WHERE TO FIND BEST CHIKAN IN LUKNOW ?
“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness didn’t know where to go shopping.” – Coco Chanel
Buying chikan in luknow can be bit tricky. Should you head to Chowk or Aminabad and wander through crowded streets, or head to the fancier Hazratganj area?
You cannot go to the City of Nawabs and not get your fill of chikankari, among other things. Be it intricately designed sarees, salwar kameezes in various cuts and styles, traditional kurta pyjamas for men or cute summery dresses for little girls, there is a treasure of chikan clothing to be shopped for in the charming streets of Lucknow. Photosindiaries tells you the top spots in the city to hit for the best chikan work.
CHOWK
Shop for chikan clothes amidst the old world charm in the old city area of Chowk. As you pass through the Gol Darwaza into the busy streets of Chowk, which is the wholesale market for Chikankari, you will find yourself in the Lucknow of legends. While every almost chikankari shop found in the city sources its stock from Chowk, or has a manufacturing centre here, retail outlets in Chowk are known for good bargains more than exclusive pieces.Order exclusive custom-designed pieces and get creative with fabrics and embroideries – everything can be made to order! Although it can be a chaotic place to navigate, this is where you will get Chikan work at wholesale prices, especially if you are looking to buy in bulk. We recommend shopping in Chowk at:
Nazraana Chikan Showroom Address: Chaupati Tola, Chaupati Tola, Manglam Chikan, Chowk, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003 Phone:092030 92121
Paridhan Chikan Udyog No reviews · Clothing Store 27-28, Ram Bazar, Chowk 094509 78431
Saraswati Chikan Store Address: Gol Darwaza, Chowk Sarafa Market, Opp. Lala Bholanath Dharamshaala, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226003 Phone:093357 10398
Banarsi Das Chikan Gole Darwaza, Gole Darwaja, Chauraha, Chowk 099186 09422
JANPATH
If you are a casual shopper who wants to own a chikankari dress without breaking the bank, Janpath Market is the most easily accessible hub of chikan shops. Ranging from short kurtis, long kurtas, stitched and unstitched chikan suit materials, saris and lehengas for women, to chikan kurtas for men and even clothing for kids – you will find everything here. The prices may be slightly higher compared to Chowk but you’ll have the luxury of air-conditioned shopping and a selection of classy designs to choose from.
It’s amazing how each one of these small shops can house a variety of clothing for the entire family. (P.S.: Bargaining is must/acceptable in this market.) While it’s too tempting to visit all of them, if you are on a short visit to the city, we recommend the following stores:
Nazrana Chikan D-16,17,18 Janpath Market, Hazratganj 094543 79607 Opens at 11:00 AM
Souvenir Exclusive For Lucknow Chikan Arts No reviews · Clothing Accessories Store B-48, Jan Path Market, Hazratganj, Hazratganj 0522 391 0782
Lucknow Chikan Palace No reviews · Embroidery Shop B-2 Janpath Market, Hazratganj 093359 06726 Opens at 11:00 AM
Avadh Chikan No reviews · Clothing Store B-31, Janpath Mkt., Trilokinath Marg 0522 301 2160
KAPOORTHALA
Though not originally a Chikan hub, Kapoorthala has seen a spurt in the number of Chikan showrooms mushrooming over the past few years. A lively marketplace dotted with a variety of shops, Kapoorthala is where you are most likely to find unconventional and contemporary fabric choices, colour combinations and embroidery patterns.
Mogra Chikan Shop No.-G-67, Pragati Bazar, Kapoorthala Road, Kapoorthala, Lucknow – 226024, Kapoorthala Chauraha (91)-7275997608, 8896283686
Vande Matram Chikan Sgf-17,18, Sahara India Bhawan, Aliganj, Lucknow – 226024, Kapoorthala Chauraha (91)-7275997608, 8896283686
SEWA - Luckno
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SEWA, which stands for Self Employed Women’s Association, was an initiative to empower independent women artisans by eliminating the need for middlemen and thus maximizing their profits. So, if you’d like to do your bit for a social cause, do most of your Chikan shopping at SEWA! That most of the apparel here is hand-stitched only adds to the authenticity and charm.
Seva Chikan (Alambagh) 565KA/,, 96, Singar Nagar Rd 094150 04539
Sewa Chikan Industries 1 review · Clothing Store Cantt Road, ShivaJi Marg, Cantt Road, Shri Ram Tower, Shivaji Marg, Cantonment Rd 0522 262 2727
VANI ANAND
Vani Anand has a refreshing take on the art of chikankari, while keeping the authenticity of the art alive. Her contemporary designing, subtle colour combinations, combined with exquisite workmanship will leave you asking for more. And that’s what we love about her clothes – there’s no compromising on detailing. Not surprisingly, this is one of the high-end stores for chikan clothes in Lucknow. But if a Vani Anand piece costs more than others, we guarantee it will also draw more attention than others. Her collection comprises chikan suits, anarkalis and saris along with ensembles with more western silhouettes.
AMINABAAD
Located in the heart of Lucknow, Aminabad Market is a popular place with tourists. People come here to shop Chikan-embroidered outfits obtainable in unique patterns and styles. The market remains crowded almost seven days a week. Visit this place and you will be surprised at the collection of the trendiest garments, hung up for display in the narrow lanes of the market. Being the oldest market, it is believed to be operating since the times of the Nawabs of Awadh and caters to a wide range of requirements of the customers with premium fashion items and quality garments. You will find excellent Chikan sarees and Chikan kurtas for men at reasonable prices. However, the main market remains closed on Thursdays.
BOOTHNATH
Located at Indira Nagar, Bhootnath Market is a popular local market and is also referred to as the Mini-Hazrat Ganj. One of the busiest markets in Lucknow, Bhootnath offers a large number of retail outlets selling intricately designed Chikan sarees, Chikan salwar kameezes in different cuts and styles, Chikan traditional kurtas for men and Chikan summer dresses for girls. Plan your visit accordingly since the market stays closed on Wednesdays.
Tips for buying Chikan
- The markets are flooded with machine-embroidered fabrics, so always check what you are buying. A quick and simple way to find out is to flip the cloth over and look at the underside. Machine embroidery will be neat and uniform on both sides, while hand embroidery will have loose threads, knots and some amount of asymmetry in places.
- Chikan apparel comes in a wide price range and the cost. It depends on the finesse of the work, purity of the fabric and exclusivity of design. Look for the neatness of embroidery, the intricacy of design and the quality of the base fabric before making a purchase. Dresses for children and kurta-pyjama sets can be bought for as little as 300 INR, while the cost of sarees can go up to 10,000 INR or even more, depending on the embroidery. Ladies’ kurties are usually in the range of 800-1500 INR while suits can cost upwards of 2000 INR. At most shops, there is always some scope for bargaining.
- There will be factory made versions, which will be considerably cheaper, but you would rather have a one-of-a-kind piece made by a local artisan.
- Chikan embroidery was traditionally done with white thread on light, pastel coloured cloth usually muslin, chiffon, organza or georgette – but contemporary designs use a variety of colours on fabrics like silk and jute cotton.
- While most stores and showrooms stock up on a variety or ready-made chikan apparel, you may also buy unstitched or semi-stitched pieces for custom-styling and fit.
- While shopping for chikan will be topmost on your to-do list, there are plenty of other things to see and do around the city. Lucknow is known for its delectable nawabi cuisine, chaat and desserts – foodies will have a gala time here. Soak in some culture and heritage at historical monuments such as Bada Imambada and Residency, both iconic in their own right.
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