Lucknow's Artisans Weave Resilience: Preserving Centuries-Old Textile Traditions

As of November 8th, 2025, in the historic city of Lucknow, a battle to preserve centuries-old textile traditions is unfolding. The ancient crafts of rangrez (dyeing) and rafugari (embroidery and textile repairing) are holding onto their charm, keeping alive the soul of Lucknow's rich heritage.

In the bustling Dandaiya market, master rangrez Abdul Rahim uses natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and other organic sources to imbue fabrics with vibrant hues. His ancestors have been part of this lineage for generations, weaving color into India's textile tapestry. However, the rangrez community now faces a significant challenge from cheap synthetic dyes that have flooded the market, lasting longer and costing less.

Meanwhile, in the Aminabad market, artisans like Shahid bhai are skilled in the meticulous art of rafugari, or mending precious fabrics. This craft is more than just fixing clothes; it's about preserving honor, memories, and stories woven into textiles. But as people increasingly opt for new, cheaper clothes, the demand for rafugari is dwindling.

Despite these obstacles, the rangrez and rafugari artisans of Lucknow are adapting and thriving. They participate in heritage crafts fairs, showcase their wares in artisan exhibitions, and leverage their unique strengths to cater to changing market demands. As the sun sets on the banks of the Gomti river, the echoes of dyes being mixed and needles stitching quietly affirm that in Lucknow, the threads of heritage remain vividly alive.