whiteboard, markers, chairs
There’s constant demand for subject coaching (maths, English, science) and competitive exam prep (UP Police, SSC, TET).
Best Locations:
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Lanka, Bhelupur, Sigra, and areas near colleges
5. Mehndi and Beauty Services
Investment: ₹5,000 – ₹30,000
Perfect For: Women and young girls with beauty skills
During festivals and wedding seasons, services like mehndi, facials, and basic grooming are in high demand.
Tips:
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Start at home or do home visits
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Market through Instagram and WhatsApp
6. Fruit Juice and Lassi Stall
Investment: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000
Best Locations: Near ghats, railway station, BHU
Clean, chilled juice or lassi attracts locals and tourists alike. You can also sell seasonal fruit juice like mango, bel, or sugarcane.
Things You Need:
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Juicer or hand press
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Ice box
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Disposable cups
7. Mobile Recharge & Accessories Store
Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000
Monthly Earning: ₹8,000 – ₹20,000+
People frequently buy mobile covers, earphones, chargers, and get recharges or SIMs. Ideal for small rented corners or shop-sharing models.
Tips:
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Stock trending accessories
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Offer cashless payment and UPI services
8. Paper Plate and Dona Making
Investment: ₹40,000 – ₹50,000 (manual machine)
Product Use: Events, street vendors, and temples
With religious events and feasts happening frequently, disposable dona/pattal is always in demand.
What You Need:
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Manual machine
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Raw materials (kraft paper rolls)
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Buyers like caterers or event organizers
9. Digital Service Point
Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹45,000
Services Offered: Online form filling, photocopies, lamination, printouts, Aadhaar updates, passport size photos
Where to Open:
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Near cyber cafes, government offices, or coaching hubs
You’ll need:
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Printer/scanner
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Internet and laptop
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Knowledge of basic government websites
10. Banarasi Paan and Mukhwas Stall
Investment: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Best Spots: Busy crossings, bus stops, ghat areas
A uniquely Varanasi-style business. Offer varieties of paan, supari, and mouth fresheners.
Key Success Tips:
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Maintain hygiene
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Offer customization (sweet paan, masala paan, etc.)
11. Second-Hand Bookstore or Rental Library
Investment: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Location: Near BHU, coaching centres, or PG areas
Buy used books from students and rent or resell them. Focus on exam prep materials, novels, and religious literature.
12. WhatsApp or Meesho Reselling
Investment: ₹0 – ₹5,000 (optional)
Ideal For: Homemakers, students, digital-savvy individuals
Sell women’s clothing, kitchen products, or gadgets directly on WhatsApp or Instagram by partnering with platforms like Meesho.
No Inventory Needed – Just share catalog links and handle orders!
Where to Buy Supplies in Varanasi
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Chowk & Godowlia: Great for sourcing religious and handicraft items
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Lahurabir: Affordable electronics and accessories
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Madanpura: Wholesale Banarasi sarees
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Dashashwamedh Market: Raw materials and daily-use inventory
Tips to Run a Successful Business in Varanasi
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Focus on Cleanliness & Presentation – Especially near the ghats or food areas.
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Use WhatsApp for Local Marketing – Join colony groups and post your offerings.
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Offer Digital Payment Options – Use PhonePe, Google Pay, or BharatQR.
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Create a Google My Business Page – Helps tourists and locals find your shop easily.
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Build Local Connections – Your network is your net worth in a city like Varanasi.
Government Help for Small Businesses
Apply under these schemes to get support and even funding:
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PM Mudra Yojana – Loans from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakhs
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Stand-Up India Scheme – For SC/ST and women entrepreneurs
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Udyam Registration – For MSME benefits
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PMEGP – For starting manufacturing or service units
Visit the District Industries Centre (DIC), Varanasi for support.
FAQs
Q. Can I really start a business with ₹50,000 in Varanasi?
Yes. Most small, service-based businesses require minimal capital. The key is to keep costs low and scale gradually.
Q. Do I need any license or registration?
Yes, depending on your business. Food-related and shop-based businesses may require a local trade license or FSSAI registration.
Q. How do I market my business in Varanasi?
Word-of-mouth, WhatsApp groups, flyers in localities, and a simple Google listing can help a lot.
Q. Is it safe to do business near the ghats?
Yes, as long as you follow legal guidelines and hygiene practices.
Final Words: Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need crores to succeed—just ₹50,000, a clear goal, and consistent action. Varanasi offers a unique blend of tradition, culture, and opportunity. Whether it’s tea near a temple or digital services near a college, your small business idea can thrive here.