SEWA Chikan Heritage Center

Tafseel / About Business

Established in 1984 in the historic alleys of Chowk by social pioneer and Magsaysay awardee Runa Banerjee, SEWA (Self Employed Women's Association) Lucknow is a globally renowned artisanal cooperative that liberated thousands of women needlecrafters from middlemen exploitation. It stands as the spiritual sanctuary of pure, unadulterated, museum-grade Lucknowi hand embroidery.

Craft Specialties: 100% handmade GI-tagged Chikankari crafted on breathable mulmul cotton, pure chanderi, tussar silk, and natural linens. SEWA is universally respected for preserving near-extinct Awadhi needlework techniques like Jali work, Pechni, and exquisite shadow embroidery without using industrial machine imitations. Products include heirloom cotton sarees, elegant daily-wear kurtis, tablecloths, bedspreads, and children's ethnic wear.

Visitor Information: Located at Brahm Nagar, Near Akbari Gate, Chowk, Lucknow (Nearest Landmark: Clock Tower & Chowk Police Station, 800m). Average price range: ₹800 to ₹25,000. Open Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Fair-trade verified, 100% of proceeds go directly to empowering women master artisans. Fixed, honest prices with government handloom certification.