Phulkari

Phulkari is an embroidery form of Punjab. Phulkari meaning flower work is a spectacular style of embroidery peculiar to this region and has become an essential part of celebrations. Almost every ceremony in which women participate, there will be colours of Phulkari Work. Traditionally they were embroidered by the women for their own use and use of other family members. The women gathered during their leisure hours, usually in the afternoons and while having chit-chats their hands would move on making beautiful Phulkaris. The art was thus transferred from mother to daughter and the art of Phulkari continued to flourish.

Tracing the history of Phulkari, some scholars feel that the art of Phulkari came from Iran where it is known as "Gulkari". Another stream says that the art came from Central Asia who migrated to India and settled in Punjab, Haryana and Gujarat. This tradition art is more geographical specific rather than religion, as it is practiced by the Sikhs, Muslims and the Hindus.

In Phulkari work, the designs and motifs are an expression of the embroiderer's thoughts and aspirations and hence the patterns of drawing and embroidery can vary and include subjects like birds, animals, inanimate objects, etc. Another peculiarity of this embroidery is that no two Phulkaris are alike. Phulkaris are now also exported as wall hangings, jackets etc.