HOW CHIKANKARI CLOTHES ARE MADE
*Steps of Chikankari with Urdu Lafz*
1. *Designing the Pattern (Naqsha Taraashi)*
The journey begins with creating a design, often inspired by nature—flowers, leaves, and vines. The design is carefully drawn on tracing paper, and small holes are punched along the lines.
- *Shukriya:* "Ustaad ke haathon se nikla har naqsha, fikr-o-mehnat ka aaina hai."
(Every design that emerges from the artisan’s hands is a mirror of their thought and hard work.)
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2. *Transferring the Design (Chhapai)*
The design is transferred onto the fabric by dusting ink or chalk powder through the holes. This step requires precision and a steady hand.
- *Shukriya:* "Har lehar, har lakeer, ustaad ki mohabbat se bhari hai."
(Every wave, every line, is filled with the artisan’s love.)
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3. *Embroidery (Kaari)*
This is the heart of Chikankari. Using a needle and thread, the artisans create magic with stitches like bakhiya, phanda, murri, and jaali. Each stitch tells a story of patience and skill.
- *Shukriya:* "Har silai, har taar, dil se nikla ek pyaar ka tohfa hai."
(Every stitch, every thread, is a gift of love from the heart.)
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4. *Washing and Finishing (Dhulai aur Aakhri Jamaai)*
Once the embroidery is complete, the fabric is washed to remove any traces of the design. It is then pressed and finished to give it a polished look.
- *Shukriya:* "Dhul kar bhi ye kaam chamakta hai, jaise mehnat ka noor kabhi dhalta nahi."
(Even after washing, this work shines, as the light of hard work never fades.)
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5. *Final Touches (Aakhri Jhaank)*
The final product is inspected for perfection. Any loose threads are trimmed, and the fabric is prepared to be worn or sold.
- *Shukriya:* "Har jhaank, har nazar, is kaam ko aur bhi khoobsurat banaati hai."
(Every glance, every look, makes this work even more beautiful.)
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*A Gratitude Note (Shukriya ka Ehsaas)*
Chikankari is not just fabric; it’s the result of countless hours of hard work, love, and dedication by the artisans. Let’s take a moment to appreciate their efforts:
**"Ustaad ke haathon ka ye karishma,
Har taar mein basa hai pyaar ka darma.
Shukriya unka, jo is hunar ko zinda rakhte hain,
Chikankari ki rooh ko hum tak pahunchate hain."**
*(The miracle of the artisan’s hands,
Every thread is filled with the essence of love.
Thank you to those who keep this art alive,
And bring the soul of Chikankari to us.)*
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Chikankari is a testament to the beauty of human creativity and tradition. Let’s cherish it with gratitude and love. 🌸💖