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  • Mukaish Work- The revealing and glamorous Chikankari embroidery

    Mukaish Work- The revealing and glamorous Chikankari embroidery

    Have you ever been smitten by the glistening and the dazzling star-like elements on the Chikankari? Well, this is nonetheless the Mukaish work Chikankari that ads glamour to the contemporary Chikanakri.

    These minuscule shining embellishments add flair to the fabric. Basically, Mukaish work is done on the Pure georgette. The Mukash georgette sarees are very popular amongst the customer. These sarees are pieces of master craftsmanship and sometimes it takes even more than 2 months to make a single saree.

    Today Chikankari is famous worldwide but only a few know that the Mukaish work has also originated from Lucknow. Chikankari is one of the sources of livelihood for centuries for the people of Lucknow.

    The Mukaish work is a bit expensive and rare . this makes it an item of luxury. Today you can find females flaunting their exclusive Garra’s lehenga’s Sarees and a designer suit made up of georgette at the evening parties and ceremonies.

    The majestic and royal look of Mukaish Chikankari makes it a favorite amongst embroidery lovers.

    So if you also want to possess one for yourself and still not decided we have tried to detail every aspect of Mukaish CXhikankari in this article .

    History of Mukaish Work

    Empress Noorjehan Orignator of Chikankari embroidery and mukaish work in India

    Mukaish is commonly known as Muqaish or Mukesh. Mukaish is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Kesh’ meaning hair. It is an ancient form of metal wire embroidery.

    Mukaish is embroidery in which thin hair-like metallic wires are weaved into the fabrics. These wires are then twisted back to form an embellishment or metallic embroidery.

    For centuries this metal embroidery has adorned the Nawabs and the commoner, in the same way.

    It is a very complex and elegant craft that has traveled to us evolving into an aesthetic art over the years.

    According to some old craftsmen, Mukaish embroidery is practiced in Lucknow for more than 200 years.

    During the Nawab period, the Mukaish embroidery enjoyed royal patronage, and many karkhana{ manufacturing units) were established to promote embroidery.

    They say in order to differentiate the Nawabs outfits from the common man the Karigar invented Mukaish work. They started using thin wires of silver and Gold to adorn the royal outfits.

    In the present day, many substitutes for Gold and silver are used to amplify the beauty of the craft.

    From Lucknow Mukesh work traveled far west to the state of Gujarat and Maharastra. Mukesh work is also known as Badla work in Gujarat.

    Process of Mukaish work

    The process can be broadly classified into three broad categories namely:

    Chhapayi

    Takayi

    Ghutai

    1 Chhapayi or Printing

    mukaish work chhapayi using wooden block
    Chhapayi using a wooden block

    This process of Chhapayi starts with the selection of fabric on which Mukaish work is done. Usually, chiffon or georgette fabric is being used for Mukesh work.

    Viscose has emerged as the new choice of fabric among Chikankari lovers.

    The motifs or the pattern used as a design in printing are first carved out on the block of wood or on a paper stencil.

    These designs are then printed on the fabric with the help of Neel ( indigo powder) and gum.

    For color fabrics, the safeda or the white chalk is used to print the design on the fabric.

    2 Takaai or the embroidery

    a craftsmenn doing Bunai for chikankari
    Ancient art depicting Chikankari Bunai process

    Basically, Mukaish work is done to beautify the contemporary Chikankari. The metals used are first cut into thin sheets or strips.

    These strips are then passed through flames to provide different hues to the metal.

    In the next process, these strips are then beaten with the wooden hammer for hours until the wires are turned paper-thin.

    Once the wires are paper-thin they are passed through the delicate fabric to form design.

    The paper-thin density of the wires adds to the fineness and overall look of the garments.

    3 Ghutai or flattening

    The last or the final step is the Ghutai.In this process, after the embroidery is done, the fabric is flattened on a blanket or a rubber sheet. The base of a glass bottle is then rolled over the embroidery work.

    This flattens the metal wire making it shine more. This is also done to remove any lump or the sharp edges of the metal thus making it a fine piece of art.

    Different Forms of Mukaish Work

    Mukaish work is primarily the dots. The Mukaish work can be transpired into two forms based on these processes of Takayi and can be classified as

    Fardi ka Kaaqm

    Kaamdaani

    Fardi ka Kaam: Fard means the length of the fabric and when anything is embroidered on length is called Fardi. Fardi is created by passing a short length of Badla or the wires through the fabric to form a dot. If the fabric is thick a small needle is used to pass the wire through the fabric.

    Mukaish Dots or fardi ka kaam
    Dots or Fardi Ka Kaam

    Fardi is a unique way of embellishing a piece of fabric or garments. It is used to add glittering effects like a star in the sky and glamorize the Chikankari embroidery

    Fardi in other words means “dots”. Based on the quality and the quantity of dots Fardi dots can be further classified as :

    Hazar Batti means the thousand such dots. It’s the main characteristic of Lucknow Craftsmanship.

    Tikki or the flat sequin

    Challa or the Ring

    The Challa and the Tikkis are the most extensively used Fardi the Kaam. The basic purpose is to amplify the design. The width of the wire determines the size of Fardi dots. The smaller the dots the expensive they are.

    Kaamdani :

    A model featured in mukaish Kaamdani work
    A model featured in Mukaish Kaamdani work

    Kaamdani is a metal wire embroidery made using long stitches of wire on fabric creating unique motifs.

    The Badla or the wire is treated like a thread that goes in and out to make stitches. If the wire falls short to length then another wire is tied to the remaining wire.

    While attaching a new wire only care is taken that the joints fall on the outer side of the fabric

    This is also referred to as fancy ka Kaam as it glorifies the garment and adds glitter to its design.

    Chikankari and Mukaish work

    Both Chikankari and Mukaish originated from the Awadh ( Now Lucknow ). Chikankari is purely where threads are used with the needle to create design and pattern on fabrics mainly muslin, georgette, and chiffon.

    In Mukaish work, fine metal strips are used to create patterns to adorn the Chikankari outfits. Chikankari and Mukesh both compliment each other.

    Usually, the heavily crafted chikan and Mukesh work on white georgette sarees and lehenga are available. Mukaish could be dyed in a different color as per the customer’s choice.

    Some designers have also experimented Mukesh works on different fabrics from crepe cotton to tusser to silk. The beauty added by the Muqaish embellishments to the garment makes it stand out among the rest.

    The chikan and Muqaish work garments have garnered huge popularity around the world The Muqaish embedded georgette lehengas are the favorite amongst the celebrities and B town Divas.

    Today’s ladies can be seen flaunting their Muqaish embedded dress at the parties.

    The craftsmanship of Lakhnavi Chikan work with Mukaish is unparalleled and unprecedented.

    Why Mukaish work is expensive

    Mukesh work is expensive because of the following reason:

    • In the Initial days, the Karigars used threads of Gold and Silver to make designs for the royal families .The Substitute of metals like copper ,aluminium used today are also expensive.
    • The process of making a mukaish ebroidery is time consuming and require inttrisic labour .Some time it takes more than a month to create a single piece. This lonfg period labour cost adds to the overall cost
    • There are very few artisan left who are well versed with this form of art making it an expensive form of embroidery

    Mukaish Work Chikankari in Present Days

    In today’s scenario, we can call it a dying art. The primary reason is the non-availability of skilled Karigar’s. The Karigar’s have either grown old or failed to transfer the art to the next generation.

    A young lot of artesian have migrated to Chikankari because of the popularity and the abundance of work.

    The second reason for its decline is the rise in the cost of materials. The metal prices have surged. Mukaish embroidery is time-consuming and requires more man-hour than ordinary Chikankari. Thus increasing the labor cost.

    Although some designers are working effortlessly to bring back the glorified days of the Mukaish embroidery. One such designer is Anjul Bhandari. She has been experimenting with the Mukaish works in her design while maintaining the traditional look and feel of the embroidery.

    Apart from her, some other prominent Bollywood designers working on Mauqaish are Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani, and Sandeep Khosla.

    The Muqaish work on silk is famous for festivals and bridal wear. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Mira Rajput wore Muqaish saree on different occasions.

    One of the major development of today’s era is the use of metal other than Gold and silver. These metals are cheaper and more malleable. This help in beautifying the garments in different shades of hues of metal

    Maintenance of mukesh work

    The Mukesh work is a very delicate form of embroidery. Care is required while storing and cleaning the Mukaish work.

    • Care should be taken while cleaning the mukaish work fabric. Avoid using harsh chemical-based detergent as they may outshine the metal resulting in a changed hue. If possible the garments should be hand washed or washed separately in a washing machine at a gentle mode.use mild liquid detergebts
    • Do not use any bleaching agent .
    • Dont use too warmwater . Always iron the cloth inside out covered with newspaper.
    • Since the embroidery uses metal it should be avoided to store with fabric having threads.
    • It should be packed in a polybag to avoid tangling with other garments and also to avoid corrosion of metal due to dampness and moisture.
    • Look out for the fraying piece of metal. Cut the edges of the metal with sharp scissor to avoid tangling of the garments. you can even press the eroded metal with the bottom of a glass.

    Mukaish product to try

    The georgette and the chiffon saree using Mukaish embroidery are very popular these days. Apart from normal Chikankari Kurtis (all-time favorite ) the customer also loves the heavy work Mukesh Chikanakri lehengas and dupattas

    Where to buy Mukaish Work

    Lucknow is a hub of Chikankari outfits. If you get a chance to visit Lucknow you can purchase Chikankari and Mukesh embroidery from The Chowk area, and from Ameenabad .

    If you are looking for a premium category you can visit the Hazratganj market or the Janpath market

    To shop Mukaish embroidery online you can visit Adachikan or you can check out the latest Mukaish Collection at Nishwaclothing. This online store provides quality chikan at a very reasonable price compared to any other online store.

    life of the artisian practising mukesh work

    The lives of the artisan practicing Mukesh work are not as shining as the embroidery is. The artesian practicing Mukaish embroidery lives in and around the bylanes of old Lucknow in the chowk area.

    They lead a very poor and miserable life with no support from industry or the government. Presently very few artesian are left. Amongst the artesian, the majority are Muslim. Most of them have grown old. Due to the low demand, there are very few adopters of this declining art.

    An artisan on average working for 10 to 12 hours a day could hardly manage Rs 10000 in a month. This is far below the daily wages norms set by the government for laborers.

    The condition of the women Kargars is even worse as they can’t step out in search of work. Their dependencies are totally on the middlemen who exploit them the maximum.

    Conclusion

    Mukaish work embroidery is very ravishing and glamorous. If you love Chikankari you will certainly be going to like Mukaish. The star-studded Mukaish saree or dress can be the life of any party or social event. In my opinion, every woman must try Mukaish embroidery at least once in a lifetime.

    No matter how costly a dress you have if you don’t own a pure georgette Mukaish Chikankari your wardrobe is incomplete. So what are you waiting for .grab a one for yourself.

  • 12 Tips To Beat The Heat This Scorching Summer.

    12 Tips To Beat The Heat This Scorching Summer.

    In India, Holi embarks on the arrival of Summer. With the mercury soaring to a level of 49°C is the new normal for summer these days. In such harsh and humid weather, it becomes really difficult how one can beat the heat.

    You can’t always sit in an AC room or dive in a pool full of water. Here we will guide you on how you can beat the heat naturally. By practicing these tips you will not only feel cool but cut down heavily on your expenses on electric bills.

    So let’s Dive straight into the article.

    Key TakeAway

    Use Cotton and other Coler fabrics in Summer. Avoid tight-fitting clothes

    Avoid using large meals. Increase intake of fresh and citrus fruits. Keep yourself hydrated

    Avoid the sun as much as you can. Use Sunscreen, shades when steeping out in the Sun

    Drink Plenty of Water

    Water is an essential element of life. Two-third of the world is covered with water. Even our body is composed of 70% of water. Keeping your body hydrated throughout the year is vital for your health. But in summer its becomes more important to keep your body hydrated as you lose more water from the body in the form of Sweat.

    Man Drinking water from bottle

    When Sun is Blazing hot outside it makes your body sweat. Sweat is nothing but an act of a reaction. Think it this way as your body is like an Air Conditioner

    So just in the case of the Air conditioner when it starts cooling it absorb the water from the air and expel it out. In the same way, when our body is heated may be due to hot weather or exercise we sweat. Our internal Air-conditioner tries to expel the water in the form of sweat. The internal AC of our body need coolant i.e the water to function properly

    Water is a Natural Coolant. It not only cools our body but also supplies fresh oxygen. Water is almost free(sometimes it cost Rs 20 a liter for packed drinking water ). It is easily available as compared to other liquid Drinks in the market.

    Eat More Citrus Fruits To Beat The Heat

    Keeping your body hydrated is essential in summer to beat the heat. But always drinking water is sometimes boring as our body needs other minerals too. However, you can compensate for your water intake by eating citrus fruits. Citrus fruits like Oranges, Watermelon, leechees not only compensate for water intake but also supply other nutrients to your body.

    basket full of citrus fruits

    Watermelon, muskmelon, and Cucumber are composed mainly of water. They released your thirst but also act as a coolant to keep your body cool.

    Watermelon is composed of 90% water. Besides Water, it is also rich in Vitamin A, B6, and C, a lot of antioxidants, amino acids, and lycopene. Moreover, you can eat as much as you want without thinking about adding an extra inch to your belly as it has no fat. According to ITFN, eating 100 gm of watermelon can provide you with approx 30 calories. To know more about any fruit Nutritional benefits visit ITFN website

    two glassesof watermelon juice

    Watermelon is good for your heart and skin. It is full of electrolytes that compensate for your water intake and also provide you with a shield against heatstroke.

    Drink Local Drinks

    Every country has its own local drinks to battle the Mighty Cola of the West. These local drinks not only have local flavor and aroma but are prepared by keeping the nutritional value required for the weather in mind. So you can sip these local drinks to beat the heat during summer without worrying much.

    Lassi

    It is more popular in northern India. Lassi is prepared from Curd(Dahi in local language). Curd is good for the stomach. It is composed of good bacteria that act as a catalyst to digest food in summer.

    Nimbu Pani

    As Mention Above there is no substitute for citrus juice but you can not eat lemon as it is very tangy. Lemon is a high source of Vitamin C and is necessary for the skin. Take a sip of nimbu pani and beat the scorching summer heat.

    glass of lemon juice with mint

    Sugar cane juice

    With the advent of summer, you find stalls at every nook and corner of the street selling fresh sugar cane juice. Freshly squeezed sugar cane juice with mint and lemon acts as a refresher drink. It provides instant energy when you feel low due to hot and humid weather.

    Aam Pana

    Its a vegan summer cooldrinks made of unripe magoes (Kachha Aam or Ambiya). Aam Pana is a rich source of Vitamin C and is good for health. It is made by crushing the unripe Mango after removing its seeds with a tint of Cumin seed and Pudina leaves( Mint). Its sweet and tangy taste activates your taste buds.

    Rooh Afza Sharbat

    One of my personal favorites since childhood. No matter how tired I am a glass of Rooh Afza sharbat with a tint of lemon does wonder for me. I prefer Drinking Rooh Afza as its all ingredients are either natural fruits or Ark( essential oils) of herbs like Rose, cinnamon, mint, kewra, etc

    Sattu Drink

    In Bihar and Purwanchal you can easily find a unique drink made out of Sattu. Sattu is a mixture of Gramflour( chana) and Sorghum( Jowar). It is very rich in protein. Normally in rural India, you will find that people eat sattu by forming its paste with sugar or jaggery. But in Bihar and Purvanchal people like to have Sattu drink. It comes in both sweet and salty variations.

    If you take a glass of sattu you will not crave food at least for 2 to 3 hours. It is called the poor man Protein. In urban India, it’s gaining more prominence as a superfood due to its dietary supplement

    Wear Breathable Clothes To Beat The Heat

    Every Weather has its own impact on the human body. In winter we wear clothes that prevent body heat from flowing out. In contrast, in summer we wear clothes that are more breathable and absorbent in nature. in summer we want o to wear clothes that are not only comfortable but also stylish. Below is listed some variety of clothes one should prefer bearing in order to beat the heat waves in summer.

    One point of caution no matter which fabric you wear. Try to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes in Summer as your body need air to cool itself. Wearing loose clothing will save you from the problem of itching caused in summer.

    Coton:

    Is undoubtedly the first choice of everyone rich or poor in the scorching summer heat. It’s very stylish and available in different pattern textures and designs. Short and Long Kurti made of cotton remains the first choice amongst the youngsters.

    Women prefer Sarees And Maxi dresses made out of Cotton. Men prefer wearing loose Kurta and Pyjama .in rural India and in villages, people prefer wearing Gamchas( Scarf for Men) made of Cotton to protect themselves from the scorching summer heatwaves.

    Cotton comes in great Variety

    Cotton is very Comfortable and absorbent in nature. However one needs to be aware as it leaves a stain on the body and on the fabric itself if the dye used to color is not of good quality after sweating.

    Chikankari when blended on White Cotton Becomes the Masterpiece. Cotton Chikankari Kurti is in Fad during the Summer Season. It’s more famous among the young generation and the office goers. Chikankari Sarees made out of cotton is the latest hit among south Indian ladies. Try Our Latest Range of Chikankari Collection here.

    Rayon:

    Is Man-made fabric. It’s very soft and subtle and feels light on the body. Today women prefer wearing Rayon over cotton as it’s more breathable. Be it long Anarkali frock or Long A shape front open Kurti.

    Linen:

    It’s the most breathable clothes and dates back to the oldest cloth known to mankind. It is made of the flax plant and is the most expensive in the category. Linen is super cool and absorbent. linen is porous in nature and when wet with sweat it gives you the feeling of air coming from the Summer cooler.

    Linen is the first choice among the office goer due to its subtle looks and design. It’s also a class statement for many.

    To know more about the variety of Clothing to wear in Summer Just Click here

    Takes Shower Twice

    So what do you do when you want to cool off something Hot? You sprinkle water Right. Well, when our body is heated up it needs to be cooled off from inside and outside.

    Child bathing in open in summer

    So when you feel that it is unbearable to bear the heat and you want to beat the heat in summer noon head to your washroom and take a shower. Use Mint base shower gel or soap to give you the cooling effect. Mint has a very cooling effect and you feel cool even if you smell it

    Showering lowers the body temperature instantly. You feel light after shoer in the hot summer at noon. Even it’s too hot outside it will take atlest 2 hours for your body to heat up again. If you feel the need for another shower just go for it.

    Cool Off Your Makeup Kit

    Keep your lipstick in the refrigerator in Summer. They might melt if kept at room temperature. Applying a Cold Lipstick also gives you a soothing effect.

    set of colorful lipstick
    Keep your lipstick refrigerated

    Apply Water-Based Sunscreen

    During summer noon Sun is blazing hot. At this time of the day, ultraviolet rays from the sun are at their peak. The heatwaves and the ultraviolet rays can damage your skin.

    Apply a water-based Sunscreen lotion in summer as you sweat a lot. Use sunscreen of adequate SPF as per your skin desirability. Avoid using normal oil-based sunscreen as it could get Greasy to make you look messed up.

    Try Aroma Therapy

    Make some adjustments to your makeup kit. Include Mint base shower gel. Use perfumeries that have menthol in them. Menthol has a cooling effect. Instead of Deorants spray use Deo Roll-on Bar as its lasts longer. Go for oil-based natural Itr(Atar) as they last long on a hot day. Avoid using strong perfumes. Go for the mild fragrances

    Use fragrance based wipes

    Keep a small packet of wet wipes always handy. Apply it on your face and on your palm to keep you cool in the sun. Keep a Gulab Jal( Rosewater )in your purse. Sprinkle it on your face whenever you need it.

    Take Small Diets

    The scorching heat has a negative impact on your dietary habits. You are in frequent need to replenish your water intake hence sometimes you skip meals which can impact your body’s metabolism.

    Make adjustments in your eating habits. Instead of a full meal go for the short meal at regular intervals. When you eat a large meal the body has to work more thus producing heat and making you feel uncomfortable.

    Avoid Oily Foods

    One Must Avoid foods that are slow to digest. Oily food in summer is hard to digest causing indigestion. You should also avoid eating high protein foods like Meat Cheese etc. Instead one should prefer light foods which are easy to digest.

    If you have a habit of having tea try to replace it with Ice tea or cold coffee

    Avoid going in Sun

    Unless it is very important for you to skip going out in sun especially in the Afternoon. If you Can’t avoid going out in sun try the tips below

    women wearing goggles walking on road to beat the heat
    Always Wear full sleeve clothes and goggles

    Use Shade When Outside In The Sun

    The ultraviolet rays of Sun are very powerful during the daytime. While stepping out in sun be it for some work or some business lunch or for shopping, always wear good quality goggles. Your eyes are the most delicate part and they need protection from the Sun

    Wear Full Sleeves Clothes

    The ultraviolet rays during summer can tan your body parts that are exposed to Sun. You could get tan and even end up having prickly heat and rashes. Try to wear full sleeves shirts when stepping out in the Sun.

    You can also carry a small umbrella to protect yourself from direct sunlight.

    Make your Room Airy To Beat The Heat

    Your Bedroom is the place where you spent most of the time if you are not in the Kitchen. Try to make some improvement in the room if you don’t have the option of shifting to a lower floor.

    Room with transparent and dark curtain

    Start by increasing the height of the fan from the roof. Everyone knows and it’s not rocket science that hot air moves upward. So by increasing the height of the fan rod will allow the movement of hot air above the fan. You will notice a sublime decrease in your room temperature.

    Try to make changes to your Curtain. You can use double curtains. light shade and fabric for morning and night and for the daytime heavy fabric to avoid penetration of Sun rays in the room.

    If you are using a Summer Cooler for your room make a point to get it serviced. Replace the Grass or the matt inside a cooler. Use an air-exhausting fan to pump out the hot air. Avoid closing windows as your room would then turn into a heated oven.

    Avoid Sitting In Hot Car

    Many a time it happens we park our car in the Sun when we go grocery shopping or visit a doctor or hoping in the mall . When we come back we find that our Car is like a hot oven from inside. At first, instance avoid sitting in the car.

    The reason is when you hop inside a hot car your body is at a different temperature than your car’s inner temperature. This could result in you getting a heat stroke as our body need time to adjust to temperature So what one can do to avoid such a situation

    Here is a short but effective technique once should apply to instantly cool their car before sitting in it. This video is about a Japanese technique to cool off your car and decrease the temperature inside the car.

    Watch the video here

    Know Your Body Cooling Point

    Every individual has a better understanding of their Body. For example, everyone knows where is the ticklish point in their body. Similarly, everyone is aware of the cooling points in their body. Some have a cooling point on the neck, some on their feet some at the wrist, or some at the belly.

    Try locating your body’s cooling point. Place a piece of cloth in the freezer and when you feel the heat is unbearable apply this cloth on your body’s cool point.

    Putting a cold piece of cloth on your face helps you cool faster. You can even try dipping your feet in a tub of cold water.

    At nights when you feel you are not able to sleep due to hot weather try these simple tricks

    • Sprinkle some Rose leaves on your Bed. Roses have a pleasing and soothing Appeal. It creates an illusion of a cool environment on your mind and helps in improving your mood making you feel better.
    • You can Keep your Blanket wrapped in a plastic bag in a freezer section of your freeze. When you are about to sleep use these blankets to get a cooling effect.
    • Store some slices of Cucumber in your fridge. Not only eating cucumber cools off your body but applying cucumber slices on your eyes will help you to reduce the puffiness of the eyes, It will soothe your eyes making you relax faster as eyes are one of the cooling points of Everyone’s body.
     bottle of rose essential oil
    Rose in any form makes you feel cooler

    Conclusion

    See the fact is you cannot control the Sun but you can certainly control your body and your surroundings.

    Ok, now it’s time to have a glass of Nimbu Pani with a load of ice and sit back and relax. don’t forget to comment if you like this piece of work

    Enjoy the Summer !!!

  • This Summer Wear Light Clothes, Stay Comfortable

    This Summer Wear Light Clothes, Stay Comfortable

    Summer has approached. Heatwaves are blowing up and raising the mercury level in India. It becomes really important to decide what to wear this summer. The temperature has just started rising and it will keep on rising till July. People try different things to cool off themselves. Besides drinking plenty of fluids and water to beat the heat one should also wear clothes that are lightweight and make you feel comfortable when you step out in the Sun.

    Unlike in winter where you can wear anything in summer you have to be very careful in deciding on your choice of fabric. As for summer plenty of fabric options are available to beat the heat. So while deciding what to wear this summer one should consider fabrics that are lightweight and breathable. In this article, we will walk you through the fabric to choose from this summer.

    Cotton: Must Have In Summer

    Cotton is best summer wear

    It’s the most versatile fabric. Cotton can be wear throughout the year. It is the all-season favorite fabric but for summer it’s an absolute must-have. Cotton is soft and light.it absorbs the sweat fast making you feel light.

    It is quite breathable and helps in reducing body heat by the flow of air. Cotton is available in almost all colors and patterns. However, there is no comparison to white cotton in summer.

    Cotton clothes do not require much care. However, sometimes color fading does happen in the case of light colors due to sweat.

    Many clothes are made by mixing cotton in adequate quantities. Cotton is available in hand-dyed, digital prints, Pakistani, and in the Lucknow Chikankari. Kurti forms.

    You also have the option to choose from different styles. Cotton can be molded to form Kurtis, Short Kurtis, Sahara Jaipuri Leharia suit, lehenga, Patiala salwar suits, and many styles you can think of.

    Rayon-The Most Comfortable Fabric In Summer

    Girl wears a Rayon dress on hot Summer Day
    Rayon dress embroidery chikhankari

    It is a man-made fabric. Rayon fibers are very delicate and for this reason, its the most breathable fabric in comparison to other man-made fabric.

    Generally, Rayon is used for making sportswear but recently it has been used for making summer clothes. Pure rayon is very delicate and requires care. It is often mixed with other materials like cotton to amplify its durability.

    The contemporary Arts like Chikankari have also started making use of Rayon. Nowadays long Chikankari Kurti with designer Neck is in fashion. Rayon also provides the flexibility to Chikankari Karifar to Use a dark color which is not possible on Rayon or other Fabrics.

    Young women prefer to wear Short Chikankari Kurti over Jeans or jegging in Summer.

    Linen: Wear It With Pride This Summer

    Linen Kurti most bearthable apparel for summer

    The word Linen originates from west Germany and in Latin, it means (linom) ie the name of the flax plant. Linen is made from the fiber of the flax plant. It is made from natural fiber hence it is more breathable.

    It is the oldest fabric known to mankind with significance related to the BIBLE. Linen feels cold when it is touched. It is a smooth fiber and becomes soft on washing.

    linen was initially used to make table cloth, bed sheet, etc due to its durable nature. Nowadays Linen is back in fashion as it is the most breathable fabric. Now women prefer wearing pants made out of linen pairing it with any Kurta.

    Linen is more famous amongst the office goer women as it provides them the elegant looks and they wear it as a luxury item as pure linen is costly

    Linen is super absorvent fabric and it help in maintaing the body temperature during hot and humid climate in India .

    Chambray Fabric: Identical Twin of Denim To Wear This Summer

    Wearing Denim in summer can be quite frustrating as it gets sticking to the body on absorbing moisture. Chambray is often confused as denim. Although it quite similar in terms of texture but it is quite lighter than denim,

    Chambray kurti

    The uniqueness of the fabric in the num of threads used while weaving it. A small thread of cotton is used to make a chambray making it more breathable and lighter than Denim.

    The contemporary use of this fabric is to replace denim during summer. Chambray fabric can be dyed in vibrant color but most people prefer it to dye it in the same shade as denim. In modern days designers use chambray to make products like a crop top, jackets, pants.

    Silk Georgette: Elegant And Stylish Summer Wear Fabric

    girl wearing a silk lehenga

    Georgette is one of the stylish and most feminine fabrics. Silk georgette is used in many creative ways by designer while making clothes. It can be used with any simple T-shirt or Dress to glamorize it.

    If you are feeling a little dull you can wear a classic kimono and you are ready. Silk georgette kimono can be born on the beach too.

    Silk georgette is a light breathable fabric with a flowy nature. It is sheer and translucent. Georgette is a very flowy fabric and has a nice structure and Drape making it the first choice of the designer, particularly for long dresses and Skirts.

    Georgette can be topped on any other fabric and adding more glamour to the outfits. So if you are planning a dress for an evening function you can either drape an Indian Saree or even try a long Gown without worrying about the Rising Mercury and you can add some more degree to the atmosphere with your oomph and style

    Hosiery: The No-Nonsense Fabric for Summer

    Last but not Least Hosiery is a fabric you can always look up to for any casual dress. Be it a simple T-shirt or a short or nightdress hosiery provide you the comfort. You can manage your day by wearing any fabric but to beat the heat in Summer at night you need to have hosiery as your first choice

    Hosiery fabric is very lightweight and sticks to your body giving you the impression that you have nothing heavy on your body. It requires little or no care and hence the best choice for your nightclothes.

    Hosiery Night suit for Summer wear
  • 5 Things Lucknow famous for you will fall in love with.

    5 Things Lucknow famous for you will fall in love with.

    Lucknow or the city of Nawabs as they commonly call has been glorified as the city of Tehjeeb. Apart from this, these are the 5 things Lucknow is famous for that will make you fall in love with this city

    Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh on the banks of River Gomti. On one hand, the city houses both the traditional and cultural heritage dated back to Nawab’s in (the Old Lucknow or Punara Lucknow “) and on the other hand is the new and modern City (Trans Gomti Area).

    Historically also, Lucknow was the capital of the Awadh region. Earlier Delhi’s sultanate ruled the city and later it was the Mughal empire. As a result, Mughal’s then made the Nawab’s of Awadh its ruler. During the Nawab’s rule, the city prospered as a great cultural and artistic hub.

    The Nawab’s were famous for their lavish life and their love for the arts. During their rule, they built many monuments which still stand tall telling their glorious past.

    After Nawab’s, it was the British who took over the charge of the city. The British ruled Lucknow for almost 150 years before India got its freedom. As a result, their architectural style impact can be seen on some buildings in Lucknow

    Chikankaari Work

    Chikankari as the word suggests is a form of embroidery. This art dates back to the Mughal period. The art is now synonymous with Lucknow and is Lucknow’s famous clothes worldwide.

    Originally, it used to be an art of stitching white threads on white cloth. The chikankari artisans engrave the design on the cloth through a needle.

    The variety of fabrics used in chikankari made it popular among users. The comfort of wearing it in summer made muslin the first choice.

    However, nowadays to feed the appetite of the end-user and to meet design complexities cotton, mulmul, georgette, chiffon, and even rayon are also used.

    Firstly, You can find the hub of shops in the Chowk area of the old city. Secondly, you can also visit Ameenabad Bazaar for good quality chikan work Kurtas for Men. If you are an art lover and looking for the premium range you can visit ADA Chikan at Hazrat Ganj. You can also visit Sewa chikan at Kalidas Marg.

    To sum up, You Can Also See the Collection of Chikankari Work by Clicking Here

    Architecture

    Old heritage monuments of Lucknow have a huge impact on Mughal architecture and British on their architectural style. Most of the prominent buildings were built by the Nawab’s as they had a great love for arts and culture. Some of the prominent sites worth visiting in Lucknow are:

    Bara Imambara made Lucknow famous worldwide

    Bara Imambara is situated in the Hussainabad area of old Lucknow. Imambara was built by Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula in the year 1794. The main objective behind constructing this building was to provide jobs. A feminine struck in 1780 and to fight the feminine the Nawab proposed the construction of the building.

    Lucknow famous Asafi Masjid
    asafi masjid in Lucknow Bara Imam bara Compund

    It is said that normal labor uses to construct the building during the daytime. And, at night, the elite people were employed to demolish it. It took some 14 years to complete the construction.

    The complex house an Asafi masjid named after Asaf-ud Daula, a bhool bhullya (labyrinth), and a bowli (a well full of fresh water for bathing).

    The central hall of the ImamBara is one of the world’s largest roofs built without any support of pillars, iron, or wood.

    Roomi Gate or Rumi Darwaza

    Built-in 1784 stand a tall 18-meter high entrance adjacent to Bara Imambara is Rumi Darwaza.

    During famines, the highly esteemed people of Lucknow refused to take patronage from the royal treasury. After that Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula decided to build it under the work for food or money Program.

    The building stands in the midst of the busy road and marks as an entry to the old city. The massive gate structure takes inspiration from bab- e- Humayun in Istanbul turkey

    Rumi gate is now the official image of Lucknow. You can easily identify it from the Lucknow metro rail Logo or from the Lucknow Mahotsav logo.

    The Residency

    Lucknow is also famous for British Residency and for the tragic event that took place here. The residency or the British residency is a group of buildings. British used it as a residential complex at that time. The residency is located in the heart of Lucknow city. Now only the remains of the ruined building’s exits

    About 2000 British residents were burnt alive during the revolt of 1857. There are graves of 2000 men women and children near the ruined church. The shot of canon and bullets can still be seen today.

    the light show is held in the evening daily to highlight the incident of that era

    Tehjeeb

    Once two old passengers were traveling from Lucknow to somewhere. As The Train arrived at the Platform, Everyone started rushing towards the gate to board the train. The two old men stood calmly waiting for the mob to subside.As the situation became normal:

    The first old man said to the fellow man “Pehle Aap “. The second man replied, ” jee pehle Aap”. This kept on going for 10 min and the engine started. Someone from inside the train shouted

    Are Chacha train per chad jaiye .kahin aapke pehle aap pehle aap ke chakkar me train Na chhoot jaye.

    Well, this was on the lighter note but in real life too you will find people in Lucknow to be very subtle and well cultured. They carry on the old patronage of Nawabi culture and speak in a low tone. People carry warmth in nature and are willing to help people. The older generation of people till today have very high esteem. To begin with, This goes back to nawabi era where even during the famines the people of Lucknow reused to take patronage from the royal treasury.

    Lucknow famous food is Tundey Kebab’s for sure

    Tundey in the local language means a person with a disability of hand. Haji Murad Ali, the founder of Tundey kabab, lost his hand while flying a kite. He had a great love for cooking.

    They say once an old Nawab who could not eat hard meat as he had lost all his teeth. So he decided to run a contest for cooking kebab that he could eat. So in that Contest, Hazi Murad Ali prepared such soft and mouth-watering kebabs that could melt in the mouth. He eventually end up winning that contest and this is how Tunday Kebabi was formed.

    Today one can surely say that Lucknow’s famous food is Tunday ke kabab.

    The secret recipes of these mouth-watering kebabs ran through generations. The original store started from the chowk area and still serves its customers from there

    People who want to avoid the hustle and traffic of old town can visit Ameenabad. Here you can enjoy the same taste with the comfort of fine dining

    They Say


    Agar lucknow aaye aur tundey ke kabab nhi kahaye toh kya khaak lucknow aaye

    Tundey Kababi today has many outlets in and around Lucknow. Above all, they also have a franchise in some major cities of India

    Dassheri Mangoes: Lucknow famous Sweet

    Everyone loves to eat mangoes. In northern India, they call mango a KING of fruits. Lucknow is famous for its dassheri mangoes

    Mangoes are grown on thousands of acres of land in Malihabad. Firstly, Malihabadi mangoes or Dussheri Aam are world-famous for their taste. Secondly, the key feature of dussheri is the soft and smoothie pulp. In addition, When fully riped an individual dusseri can weigh approximately 500 gms.

    The government awarded Hazi Kaleemullah with Padmshri for growing different variety of mangoes in his bagh’s. He has grown around 300 different varieties of mangoes on a single tree. People call him the “Mango Man” in the local area.

    Daawat-e-Aam or mango parties are common in Malihabad. Even government arranges mango festivals to promote the growth of mangoes in the region.

    Ghalib,the famous poet wrote

    Rut Aam ki aaye aur na ho Yaar
    Jee apna hai kisi rut se bazaar

    Beside this Lucknow is also famous for

    #baradari,#qaiserbagh,#charbagh,#begum Hazrat mahal # Vidhasabha ,#kakori #zoo #Ekana Stadium

    Hope you like the article interesting and informative. Please comment or share your feedback so we can improve

    Disclaimer: The information contained in the article is for informational use. It is based on the personal experience of the author. In no way can this information be treated as Advice. Use your due diligence for exploring more about the City mentioned in this piece of article.