Paan is regarded as auspicious in Varanasi. What makes a leaf softer than any other is how it is treated in Varanasi, a process known as pakana, which literally translates to ‘cooking’ but actually refers to the leaf's ripening. Banarasi paan dissolves in the mouth for this reason.

The produce

Banarasi paan leaves are smoked in a dark room with special coal and wood and checked frequently. This not just bleaches the leaf, especially Maghai, but also makes it melt in the mouth soft.

GI tag

The Banarasi paan was awarded the GI tag in 2023.