Vibrant colors with a modest purpose.
In a narrow alley behind Liberty market, is one of the oldest markets of Lahore – the mythical Dupatta Gali with the colorful creativity on dupattas displayed by an array of dyers and merchants. Some of the shops owned by the same family for generations. Let it be tie and dye, single dye, or double dye, the dyers at Dupatta Gali ensure beautifying the dupatta with customer’s customized designs.
Women have historically been wearing veils. Especially in Muslim countries, a veil is considered an item of virtue. With its purpose remaining intact, the veil, or “dupatta” as it is known in Pakistan is evolving alongside fashion. Dupatta forms an integral part of Pakistani dressing. The concept behind the veil does not contradict to it being integrated into the fashion world. The different visual aspects of dupattas have now become coherent to being representatives of different meanings. Even in olden times, dupattas of vibrant colors and fancy embroidery were considered a privilege exclusive mostly to the women with wealthy backgrounds, symbolic of their wealth and nobility. With colors and prints taking over as the dominant feature in modern era dupattas, the industry is booming now more than ever. Over years it has transformed into more beautified versions by using various colors, patterns, and embroidery.
No matter what season it is or what occasion it is, ladies in Lahore would never skip a chance to sneak a peak in Dupatta Gali. The market is a captivating sight when it comes to folding, pleating and twisting of dupattas along with a huge variety of dyes and creative patterns which are very pocket-friendly. The old street has now turned into a whole market over past years, and the number of shops has increased.
Apart from dupattas, Dupatta Gali has all the must-have traditional jewellery, ‘kundan ke jhumkay,’ ‘tikkas,’ ‘rings with precious stones,’ ‘matha pattis’ and much more. The best hand-crafted ‘kolhapuri chappals’ and ‘traditonal khussas’ are also found in the basement shops of Dupatta Gali. You can also find block printed cotton suits and ‘chunri’ suits. It has a huge variety of everything you find there along with reasonable prices.
Well, it is totally tiring going from one shop to another behind your mother or after bargaining with thee shopkeepers, so don’t worry you can satisfy your taste buds there! You will find dahi bhallay, gol gappay, French fries, fruit chat and fresh juices etc.
Dupatta Gali, Liberty Lahore is a “go to” place if you are looking for variety of traditional clothes, jewellery and khussas at a pocket-friendly prices with a good bargain (only if you have skills).