Zari Zardozi Embroidery of Old Delhi

The markets of the Old City of Delhi comprise many narrow streets packed with little shops. Each street has its specialisation.

The search for zari zardozi embroidery leads to Kinari Bazar, one such locality.

A leading supplier for inputs for zari embroidery is Bombay Beads Centre, a sprawling showroom for all types of beads and sequins.

It is said to be Asia’s largest shop of this kind. Amongst its clientele are some of the top names in the Indian fashion industry.

The majority of the shops that sell embroidery supplies are small speciality stores, like this one.

In the picture is Suhel-ud-din at Saad Handicrafts. He sells different types of beads and metallic wires.

Reels of metallic thread used for zari work.

Bundles of golden ribbons called 'gota'. This is used to embellish and emphasise zari embroidery.

Sequins being weighed out for a customer.

Kanika, a sales executive at Fancy Lace Collection, a wholesaler and retailer for various kinds of lace and edging.

Her customers are mostly owners of boutiques and workshops that get garments made.

Kinari Bazar, apart from being the place for sourcing supplies for zari embroidery, is also the go-to destination for various kinds of marriage supplies.

Here, a customer looks at wedding stationery and ritual items for an approaching family wedding.

Accessories made of zari on display. These are attached as tassels and ornaments to festive clothes.

Even footwear with zardozi embroidery for the groom can be sourced here.

A woman examines a heavily embroidered garment on display. It has been modelled on the wedding dress of a celebrity from Indian cinema.

Rajinder Nath Chotey Lal, one of the many show rooms in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, is famous for its wedding wear. The store next door specialises in wedding jewellery.

The typical arrangement in a traditional cloth store. The family in the picture has flown across from Sri Lanka to do their wedding shopping in Old Delhi.

Many bridal wear shops are changing to a more modern appearance, although the traditional way of serving the customer is retained.

A new-look bridal store. Behind the shining glass windows are mannequins in fashionable cuts, often in colours that depart from the absolutely traditional. Old Delhi’s wedding market has something to suit every taste.

Read more about Zari Zardozi of Old Delhi here :

- In Search of Zari Zardozi in the Streets of Old Delhi
- Embroidery with Metallic Threads