The culture of Amritsar has always pivoted around its folk customs, embracing all that is rural and adds value to the traditional way of life. Along with its rich cuisine, colourful attire, joyous dance and lilting music, it takes just pride in the skillfully created handicrafts it has long been famous for.

Amritsar: Strategically located on the Silk Route, Amritsar region’s wealth is reflected in its carved havelis (mansions), expensive textiles, delicately embroidered shawls, woolen carpets, zardozi (embroidery), ivory carving and inlay, lac decorated bedposts and elegant palm leaf fans.

Amritsar traded silks, shawls and horses from Afghanistan and Central Asia long before shawl and carpet weaving were promoted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.phulkari He set up galeecha workshops under the supervision of skilled Kashmiri weavers who migrated to Amritsar when it became part of the Sikh Empire. The availability of quality wool from the neighbouring hill states lent impetus to this craft, allowing for exceptionally fine hand-knotted woolen carpets. Even today a cluster of villages, notably Konke, Tapiyala, Lopoke, Rajsansi , Kot Khalsa and Chugawan, continue to produce these geometrically patterned pile carpets. The metal workers of Amritsar are renowned for their skill. The old city of Amritsar consists of a number of katras (zones) and mandis (markets) where a variety of businesses are still conducted. For silversmiths visit the Sarafan Bazaar, and for all things metallic – engraved brass doors, kalash (vessel) and chattar (umbrella) for temples, the Kesarian Bazaar is your answer.