Tradition, modernity, culture, arts, natural beauty, and a plethora of other things make up the largest state of India, Uttar Pradesh.
There is no dearth of cultural diversity and artistic talent in this humongous state.
The land is famous for not only man made things but also for its natural beauty and agricultural products.
So when you are done touring its historical monuments and exquisite natural beauty then you should definitely make some time for shopping.
Each and every souvenir carries cultural importance!
Chikan Embroidery
City: Lucknow
So this is quite predictable but Chikankari does deserve all the praise because of how delicate and beautiful this embroidery work is!
It is done by skillful artisan on light colored muslin cloth.
The intricate designs and the light cloth make for a unique combination of elegance and comfort which is perfect for the scorching heat of North India.
Though traditionally, it was only made on muslin cloth, nowadays various other fabrics are used for sewing these pieces of elegance.
The most common clothing item made of Chikankari embroidery is ‘Kurti’.
Various other things also have this embroidery.
The best place to buy Chikankari designs is the local shops in Aminabad and Chowk area in Lucknow where we can find these at an affordable price.
Banarasi Saree
City: Varanasi
Varanasi is almost synonymous to the marvelous silk saree originating in the city called Banarasi saree.
It is one of the most beautiful Indian traditional saree that every woman in India wants to own.
These sarees are smooth like butter and dazzle like gold, taking the feminine beauty to the next level.
In Banaras, you will find shops of authentic Banarasi sarees made of authentic and pure quality silks.
It is one of the best gifts to carry for the ladies in your family and guarantees you their instant happiness.
Some of the best places to buy Banarasi sarees are the Pili Kothi area and Thatheri Bazar.
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Brass and Metalware
City: Lucknow and Moradabad
The metal and brass items are famous all over India for its exquisite beauty.
Many different items are made with metal like paandan that is the container in which all the items used for making paan are kept.
Apart from that, you can find many elegant looking silver jewelry boxes with eloquent designs on them, usually of Meena work.
Some even sell statues and diyas with unique designs.
If you are feeling a little extra, then you can pick something like a silver chessboard.
Most of these items are available in Lucknow, while the brass items are found in Moradabad.
There are different brass items in different shapes and serves different purposes.
Even Moradabad is also known for excellent craftsmen of metal work.
Perfumes or Attar
City: Kannauj
A gorgeous look is never complete without a gorgeous scent.
The smell of deodorants and perfumes available in the market has become quite seldom do we come across a unique scent.
Hence, you can try the authentic Indian perfumes called attar for a change.
It is made up of organic ingredients and has been used by the royalty for centuries.
Some of the most authentic Indian perfume is found in the ancient city of Kannauj which was formerly called Kanyakubja.
There are several shops selling different attars in Kannauj, among which the rose aroma is the most popular.
The city is also known to produce the best natural rose water.
Apart from this, you can buy sandalwood oil and organic incense sticks from the market.
Zardozi
City: Lucknow
Zardozi embroidery became popular during the rule of the Nawab of Awadh, specifically the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was very fond of the Zardozi embroidery work.
It is a delicate embroidery done with pure silver or golden threads on expensive clothes like silk, satin, or velvet.
It became very popular among the upper class population in Lucknow.
It is still popular today and more affordable for the middle class due to use of cheaper materials.
The strings used are silver or gold plated and zardozi work also uses kora, katori, tikena, and dabka which are spring-type thread for embellishment.
Different items like clothing, carpets, cushion cover; shoes, etc. are available in Zardozi work.
Bangles
City: Firozabad
The biggest glassware industry in India is in Firozabad.
In fact, a large population of Firozabad depends on bangle making for their livelihood.
The process of bangle making itself is quite hazardous and the dust from the industry often causes harm to the bangle makers.
However, we should appreciate their artistic talent and dedication towards the craft.
There are several types of bangles in an enormous range of colours.
In fact, if you can think of a colour you will probably also find a bangle in it.
There are whole markets dedicated to glass bangles and are available in all sizes.
Apart from bangles, different glass objects are also sold in these markets.
Most of these can be used for crockery or decor.
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Jewelry
City: Lucknow
You can find different artificial and precious metal pieces of jewelry in different designs in Lucknow.
One of the signature ornaments is the Paasas.
It is worn on one side of the head and looks extremely classy and elegant with traditional wear and can instantly glam up an outfit to give a festive appeal.
You may also look for the Jhalar earrings and the Chandbali earring which is an earring in the shape of a half-moon.
It is best to shop from the local markets for getting the authentic touch in your product.
Some of the important markets in Uttar Pradesh are situated in Lucknow where you can find an enormous range of jewellery.
Aminabad, Kapoorthala, Hazratganj, and Janpath are the ideal destinations for jewelry haul.
Wood Carving
City: Saharanpur
The city of Saharanpur is famous in India for its extremely detailed and perfect woodcraft.
A variety of wood is used for making these beautiful woodcraft including sal, sisam, and dudhi.
For making small items like decor items, toys and statues, sisam wood is used while teak wood is used for making furniture.
The woodwork is also famous outside of India and the artisans are known to “breathe life into death trees” through their magnificent carvings.
The commonly found design includes the wine leaf pattern, geometric patterns, and brass inlay work.
Nowadays, craftsmen are getting more innovative and incorporating new materials.
Visit this beautiful city of wood and get yourself a memorable souvenir.
Marble and Stone Work
City: Agra
The city of Agra is the top tourist attraction for its marble miracle, the Taj Mahal.
It’s considered to be the wonder of the world.
This marble work has otherworldly beauty and the heritage of stone craft can be found in miniature versions.
There are many stone workshops selling marble and inlaid stone items near the Taj Mahal and all around the different parts of the city.
Many of these stone works are very intricately inlaid and can be used as decor items in your house.
The art of stone crafting has been known to the people of Agra for several generations, possibly from the Mughal period itself.
Men and women are equal participants in the art of stone carving.
You can get these beautiful stone sculptures and other items in all the markets and shops near the historical monuments.
Food
City: Lucknow
Lucknow has plenty of delicacies for the foodies.
The Malai Gilori is one such delicious sweet that is famous in Lucknow.
It is made of delicious malai wrapped around the filling of sweet and nuts.
The shape of this sweet is also quite interesting as it is in the shape of a paan.
While eating it, remember to eat it in one go just like a paan.
The most authentic malai gilori are available in Ram Ashray sweets in Chowk.
You can also pick up some pickles from the Arora Pickles which is one of the oldest and most famous pickle shops in Lucknow.
Their Mango chutney is one of the best that can even make your plain dal-chawal flavorful!
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