Phulkari Works – innovative creations of Punjab

by parineeti lal content writer

Punjab once again showed its innovative creations to the world through Phulkari.

Sarees and Salwar Kameez are ethnic contributions of women. Especially, Indian handlooms are active participants of international fashion weeks. And very specially, Punjab plays an active role for its creative and innovative works. That’s why; Punjab is being treated as a major hub of handy works.

Punjab’s creative handicrafts are creating sensations with their magnetizing power and mirroring Indian tradition to the whole world today.

Phulkari is a kind of embroidery done by the natives of Punjab, where “Phul” portrays flower and “Kari” represents Work. This is a beautiful work specially made by Punjab weavers for every joyous occasion.

Phulkaris were made in Punjab and Pakistan earlier. These were especially made by one woman but today there is a crowd to make these clothes. In ancient times, Phulkaris made for very special occasions like weddings, birth ceremonies and other important functions. Now, these are having huge following to wear anytime.

North Indian cities are the major hubs for these special kinds of works. These simple and sparsely embroidered arts are mesmerizing the modern women today.

These are very intricate and hard core embroidery works created by the handicrafts. Today there are especially stitched by professional market people for different occasions.

Basically Phulkaris come in silk, cotton, chiffon, crepe and others which support the work. Odhani or Odhni and Shawls are the major versions of Phulkari. Phulkaris have a largest version named “Bagh” which is usually meant to embroider floral designs on to fabrics.

To make embroidery works, craftsmen use dark coloured silken threads to stitch. These silken threads or floss are called as pat which is quite costly. Darn stitching is one of the best option provided to women who unable to bear high costs.

Darning will be done on cloth either at front or at right side. The cloth will have a tremendous striking and stunning look after darning. The end portion of saree i.e., Pallu will have a special intricate works and designs irrespective of darning.

Phulkaris are extremely intricate when considering the themes. These are done from memories and the counting of paramount stitches. Very skilled craftsmen involves in this art to avoid any misplacements where a misplaced stitch could spoil the whole design.

Phulkari comes in shawls, Odhanis, sarees, salwar kameez, kurties and etc with very intricate motifs of flowers with different geometrical shapes and works. These are particularly used for marriages, functions, festivals and other rituals. The basic themes are day-to-day life, memories and wheat and barley stalks that are mostly found in Phulkaris.

Phulkari silk sarees and salwar kameez with darning works are best suitable as formal and classical wears. Phulkari sarees of embroidery flower works and designer pallu are perfect wears for festivals, functions, night parties, corporate events and other grand occasions. Designer Phulkaris with heavy embroidery and stone works are apt for weddings and bridal ceremonies.

These are the prides of Punjab with their finest hand works. Today, they are ruling the market with its richness.