Type of Craft
Phulkari is a very refined embroidery work of Punjab. It is an embroidery technique for decorating sarees, shawls and dupattas for daily as well as ceremonial uses with flowery surface. Phulkari literally means “flowering”. The darn stitch carried out on the wrong side of coarse cotton cloth with coloured silken thread characterizes Phulkari. Bright coloured silk threads like golden yellow, crimson, red, orange, green and pink are usually used. The motifs like flowers, fruits or birds and other carrying a rich repertoire of the folklore and from everyday life are generally embroidered on the cloth. In the olden times, accomplishment of a bride and her mother was judged by the beautiful Phulkari and bagh they made. Even the affluence of the families was judged by the number and work of Phulkari and bagh they gave to their daughters in their trousseau. They also made ceremonial pieces which were used in marriages, at the time of birth of a child and during festive occasions. Phulkari is known for their vibrant colours, geometric pattern and gaiety which is an integral part of the life and tradition of the people of Punjab.