The northern region of India holds pride in producing the Chikan, Benarasi, Tanchoi, Shalu sari. The multicultural city of Lucknow in India has been known for its tasteful passion for culture, music, poetry, a mouth-watering cuisine and yes - fashion. Chikan is a term commonly used in Lucknow and has been passed down the ages right from when the Moghul dynasty ruled.
Chikan, is a traditional embroidery style from Lucknow. Literally translated, the word means embroidery. Believed to have been introduced by Nur Jahan, Moghul emperor Jahangir’s wife, it is one of Lucknow’s most famous textile decoration styles.
Patterns and effects created depend on types of stitches used and the thickness of the threads used in embroidery. Some the varieties of the stitches used include back-stitch, chain stitch and hemstitch and result is an open work pattern, jali (lace) or shadow-work. Traditionally, white threads were used on semi-transparent muslin cloth.
However, with the advent of newer fabric types, and changing demands and fashions Chikankari is now also been done on a variety of fabrics including synthetic ones.
Chikankari is also available now in various colours. Sequin work is also done on the fabrics along with Chikankari to give it the exquisite and glittering look. The price of the Chikan sari usually depends upon the finesse of the needle work.
Get to know Styles of Wearing a Sari
These sarees are generally worn in the general style where the border or the pallu rests upon the left shoulder. It can be either pinned to the blouse (choli) or can just be left flowing on the shoulder so that the Chikan work steals the view of others.
You may also wish to visit: How to Wear Saree
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