Welcome to the world of Chikankari!

Here, I welcome you to this side of the internet, where we celebrate the art of Lucknow’s chikankari embroidery. The art that has captured not just our eyes but also our hearts and minds.

Chikankari isn’t just embroidery; it’s an art form from the centuries-old legacy that runs through the galis of Lucknow and is in the veins of its skilled artisans.

Every meticulously embroidered motif, from the iconic butis and jaalis to the mind-boggling jamdanis, is a labor of love. These masterpieces aren’t merely stitched onto fabric; they’re woven into the cultural tapestry of our beloved city.

But my love for chikankari is not an academic exercise – it’s a deep, visceral love affair that began in childhood. I vividly recall my mother buying those small-sized chikankurtas in every color for me when I was 5. As a child, you didn’t know how to appreciate the art and the embroidery, but the colors and the designs always fascinated me. I used to wonder how these kurtas are made; who makes them? And that’s when the curiosity and the hustle began to discover the difference between hand embroidery and machine.

Growing up, I wanted to see how these artisans make these kurtas, sarees, etc. So I went with my mother to a local shop in Aminabad to see how and where these beauties are coming from. There I saw how a perfect cloth is selected and how they decide the print to be done on the cloth. Later, they printed the design on the cloth and let the artisans do the magic.

The karigars then start as their nimble fingers move with such precision and patience, transforming ordinary fabric into wearable works of art before my very eyes. It’s a humbling experience to witness such dedication and skill firsthand.

But chikankari isn’t just about the beautiful end product; it’s a living, breathing tradition that connects us to our rich heritage. Every design, cloth, and pattern echoes the generational past, reminding us of Lucknow’s artisanal community’s enduring spirit, hard work, and love for chikankari.

Through this blog, I invite you into my world, where I share the stories, techniques, and personal connections that make chikankari incredibly special and nostalgic to me. Hold your screens as we unravel the mysteries of this extraordinary art form, one gorgeous stitch at a time. Who knows, you might just find yourselves as obsessed as I am!