We all like picking up stuff from state emporiums for two reasons: Fair pricing and authentic stuff. What you won’t find in most handicraft stores, you’ll probably get here (and sourced directly from artisans too!). So, we went on a chase to get you the best of these emporiums, and here’s what we have.
PS: The state emporiums complex is on the Baba Kharak Singh Marg, and is open all days of the week. The nearest metro station is Rajiv Chowk on the yellow/blue line
Spanning three floors, Ambapali brings the best of Bihar (minus the food). Expect intricate Madhubani paintings (starting as low as INR 100) which might be worth browsing through if you’re looking to introduce new elements into your home.
There is also a world of fabrics to choose from. This is where you could score colourful billowy dupattas with prints of birds, animals, and tribal people. If you’re looking for a gift for the man in your life, the pristine white ties (priced at just INR 90) might be worth your while. Our personal favourite here however, was a fabric with anchors and neon orange sailboat prints.
Price: INR 50 onwards
Just like Delhi is a mish-mash pot of various Indian cultures, so is the emporium. Expect everything from Punjabi suits, Benarasi saris, handbags to various handicrafts in wood and marble like statues of deities. Like the rest of the emporiums, it’s a great spot to head to when you’re looking for gifts. The miniature magnetic travel chess board we bought is proof.
Price: Starting at INR 250
The Kashmir state emporium has a pretty comprehensive (but expensive) collection of pashminas, kani, aari and chinons. If you’re looking for some exquisite paper mache boxes, along with carved wooden lamp stands and furniture, we’d wholeheartedly recommend the spot. Who doesn’t love a carved wooden Chinar pattern on walnut to cheer up their home?
The shawls and firans are perfect for the winters but we’re pretty sure you’ll find some regular cottons too. They even have those famous Kashmiri embroidered kurtas and short tops, and the hats too. In the basement floor, you'll find an extensive collection of hand-woven carpets, ranging from INR 5,000 to over 10 lacs!
Price: INR 150 upwards
Gurjari, to begin with, looks gorgeous, with a mirror studded store-front and pretty carvings on the walls. With stunning Kutch work brightening up the insides of the store, Gurjari brings you tie and dye clothes, mirror-work that will blind you with its bling, and colourful Kutchi work that you absolutely must have as yokes, blouses, and jackets.
And did we mention? They also have furniture sets and the most beautiful upholstery in these.
Price: INR 100 onwards
From saris for your mother (Paithanis, Narayanpaiths and the nine-yard Nauvari) to Kolhapur jewels, Bidriware and Warli paintings, Maharashtra is where it’s all at. We’re bookmarking this for last-minute shopping for the special women in our lives. We especially loved the painted wooden jewellery boxes that reside in the basement. Not only are they handy (lots of partitions and a secure lock), they’re also pretty well-priced.
Price: Starting at INR 300
The Rajasthan Emporium is as colourful as one would expect it to be! As you walk in, the place is loaded with idols of various Hindu gods and goddesses, and there's a separate section for silver jewellery too. You'll find lots of designs, such as jhumkas, earrings, bracelets studded with semi-precious stones, and even some gold-plated stuff.
On the first and second floors, you'll find suits and saris, jaipuri jackets, bed linen, and jaipuri rajais too.
Price: INR 250 onwards.
Apart from the suit fabrics and saris, what we loved the most at this one was the traditional Assamese attire that you can purchase here. Even the saris here come with the traditional embroidery of the state, and you'll see a lot of thread-work stoles too.
They also have artifacts and tribal handicrafts available.
Price: Fabric starting at INR 200
The Odisha emporium is a redecoration heaven, honestly. They have tons and tons of furniture made out of wood and straw, that will definitely add a touch of uniqueness to your home. They also have beautiful partitions made of wood with engravings on them. If you're a bit boho at heart, then you should check out their beaded rope partitions that can be put up on door frames.
They also have so many designs in Orissa's famous Ikat and Pochampally Ikat woven fabrics and saris too. We suggest you check those out as well.
Price: Fabric starting at INR 300
Please note: When we visited the emporium, part of it was under construction, however, it was still functional. The construction work should be completed in a few months.
Pretty silk saris and banarasi dupattas galore, this state emporium store is a must-visit if you're looking to shop for some pretty designs at great prices. You'll also find some pure brocade fabrics here, and since it's all handmade, you don't have to worry abut the authenticity either.
We really loved their collection of saris. While you're here, also keep an eye out for the pretty home decor items that they have on display, if you're looking to add a little bling and colour to your home.
Price: Silk saris starting at INR 2000
There are also a few stores in the area that source handicrafts from the various tribes and traditional artisans all over the country. Here are a few that you shouldn't miss:
From pretty shawls to vintage handicrafts, this tiny store has everything handmade. We suggest you keep this one in mind if you're looking to upgrade the interiors in your house, or redecorating your home.
Price: Home decor items starting at INR 300
This store has a crazy variety of handmade jewellery in semi-precious stones. We especially loved the bracelets and anklets. They also have a ton of fabrics and suits, so it's kind of a one-stop shop.
Price: Jewellery starting at INR 300
You should definitely visit this store if you love everything handmade. From the kurtas and shirts, to jewellery and keychains, everything in this store is handmade. You'll also find lots of vintage coin jewellery with ghunghroo embellishments, which we simply loved (rings were priced at INR 300).
Price: Jewellery starting at INR 100
Honestly, it doesn't even matter if you're not an ethnic wear or a sari person, this store will turn you into one. The monochrome block-printed cotton saris here have our heart, and are perfect for those who like simple yet unique things.
Price: Cotton saris starting at INR 1000
