Chikankari from the city of nawabs

In an endeavour to celebrate and promote the rich handloom heritage and exclusive chikankari work of artisans and weavers, Central Cottage Industries Corporation (CCIC) has organised ‘Nazaakat’, an exhibition-cum-sale of chikankari collection from the city of nawabs starting from April 27 to May 5 in Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan,
Janpath.

Popularly believed to be introduced by Nur Jehan, the Mughal empress chikankari is one of Lucknow’s most fam­o­us textile decoration styles. Originally, chikan work was done with white, silk threads on white fabrics. Nowadays chikankari is also done with coloured and silk threads in different colours to meet the new fashion trends.

Some of the most popular and favoured embroided patterns include flower designs, bel-buta and paisleys in different stitches including backstitch, chain stitch and hemstitch, the French knot and Murri. Chikan embroidered fabrics and ready-made garments are a favourite summer wear for any age group as its elegance and soft colours suit one and all. Chikan embroidery is a timeless classic and is also a style statement.

The celebration of chikankari exhibition at CCIC showcases a fresh summer collection in pastel shades with intricate chikan work on sarees in cottons, chanderis and georgettes. Women’s wear ranges from kurtis, salwar suits, tunics, lehengas to exquisite dupattas and finest collections of homelinen in form of bedcovers, cushion covers and stitched curtains. The exclusive chikankari collection has been made available anywhere in the price range of Rs 600 to Rs 50,000.

The exhibition showcases finest creations by weavers, master weavers and cluster groups.

Since the collection is one of its kind and reflects the intricacies of this wonderful art, one can visit this exhibition and add to their wardrobe and promote this cherished art and artisans who put in painstaking efforts into creating these patterns.