Chikankari embroidery and Zardozi crafts: what souvenirs can you bring home from a trip to Lucknow

Lucknow, often known as the "City of the Nawabs," is a cultural, historical, and artistic treasure trove. This northern Indian city is famous for its amazing artistry and has a long history of creating some of the most valuable and distinctive souvenirs.

What can you bring back from Lucknow to your friends? We present to you the souvenirs that are definitely worth buying to convey the essence of this magical city, - writes the NewsBytes website.

Chikankari embroidery

One of the things you should definitely buy in Lucknow is chikankari. Beautiful embroidery on white muslin is the perfect accessory to survive the scorching North Indian summer.

You can also find chikankari embroidery on colored fabric with silk threads. Sarees, kurtas, and various textiles showcase this meticulous handwork, known for its timeless elegance, which is prized as a souvenir item.

Attar

Attar, also known as itar, plays an important role in the Nawab culture of Lucknow. Contained in a tiny glass container, attar is a bomb of seductive flavor.

These locally made fragrances are created using essential oils collected from flowers and plants. You can even ask the seller to combine two or more scents to create something special.

Zardozi crafts

Zardozi is basically about sophistication and celebrating the complexity of working with thread. Metallic threads and other lavish embellishments are used in Zardozi embroidery to create intricate patterns on fabrics that are a must-have in the city.

In Lucknow, you can find a wide variety of Zardozi items, from clothing to home decor, all of which pay homage to the city's royal past.

Jewelry

Lucknow jewelry is a fusion of Mughal and Awadhi styles. Look for intricate gold and silver pieces, often with enamel inlay.

Pay attention to paas - head jewelry worn on one side. Or try to buy jhala earrings - long earrings that resemble intricate lace weaving. Another special piece of jewelry is chandbali or crescent-shaped earrings.

Metal products

Lucknow metal artists cut various metals to make items such as a paandan or a box for storing betel leaves (paan) and all the accessories that go with it.

Similarly, you can buy metal chicken coop boxes that resemble a chicken nest. They are hand-painted and often used to store jewelry or trinkets. You can also find metal tea sets in the markets.