A State-Wise Shopping Spree? Dakshinapan’s Got You

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When you enter Dakshinapan Shopping Complex, you'll notice that it's caught between the old and the new, trapped in a similar generational time warp. The Dakshinapan Shopping Centre in Kolkata is a must-see if you're a shopping enthusiast and you're in the city by chance. Yes, there are 141 stores run by individuals involved in Indian handicrafts at the grassroots level, and each store is operated by a different state government in India.

The stores have one-of-a-kind mementoes and artefacts that are worth giving as gifts. For those who dislike crowds, this outdoor cultural and shopping complex is the perfect destination. Do you need a unique present or an interesting memento? Visit Dakshinapan. Now, here are our top picks!

Panthoibi

This is a Meghalayan-style handicraft and clothing business. A store selling traditional Manipuri handlooms and crafts, including elaborately woven Mekhela Chadors, scarves, and clothing with tribal influences. Fabrics are typically woven using the Loom, Throw Shuttle Loom, and Fly Shuttle Loom. The main yarns used are wool, silk, and cotton. It really makes you pause and look. You'll find Kauna crafts, which include pillows and mats made from a unique reed and are currently in high demand worldwide. In addition to wood carving, textile weaving, stone carving, and hand embroidery, which continue to thrive with ageless talent, you can also purchase coloured coiled ceramics that display profound cultural roots.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays

Contact: 033 24237590

Price: INR 500 onwards

Google Rating: 5/5

Kalap

Readymade blouses in prints featuring geometrical shapes, flowers, checks, stripes, abstract designs and more. You will find blouses made from tussar silk and cotton, featuring designer necklines, here. Shopping for a wedding? Go for their designer wear blouses in brocade with kalamkari. If you have daily wear on your mind, then pick the casual blouses in pastel and bold shades with stylish necklines. Believe me, I once bought a black blouse and paired it with every saree I own.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays

Contact: 098313 26541

Price: INR 200 onwards

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Aranya

Head to Aranya in Dakhsinapan — bags, coasters, notepads, quirky cups; they have something for everyone. Their bags incorporate cotton and small details in leather. The prints range from pretty flowers with kantha stitch to smart indigo-printed ones, to handbound, bespoke notebooks with interesting covers featuring fabric, art, and images of the city, which make great gifts for people who enjoy putting pen to paper. Handpainted enamelware plates and mugs. They're made with a base of metal and covered with a glass-like material called porcelain enamel. Pick up handpainted wooden earrings for INR 100. The dresses, tops & shirts come in a range of quirky and traditional handprinted varieties. The designs are fun and colourful, and can be mixed and matched to be worn for both casual and formal occasions.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM

Contact: 098741 60270

Price: INR 100 onwards

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Mohar

Every saree is a work of poetry in and of itself, expressing the many shades and emotions. The sarees are an amalgam of dignity and vitality, heritage and modernity. Because of its modest prominence, each saree's elegance will always stand out in the crowd. Mohar has consistently upheld its unwavering standards for excellence. One will wish to wear the cotton sarees repeatedly because of their exquisite draping. We highly recommend you try Mohar on your visit.

Timing: 11 AM - 7:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact:  09002094047

Price: INR 1,999 onwards

Google Rating: 4.3/5

Gurjari

You will pause and marvel at the Garvi Gurjari Handloom store's display of Gujarati culture. Experience the treasure of legacy through handcrafted items and magnificent textiles. Each piece embodies the spirit of legacy, whether it be intricately woven or a handmade treasure. The decor pieces are absolutely amazing! If you're looking for sarees, Bandhani, Patola, and Gharchola are among the most popular options. And, of course, do not miss out on the colourful Bandhani dupattas! 

Timing: 10:30 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact: 033 2423 7117

Price: INR 700 onwards

Google Rating: 3/5

Rajasthali

Kolkatans love this incredible store! How can you forget it? Everything that draws people in about Rajasthan is available at Rajasthali Rajasthan Emporium, including jewellery, traditional attire, puppets, and much more. This emporium showcases Rajasthani artisans and their handicrafts. Rajasthani hand-printed quilts, linen and sarees. This showroom offers a variety of items, including junk jewellery, costumes, artistic pieces to improve the aesthetics of your home, and idols made of brass, wood, and stone. Does it have a high price tag? Yes, but trust us—it's among the nicest things and well worth the cost!

Timing: 10 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact: 03324237085

Price: INR 500 onwards

Google Rating: 4/5

Mrignayani

They offer a wide range of textiles and other goods, and their products are of exceptionally high quality, ranging from clothing to furnishings. You'll have to have a bigger budget if you want to buy sarees from Mrignayani. If you're searching for a one-stop shop, this store is worth checking out. It is a government emporium of Madhya Pradesh that operates efficiently with a commercial mindset. Their excellent collection of sarees and garment materials features Chanderis, Mangalgiri, Gadwal, and Tussars. They also have jewellery made of pure silver that is ethnic in style. Home decor products, dupattas, designer blouses, kurtis, and knick-knacks are also available here.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact: 09874743568

Price: INR 3,499 onwards

Google Rating: 4.4/5

Dolly's — The Tea Shop

Shopping requires energy, especially while you're in Dakshinapan. You'd want a place where you can just relax for a few hours, eat meals that aren't too heavy, drink a cup of chai and just soak in the weather and everything around you. There is no better place than Dolly's. India's first female tea taster opened her own tea business in Kolkata in 1988. Dolly Roy, who goes by Dolly, launched Dolly's – The Tea Shop inside Dakshinapan. Try raw tea, particularly Darjeeling tea without milk, also referred to as liquor cha in the community. It is tea made with tea leaves. The Mango Tango if the heat is rushing to your head! You can also purchase tea to take home. With vintage, retro music playing in the background, the atmosphere is terrific. There is something for everyone, including herbal infusions, speciality blends, and black and green teas.

Must-Try Food: Ham Sandwiches, Pasta, Fish Fry, Salads

Timing: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Price: INR 500 for two

Contact: 03324236445

Google Rating: 3.8/5

Phulkari

The Phulkari store is here to deliver Desi glam with a dash of tradition, straight from the Punjab government. Everything from coats to kurtis and purses to pillowcases and dupattas has the iconic Phulkari embroidery. And you know what? Beyond the typical basics, their store in Kolkata provides a ton more. It combines fashion with folkcore. Silk, georgette, raw silk, cotton, and other materials sourced from Patiala and Jalandhar are used for both light and heavy phulkari work. Phulkari totes, slings, and handbags are designed to add flair to even the most basic outfits, and Ludhiana shawls are also stunning. The boutique has a large selection of both machine-made and hand-stitched products, including blankets from Amritsar and woodwork handicrafts from Hoshiarpur and Mohali.

Timing: 11 AM - 7:30 PM

Contact:  03324237798

Price: INR 300 onwards

Google Rating: 4.7/5

Deepak Stores

Trying on different colours and textures and getting suggestions have long been crucial components of purchasing lipstick, perfume, or nail polish. We must see, smell, and feel! If you need to go on a beauty buying spree but are on a tight budget, visit Deepak Stores. We mean it when we say that this store has it all. 

Timing: 10:30 AM - 8 PM

Contact: +919007822067

Price: As per the beauty brands you purchase

Google Rating: NA

Lepakshi

The one-stop shop you didn't realise you needed in Dakshinapan is Lepakshi Handicrafts, all the way from Andhra Pradesh. Handcrafted metal pieces that appear like they belong in an art gallery, stunning Madanapalli needlework, and Kalamkari from Pedana and Machilipatnam. From wooden toys, musical instruments, bamboo and palm-leaf goods, stone carvings, leather and Kalamkari paintings, and even original Tanjore art. Lepakshi is calling if you enjoy earthy aesthetics, rich textiles, and pieces with a narrative.

Timing: 10:30 AM - 7:30 PM

Contact:  09831222511

Price: INR 500 onwards

Google Rating: 4.1/5

Pragjyotika

Assamese handicrafts at reasonable costs. The way the Assam tea is packaged will wow you. There are several gamcha, handicrafts, jewellery holders, elephant idols, silk sarees, and the distinctive Assamese hats. Mekhla Chadar of silk and cotton, Thogi, Xorai, and Jaapi are all reasonably priced wooden single-horn rhinos of varying sizes. Red, green, purple, orange, white, yellow, and brown are other common colours in addition to the classic beige and red combo of Mekhla Chadar. Don't forget to include the Naga shawl on your list. Ayurvedic items, pickles, and Assamese honey are also available here.

Timing: 11 AM - 7 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact: 03324237873

Price: INR 100 onwards

Google Rating: 3.3/5

Lucknow Chikan Factory

One of the very few chikan-only stores in Kolkata, they not only retail but also wholesale. So you can imagine the kind of variety in terms of the collection here. Try their kurtis in colours ranging from orange, blue, white, light yellow, red and pink, among others. You will have similar options when it comes to long dresses. The rich legacy of Lucknow is reflected in each artwork. The designs are classic yet modern, the stitching is tidy, and the fabric quality is excellent. The staff's patience and assistance make the shopping experience easy and delightful. This is the perfect spot to add a touch of class to your clothing. Strongly suggested for genuine Lucknowi charm!

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM. Closed on Sundays

Contact: +9190734 32946

Price: INR 2,500 onwards

Google Rating: NA

Utkalika

The sandstone work is outstanding and the granite statues will prompt you to pause and take in life. These are stunning and remarkable crafts from the state of Odisha. There are countless handicrafts around, ranging from paintings to sculptures—you name it, they have it. Cuttack ornaments with silver filigree. Various kinds of Oriya clothing, particularly cotton garments. This shop offers cotton sarees of Bomkai, Nuapatna, and Sambalpuri.

Timing: 11 AM - 7:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact:  03324237118

Price: INR 495 onwards

Google Rating: 4.1/5

Poompuhar

You will be spoilt for choice here. Most of the state emporia sell rugs, curtains, and bed linens in various local designs. You'll find these with colourful geometric patterns at Poompuhar, the Tamil Nadu emporium. Before you pick one up, figure out where you will put it – if it will be a rug in a high-traffic area, such as an entrance hall, then look for bold prints and durability, and consider the scale of the room. Using brass objets d'art is another décor concept that can create a remarkable look for your home. Prices are in line with those of government-run stores, and the product assortment matches that of their Chennai and Coimbatore locations.

Timing: 11 AM - 9 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact: 033 2423 7028

Price: INR 500 onwards

Google Rating: 4.6/5

Cauvery

They provide a fantastic assortment of sandalwood products as well as incense sticks. They also have paintings and sculptures. Handicrafts from the tribal and traditional Kannada regions are on exhibit and offered for sale at very affordable prices. You can purchase metalware, lacquerware, paintings, sandalwood, perfumes, rosewood items, Bidriware, and Shivani products. Cauvery Emporium is the ideal place to visit if you're looking to give your home a fresh new touch. Don't miss out on sandalwood bags and incense sticks. Last but not least, the Mysore sandal soap!

Timing: 11 AM - 7 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact: 08179131796

Price: INR 700 onwards

Google Rating: 4/5

Biswa Bangla

In addition to sarees and kurtis, you may also get shirts and tunics made from classic Jamdani, Santipuri, and Baluchari. Bring some light to our country's rural craftspeople. Instead of buying off-the-rack, commercialised presents, visit Biswa Bangla to purchase goods made by artisans. Products in their hampers range from Bolpur's wooden owls to Chitpur's attar and Bishnupur's dokra. And don't forget to buy a jar of nolen gur; taste some sandesh on your way out! 

Timing: 10 AM - 8:30 PM

Contact: 083369 96169

Price: INR 100 onwards

Google Rating: 3.9/5

Rajdhani Chaat

This store sells crispy kachori filled with spiced potatoes, masala chole, and sprouts. It's big, bold, and full of flavour. Then the exciting part begins! Chaat masala, fresh onions, coriander, juicy pomegranate, crisp sev, tangy tamarind and mint chutneys, and creamy dahi are all garnished with a dash of chilli and cumin. Rajdhani Chaat is a popular spot for quick snacks.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM

Price: INR 200 - INR 350

Tant Ghar

One of Dakshinapan's trustworthy clothing retailers. Their personnel behave well, and they have a good collection. They help you find what's best for you. A good selection of reasonably priced women's sarees, kurtis, and salwar suits. They also have highly distinctive bed linens and tant bedsheets! Handwoven cotton from West Bengal with traditional borders, checks, and stripes.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM

Contact: 033 2423 7617

Price: INR 999 onwards

Google Rating: 4.2/5

Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan

This is a pleasant location to purchase khadi clothing and other items. Due to its tiny size and frequent overcrowding, one must contend with the issue of space. During national events, the store offers a 15% discount on all items. Khadi Gramadyog Bhavan offers you the chic list at such affordable costs that you'll enjoy, and Dakshinapan is a great spot for buying if you require the most enthralling selections.

Timing: 11 AM - 8 PM

Contact:  033 24237582

Price: INR 500 onwards

Google Rating: 4.1/5

Dakshinapan Shopping Complex

The Dakshinapan Shopping Complex remains closed on Sundays. On Mondays, they open at 2:30 PM, and the stores operate daily between 11 AM and 8 PM. And if you're already done exploring all the states across the shopping complex, pick up a cane rocking chair, a writing desk with intricate artwork or a gramophone. Dakshinapan features interesting Art Deco pieces, beautiful mirrors, and a tasteful selection of furniture, all of which can be discovered in various non-state shops as well.

Timing: Mondays, 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday; 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Closed on Sundays.

Contact: 082408 62715

Google Rating: 4.3/5

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26. Obsessed with all things food, art, culture, travel, fashion and trends. Sometimes, I love the luxe version of life too.