A Shopping List For Your Next Visit To Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is one of India’s most colourful cities. It is unlikely not to come across beautiful souvenirs and heritage crafts that you would not want to take back home from this UNESCO-recognised historic city. From vibrant Badhnis and the revolutionary Khadi to the wonderful lacquered toys, here are our top picks to buy when in Ahmedabad. 

 

 

These elegant and colourful sarees that make quite an impression with their sheen were originally made in Patan, located approximately two hours from Ahmedabad. Yet you can get your hands on them even in the bustling city. The famous and always crowded Dhalgarwad Market in Khadia is known for housing the best finds. 

 

 

For Indians, Khadi means much more than just a fabric. It symbolises struggle, courage, and devotion to the motherland and its freedom. However, even though Khadi’s significance has become a tale of yore, if you are in Ahmedabad, you must select a few kurtas, tops, sarees or trousers made of Khadi. 

 

 

The artisans of Gujarat are known for making the most beautiful and colourful handcrafted wooden toys and bangles, in addition to dandiyas. Although they are created initially by artisans in small towns like Sankheda, Idar and Nirona, you can find heaps of them across the many street markets in Ahmedabad as well. 

 

 

 

If there is anything you should leave with, it is these gorgeous tie-dyed colourful materials with a crushed finish. They usually come in bright colours, such as pink, orange and green, and look beautiful when worn as a stole, dupatta or saree. There are many boutiques in the city where you can find your favourite. 

 

 

The ritualistic Kalamkari painting, known as Mata-ni-pachedi painting, is Gujarat’s celebrated traditional textile art. It was dominantly practised by the Vaghari nomads almost 300 years ago. Earlier used by marginalised communities as shrines, these textile paintings have gained immense regard over the decades for their intricate beauty and craft. These paintings depict sacred imagery of the female deity or the Mother Goddess and scenes from Hindu mythology. Even though they are usually handmade, many artisans also use the technique of block printing. The fine contours are then filled with vegetable colour extracts and natural paints.