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A complete guide to saris, kurtas and anarkali — Chandni Chowk·Lajpat Nagar·Sarojini Market shopping and blouse cutting and laundry care

By ARAZIA India Desk10 min read

Indian woman wearing green silk sari — Saree, kurta and anarkali buying guide — Art Projects MKCL KF (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

When you live in India, you will experience weddings, Diwali, corporate cultural events, and even national holiday events at your child’s school.When you need a saree or kurtaThis will definitely come. There are more places than you might think where the dresses or suits you brought from Korea would not suit you, and we are not unfamiliar with the culture of Indian friends and colleagues saying, “Next time, be sure to wear a sari” as a greeting.

The problem isWhere to buy it so you don't failno see. Delhi NCR has a very wide spectrum, from department stores to wholesale markets, brand stores, and low-priced street vendors, so if you go in wrong on your first visit, it's easy to end up paying what you're told based on tourist prices. On the contrary, if you understand the grammar of the market and approach it, you can enjoy fabrics, embroidery, and cutting services that can only be purchased in Delhi at a very reasonable price.

This article is based on the experiences of Koreans living in Delhi actually fitting and maintaining their clothes.Differences between sarees, kurtas, and anarkali → Chandni Chowk·Lajpat Nagar·Sarojini Nagar How to use them in each of the three markets → Cutting blouses and palazzos → Washing and storing silk and embroidery clothesI have summarized it all in one piece. This can be used as a reference for everyone, from those buying their first sari to those who already have a few but are curious about how to care for them.

01Sari, kurta, anarkali — three clothes, three situations.

Even if it is the same Indian traditional costume, the shape and formality are completely different, so before buyingWhere to wear itmust be decided first. It is difficult to wear a formal saree on a daily basis, and it may be rude to wear a daily kurta to a wedding. The differences between the three clothes are summarized as follows.

type	composition	formality	Price range (reference)
Saree	Approximately 5.5~9m one piece of fabric + separate blouse + petticoat (underskirt)	Weddings, Diwali, official events, etc.formality superlative	Cotton ranges from 2,000 rupees to bridal silk and Benareshi from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of rupees.
Kurta Set (Kurta / Kurti + Salwar, Palazzo, Churidar)	Top tunic + bottom pants + dupatta (scarf) 3 pieces	Daily/semi-casual, Office is also available	800-4,000 rupees, brand line 5,000-10,000 rupees
Anarkali	A-line long tunic that flares out below the chest + churidar + dupatta	Informal party, holiday dinner, guest invitation	2,500 to 8,000 rupees, heavy embroidery costs more.

Three selection criteria

formality: For Indian weddings and Diwali parties, saris or heavy anarkali are suitable.
Temperature/Season: Cotton kurtas are comfortable in the heat of Delhi from May to September, and silk and chiffon are comfortable in winter (December to February).
Convenience to wear: It is difficult to wear a sari by yourself at first, and the petticoat size and blouse cut must match for your womb to look good. The first punishment isAnarkali and kurta set instead of sariThere are many people who start with .

If this is your first time in IndiaChecklist for your first 30 days in IndiaAs introduced in , it is much more convenient to complete SIM card and account setup first and then start shopping when local payment (UPI) becomes possible.

02Chandni Chowk — The mecca of authentic saris and bridal

Chandni Chowk (Chandni Chowk)is Old Delhi's largest wholesale market that has been around since the Mughal era, and today, people from all over the country flock here looking for bridal saris and embroidery fabrics during the Indian wedding season. The approach isDelhi Metro Yellow Line Chandni Chowk StationThis is the most convenient, and most storesClosed on SundaysTherefore, we recommend visiting on weekday mornings.

Specialized items by region

Kinari Bazaar— Wholesale alley of saree decoration materials such as embroidery trimmings, beads, zari lace, rice stones, etc. Many people buy blouse customizing materials in advance here.
Katra Neel— An alley specializing in fabric. Silk, chiffon, crepe, and georgette are sold by the meter, so it is advantageous to visit with a tailor.
Nai Sarak— Focusing on finished saris and lehenga products. If you are looking for a wedding set, the best place to start is here.
Chandni Chowk Large store on the main road— Combined wholesale and retail business. The price is a bit high due to the large number of tourists, but card payment and GST invoicing are available.

Practical tips for visiting

Because the alleys are narrow and the crowds are extreme,Carry your bag forward and minimize large wallets and valuables.do.
The price is not as advertised30-50% discount after negotiationis common. Rather than buying too much at the first store, visit three or four stores to check the prices before making a decision.
For payment, use mainly large stores that accept UPI/cards, and prepare cash (500 and 200 rupee notes) for small amounts.
Parking is virtually impossibleMetro use is requiredno see. Uber and Ola are only accessible up to the commercial district entrance.

If you want to prepare a formal sari with plenty of time, it is wedding season.Visit from March to June, avoiding October to FebruaryThis is advice I often hear locally, as it makes price negotiation a little easier.

Delhi Chandni Chowk Market — India’s wholesale center of sari and bridal fabrics — Old Delhi Chandni Chowk has been around since the Mughal era. This is the market where you can find the widest variety of authentic saris and embroidery fabrics. · Misa.stefanovic.07 (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

03Lajpat Nagar Central Market — No. 1 in daily kurta and anarkali cost-effectiveness

Lajpat Nagar Central Marketis South Delhi's representative traditional market,Daily kurta, anarkali, palazzo setIt is known as a place where you can buy at the most reasonable price. Delhi MetroViolet Line Station Lajpat NagarWhen you come out of exit 4, you are immediately at the entrance to the market.Closed on MondaysTherefore, you should check the day before your visit to avoid wasting time.

Strengths of this market

Plenty of mid-priced finished productsdo. Most embroidered kurta sets cost around 800 to 2,500 rupees, and casual anarkali prices range from 2,000 to 5,000 rupees.
The store is along the alley.Clustered together in the same categoryThis makes comparison shopping easy. If you go around five houses forward and backward, you will get the price.
In the center and outskirts of the marketThere are many tailors (tailors) on site.do. One-stop shopping is possible as you can immediately entrust your saree blouse, palazzo, and kurta size alterations.
adjacentAmar Colony, Ansal PlazaSince it is within walking distance, you can visit brand stores (Fabindia, W, Biba, etc.) and traditional markets.

Recommended route

Arrive before 11 a.m. → Browse through the stores you want before the market crowds gather.
3 to 5 finished productsMemoize price and size onlyand don't buy it right away
After lunch, I narrowed down the bra concept and color and came back again.Tailor location and required dayscheck together
After purchase, if necessary, request a tailor to adjust the size on the spot (usually 24 to 48 hours)

Although it is a relatively safe market for women to visit alone,Extremely crowded on weekends and eveningsdo. If it is your first time, it is best to travel during the daytime on a weekday or, if you have time, to accompany a local colleague.

Delhi Lajpat Nagar Central Market — Daily kurta and anarkali shopping — South Delhi's Lajpat Nagar Central Market. It is known as the market where you can buy daily kurta sets and casual anarkali at the most reasonable price. · Ville Miettinen from Helsinki, Finland (CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

04Sarojini Nagar Market — A treasure trove of low-cost fabrics and stocks of Western brands.

Sarojini Nagar Market (Sarojini Nagar Market, commonly known as SN)is the most famous in delhiUltra-low-cost fashion marketno see. Export surplus stocks of Western brands such as Zara, H&M, and Mango fill the stalls at the entrance to the market, making it especially popular with local college students and young office workers. Delhi MetroPink Line Sarojini Nagar Station5 minutes walk from,Closed on MondaysIt is quietest on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Good things to buy at SN

western style casual— T-shirts, blouses, and dresses ranging from 200 to 500 rupees. It is characterized by a mixture of in-stock products with famous brand labels remaining.
Kurta/palazzo fabric— Sold by the meter in the fabric alley inside the market. If you take it to a tailor and have it tailored into a kurta set, it will be much cheaper than a finished product.
accessories and shoes— Bracelets, earrings and heels to match sarees and anarkali range from 300 to 800 rupees.

Things to watch out for

Due to the nature of the stallsNo or very poor changing roomsdo. The basic method of checking size is by holding it against the body, so it is convenient to visit wearing a tight-fitting t-shirt underneath.
The price is what you ask forIt is customary to slash by 30-50%.no see. This is a market where the price goes down as soon as you pretend not to be interested, so don't be hasty and buy at the first price.
Returns and exchanges are virtually impossible.do. It is safe to calculate the fabric with at least 0.1m allowance.
Weekend evenings are extremely crowded and pickpocketing cases are often reported.Carry your bag forward and keep your cash spread out.do.

SN is more suitable for formal saris.Daily wear, seasonal accessories, and fabric sourcingThis is a market optimized for. Finished sarees and kurtas are available at Chandni Chowk·Lajpat Nagar, and fabrics and casuals are available at Sarojini — like thisSegmenting the market by purposeThis is the basic formula for deli shopping.

Delhi Sarojini Nagar Market fabric stall — stock of low cost western brands and kurta fabrics — Sarojini Fabric stall at Nagar Market. If you buy fabric by the meter and take it to a tailor, you can make a kurta set much cheaper than a finished product. · Dev Jadiya (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons)

05Blouse and palazzo cutting (tailoring) — the final step in completing the sari.

There is one thing that can be confusing when buying a saree for the first time. A sari is just a piece of fabric,Blouse is cut separatelyThe fact is that you have to do it. Most sarees have approx.Blouse piece about 0.8m longThese pieces are glued together, so it's a good idea to take these pieces to a tailor to have them tailored to your body.

Foundation time and cost (reference)

item	How long it takes	Cost Note
Saree Blouse (Basic)	3-7 days	400-1,200 rupees
Blouse (customized with padding, embroidery, etc.)	7-14 days	1,200-3,000 rupees
Kurta and palazzo set	5-10 days	600-1,500 rupees
Modification of ready-made kurta size	Same day ~ 48 hours	200-500 rupees

Things to keep in mind when taking measurements

Bust, Under Bust, Waist, Hips
Shoulder width, sleeve length/body length, blouse total length (short/long)
Neckline styles (V, U, boat neck, backless, etc.)
Is there a lining (lining is required for silk and chiffon)
Zipper location (back, side, hook)

Tips for choosing a tailor

Lajpat Nagar Central Market andKhan Market, Defense ColonyThere are many tailors nearby who specialize in women's clothing. If it's your first timeLadies TailorFirst consider stores with signs.
On your first visit, you must1st fitting (Gabon) scheduleGrab it. It is standard for Indian foundations to request revisions at the Gabon stage before completion.
Payment is50% when starting foundation, 50% when receivedis common. Be sure to include the expected completion date and contact information on the bill note.

A bridal heavy blouse or anarkali with embroidery is a minimum.2 weeks or moreIt is safe to catch . Because tailors are crowded during the wedding and Diwali season,All fabric and cutting are finalized 3-4 weeks in advance.It's a good idea to do it.

Sarees on display at Delhi Dilli Hot — Indian Saree Blouse Cutting and Color Matching — A sari is made up of one piece of fabric. You must take the piece of blouse attached to the hem to a tailor and go through the process of having it tailored to fit your body. · Ekabhishek (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)

06Laundry and storage management - How to wear embroidered sarees and silk for a long time

Indian clothes have a wide variety of fabrics and embroidery.If you choose the wrong washing method, it can be ruined all at once.It's easy. In particular, Delhi is an environment where high temperatures in summer, humidity during the monsoon season, and fine dust and haze in winter put a heavy burden on clothes, so it is a good idea to set management rules.

Washing principles for each fabric

fabric	recommended method	caution
Silk sarees (Benaresi, Kanjivaram, etc.)	Dry cleaning only	Loss of gloss and shrinkage when washed with water, discoloration of embroidery zari
Embroidered/beaded blouse	Dry clean or hand wash (neutral detergent)	Beads and sequins may tear, so turn them inside out and use a washing net.
Cotton kurta (solid color)	Hand wash in lukewarm water/machine washing machine on low mode	Before first washPrevent color fading by soaking in salt water for 30 minutes.
Block print/dyed cotton	Hand wash separately, neutral detergent	Do not dry in strong direct sunlight (color may fade)
Chiffon, Georgette	Hand wash and dry naturally in the shade	Do not use high dehydration mode; press out rather than squeeze out water.

Storage Tips — Prepare for Delhi Monsoon

Change the folding direction every three months.Prevent mold or faded marks from forming in the folded area. Silk is prone to cracking, especially along fold lines.
than a plastic zipper bagMuslin CoverWrap and store. When the fabric breathes, mold is less likely to form.
During the monsoon season (July-September)Dehumidifier, silica gel, neem leavesIf you put them together, you can prevent mold and silverfish.
Embroidered sarees and anarkaliStore by folding it flat rather than hanging it vertically.do. Heavy embroidery weight can cause shoulder lines to sag.
When organizing your closet at the beginning of each seasonDry in the shade within 30 minutes in the sun.Repeat to remove moisture. Strong direct sunlight is prohibited.

Dry cleaning is available in most apartment complexes and markets in Delhi NCR.Persil, 5aSec, PrestoThere are chain stores, and local laundromats (Dobi) are also well developed. butHigh-quality silk and heavy embroidery sarees must be chain dry cleaned.When using for the first time, it is safe to take pictures of the fabric and embroidery condition in advance.

Fabric display stand at an Indian sari store - Silk and cotton sari washing and storage management — Fabrics piled up on the shelves of a sari store. You can wear it for a long time if you store it lying down like this at home and change the folding direction every three months. · screaming_monkey (CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)

07Shopping practice – budget, bargaining, payment, pickup checklist

Lastly, common to all three marketsPractical shopping tipshas been organized. By following these steps, you can avoid most of the common mistakes made during a first visit.

Budgeting

1 daily kurta set: 1,000~2,500 rupees + foundation repair 0~500 rupees
1 set of semi-pati anarkali: 3,000~6,000 rupees + blouse/dupatta alteration 500~1,000 rupees
1 wedding/Diwali sari: Fabric 5,000~30,000 rupees + Blouse cutting 800~3,000 rupees
Accessories (bracelet, earrings, heels): 500~2,000 rupees (Sarojini·Lajpat Nagar recommended in parallel)

bargaining and payment

From the calling valueSarojini 50% reduction, Lajpat Nagar 30% reduction, Chandni Chowk retail 20-30% reduction.This is a general feeling. Large brand stores (Fabindia, Biba, etc.) have a fixed price system.
UPI·cards are accepted in large stores, but in small street storesUPI or cash (mainly 500 and 200 rupee notes)This is convenient. There are cases where 2,000 rupee notes are rejected because there is no change.
GST If you need an invoice, please request it in advance. It is difficult to issue it at retail stalls, and only official stores issue it.

Pick-up/receipt

On the foundation completion dateBe sure to visit during the dayCheck the embroidery, color, and size under natural light. Colors look different under lighting.
If the size is unclear, you can find it on the spot.Secondary Fitting Alterationrequest. Most are free or cost a small amount.
In Delhi NCRMove to Gurgaon and NoidaIf you do this, avoid the evening rush hour (17:00 - 20:00) so that you can move the finished product without difficulty. Convenience in movingChecklist for your first 30 days in IndiaIt is much easier if you have the Uber settings introduced by UPI.

Indian clothes are an expense well worth wearing even if you only wear them a few times a year: a wedding, Diwali, or a cultural event. You can hardly go wrong with the first pair as a daily kurta, the second as an anarkali for a party, and the third as a bridal/formal saree. Organizing Korean food ingredients and daily necessitiesgrocery shopping in indiaPlease refer to the section as well.

Useful tips

For your first suit, start with an anarkali and kurta set.

The size of the saree's petticoat and the cut of the blouse must match, so if you try it from the first time, there is a high chance of failure. After getting a feel for the anarkali or kurta set, which is versatile for both daily and semi-party use, it is safe to prepare the sari for formal occasions such as weddings or Diwali.

Divide the market according to purpose.

Authentic sarees and bridal fabrics are at Chandni Chowk, daily kurtas and anarkali finished products are at Lajpat Nagar, and Western-style casual and low-cost fabrics and accessories are at Sarojini Nagar — the basic formula for shopping in Delhi is to divide and utilize the strengths of each market.

Foundation is completed at least 3-4 weeks before the wedding and Diwali.

During bridal season (October-February), lines at tailors get very long. Heavy blouses and embroidered anarkali will take at least 2 weeks, so it is safe to finalize both fabric purchase and start of cutting 3-4 weeks before the event.

Store saris and anarkali lying down rather than hanging them.

When clothes with embroidery and zari are hung on hangers, the weight causes the shoulder lines to sag and the fabric to sag. Changing the folding direction every three months, wrapping it with a cotton cover instead of plastic, and storing it lying down are the key principles for preserving the fabric for a long time.

Prepare dehumidifiers and insect repellent in advance for the monsoon season (July-September)

Delhi's summer humidity is especially damaging to fabrics and embroidery. Before the season starts, place silica gel, neem leaves, and lavender sachets in your closet, and ventilate them in the shade for about 30 minutes once during the season to prevent mold and silverfish damage.

Common pitfalls and how to solve them

It is only after buying a saree that you realize that the blouse needs to be cut separately.

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Most sarees have a blouse piece of about 0.8m attached to the hem. Be sure to check whether this piece is included when purchasing, and take it along with the fabric to a professional female tailor near Lajpat Nagar·Khan Market on the day of purchase or the next day. The basic time required is 3 to 7 days.

You pay the tourist price called by Chandni Chowk and spend two to three times the market price.

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Instead of buying too much at the first store, visit three or four stores to check the prices before making a decision. The typical cut is 20-30% for Chandni Chowk retail, 30% for Lajpat Nagar, and 50% for Sarojini. Remember that this is a market where prices go down as soon as you pretend not to be interested.

If you put a silk sari in the washing machine, its luster will die and the embroidery will tear.

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Always take silk sarees and heavy embroidery blouses to a chain dry cleaner (Persil, 5aSec, Presto, etc.). When using it for the first time, it is safe to take pictures of the condition of the fabric and embroidery, and to entrust mainly cotton kurtas and daily clothes to the local dhobi.

I went to Lajpat Nagar·Sarojini but was in vain because it was a regular holiday.

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Mondays in Sarojini Nagar, Mondays in Lajpat Nagar, and Sundays in Chandni Chowk are generally closed and low-activity days. Check the day of the week before visiting, and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings are the best times as there are fewer crowds and merchants have more time to bargain.

When you pick up finished clothes in the evening, you are embarrassed because the colors and embroidery look different from the store lighting and outdoors.

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Be sure to visit during daylight hours to pick up the foundation and check the color, size, and embroidery under natural light. If the size is subtle, request a second fitting repair on the spot. In most cases, it is free or can be processed for a small fee.

Latest updates

Fabric prices in Delhi’s traditional market are on the rise due to demand during the Indian wedding and holiday season.When the wedding season from October to February overlaps with the holiday season such as Diwali and Navratri, prices of fabrics and cuts in Chandni Chowk·Lajpat Nagar continue to rise by 20-30%. If you want to prepare comfortably, it is better to buy during the off-season from March to June.
Improved accessibility to traditional markets through Delhi Metro expansionMajor shopping markets such as Chandni Chowk (yellow), Lajpat Nagar (violet), and Sarojini Nagar (pink) are all connected to metro stations within walking distance, making it the standard to access these commercial areas with serious parking problems by metro rather than Uber or Auto.

FAQ

Which market is best to buy saris and kurtas in Delhi?

For authentic sarees, bridal and embroidery fabrics, Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi has the best variety, and for finished daily kurtas and anarkali, Lajpat Nagar Central Market in South Delhi is the best value for money. Sarojini Nagar Market is a representative place for stocks of Western brands and low-priced fabrics and accessories. The basic formula for deli shopping is to divide and use markets according to purpose.

Can I wear a sari right after I buy it?

no. The basic sari is made of one piece of 5.5~9m fabric, and is completed with a separate blouse and petticoat (underskirt). Most saris have about 0.8m of blouse fabric attached to the hem, so you have to take this piece to a tailor (tailor) to have it tailored to your body. It usually takes 3 to 7 days for cutting, and more than 2 weeks for heavy embroidery blouses.

How much should I bargain for in traditional markets in India?

Based on the calling value, Sarojini Nagar is generally reduced by 30-50%, Lajpat Nagar is reduced by 20-30%, and Chandni Chowk retail is generally reduced by 20-30%. Big brand stores (Fabindia, Biba, W, etc.) have fixed prices. Rather than buying too much at the first store, it is safer to visit three or four stores to check the prices before making a decision.

How should I wash and store silk sarees?

Silk sarees and heavy embroidery blouses should only be dry cleaned as washing them with water will kill the luster and discolor the zari. When storing, do not hang it on a hanger, but fold it flat. Change the folding direction every three months to prevent mold and faded marks. During the monsoon season (July-September), it is good to put silica gel and neem leaves together.

When are the regular closing days when visiting a traditional market?

Sarojini Nagar Market and Lajpat Nagar Central Market are closed on Mondays, while Chandni Chowk many shops are closed on Sundays. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings are the best times to visit as there are fewer crowds and merchants have more time to bargain. We recommend checking the day of the week before visiting and accessing it by metro.

References & links

Incredible India Embassy of the Republic of Korea in India (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy)KOTRA Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency Indian Government Official Portal Delhi Metro Official Site Ministry of Textiles, India