Varanasi, May 24 -- Varanasi Development Authority has prepared a plan to develop a grand "Urban Haat" within the Girija Devi Cultural Complex at Chaukaghat in Varanasi. According to officials, the Urban Haat will be developed over an area of around 7,517 square metres. The complex will include facilities such as a helpdesk, public toilets and parking areas for visitors. Officials said the project aims to provide local residents and tourists from India and abroad with a combined experience of shopping, dining and cultural activities at one location. The Urban Haat will have shops selling traditional and GI-tagged products of Varanasi, including Banarasi sarees, wooden toys, metal crafts and Gulabi Meenakari items. This will allow local artisans and weavers to directly sell their products and improve their income. VDA vice-chairman Purna Borah said the project would help provide better market access to local craftsmen and support traditional industries. Under the project, a total of 26 handicraft shops, 15 commercial outlets and 10 food kiosks will be developed. The food zone will serve famous dishes of Varanasi along with traditional Indian cuisine to offer tourists an authentic cultural experience of Kashi. An open-air theatre will also be built inside the complex for folk music, folk dance performances and cultural programmes. The project will also include a village-themed restaurant, a central courtyard with a decorative water body, a dedicated kids' zone and an interpretation centre to provide cultural information to visitors. Officials said the main objective of the project is to develop the Urban Haat as a cultural hub showcasing the art, music, cuisine and traditions of Kashi together. The site is located near the Varuna river and is well connected to several important areas of the city, including Khajuri Colony, Pandeypur, Nadesar, Chaukaghat, Orderly Bazaar, Jagatganj and Chetganj. Officials said the project design will combine the traditional architectural style of Kashi with modern facilities. The words "Urban Haat" and "Varanasi" will be displayed prominently at the main entrance to give the complex a distinct cultural identity....