Howrah, West Bengal

Panchla zari-embroidered sarees and suits

Zari (metallic thread) embroidery is the pride of Panchla block in Howrah district, where the district administration counts over 50,000 skilled artisans. The craft is concentrated in Panchla, Chara Panchla, Beldubi, Biki-hakola and Jujarsah, and the finished sarees, salwar suits and lehengas travel to markets in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi and Hyderabad. Local works such as Jahangir Zari Works have been producing pure-zari, hand-embroidered sarees and suits since the 1980s. Buyers get hand-embroidered festive wear sourced close to the workshops.

Typical price: ₹500-15000

Buying tip: Check whether the zari is pure gold thread or imitation and whether the embroidery is hand done; Panchla works take direct orders for custom designs and colours.