Embroidery of Haryana

Haryana embroidery is one of the major sources of income for various communities of Haryana. The  most significant embroidery centres are located in the Kaithal area. Embroidered fabrics retain their age-old social values and have unique significance as parting gifts given to the bride at her wedding.

The mor-morni (peacock and peahen) and lotus, with paisley and floral designs, are common motifs. Phulkari is one of Haryana’s most well-known embroidery techniques. This embroidery work is used to create a Kashmiri shawl offshoot. Though this shawl is a derivative of the Kashmiri shawl, the dexterity and the artisans’ use of vibrant colours has distinguished the item. This ‘phulkari’ embroidery work is done by the local women of this state. The women of the household begin embroidering ‘phulkari’ after the birth of their daughter and present the item at her wedding.