All You Need To Know About Phulkari Art of Punjab

The Phulkari Art of Punjab

Salwar suits and Sarees are considered to be the ethnic dress of India and to compliment it more beautifully; each state has its way of playing with colours, designs and Embroidery. This blog brings one such dressing style known as Phulkari Embroidery into the limelight and sharing the history of Phulkari and types of Phulkari embroidery.

Let’s know the culture of Punjab;

What Is Phulkari?

Image credits- TribuneIndia

Phulkari means “flower work”, which is an embroidery of Punjab, the State in India. Spun from Charkha, the Embroidery is patterned on Chunris, Odhnis, Shawls and even Kurtas and Suits. Phulkari for Punjabis is an emotion that reflects the folk culture of the place. Women contemplate Phulkari as their pride and preserve their culture for generations.

Phulkari Embroidery History

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We all have heard of the romantic story of Heer – Ranjha that is folklore of Punjab by Waris Shah. The Phulkari has its mention in the story and got introduced in India by the Jatt people who were migrants from Central Asia. The technique of Punjab embroidery is not documented, but we’re carried forward orally. It has evidence of existing back in the 15th century where Phulkaris reflected women’s lives. Embroidery has an association with Sikh heritage.
The Embroidery is made by stitching patterns to the wrong side of the cloth with silk thread. The artwork was mainly done by the women, as it was amongst the routine, an earning source and creativity show-off.

Types of Phulkari

The Phulkari embroidery has various types;
Bagh
Chope and Subhar
Sainchi
Chhamaas
Tilpatra

Bagh

Bagh is a type of Phulkari you’ll get to see in Peshawar, Sialkot, Jhelum and Rawalpindi, now a part of Pakistan. Bagh Phulkari in a cloth material hides the background colour of the cloth. Bagh means “Garden”, and the Embroidery is similar to its name. You cannot guess the colour of the chunri due to its heavy Embroidery.

Chope and Subhar

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Unlike Bagh and Phulkari, where many colour combinations are seen, the Chope and Subhar are embroidered with only yellow or golden yellow thread. Usually, only the borders are embroidered and are gifted to a daughter by her grandmother during her wedding as a symbol of a new beginning. You can find these in Haryana, India.

Sainchi

Image Credits- artsy

These Phulkari holds jewellery designs such as rugs, necklaces, earrings and even birds can be seen. Sainchi Phulkaris can be worn regularly and found in Ferozpur.

Chhamaas

Image Credits- iampunjaabi

Chhamaas are the Phulkari with mirror work on it mainly sewed with grey, blue and yellow colour thread. This phulkari can be worn regularly, and you can even flaunt it on any occasion. It works for both.

Tilpatra

Tilpatra means “Sprinkling seeds”, and the phulkaris have patterns of sesame seeds spread all over the chunri. This one is perfect for the gathering and parties.

Phulkari Embroidery in the Modern world

Image Credits- architecturaldigest

Phulkari of Punjab is globally famous; people through social media are attracted to the culture and dressings. Various platforms are now shipping these handicrafts to other countries. The vibrant colours and designs are the basic things in Phulkari but possess high qualities that unite two different nations.

We may neglect our culture and adopt stylish outfits, but our ethnicity makes us look elegant and beautiful. Phulkari work is one such art that spreads the aroma of Punjab to the entire country. Do let us know about your regional handicraft and do you use them in your lifestyle?