Lucknow is globally renowned for exhibiting a wide variety of hand-woven clothing and hand-crafted artefacts. But did you know that the city also hosts numerous government-owned enterprises that celebrate the culture of states across India?

One such stop is Co-optex in Hazratganj, a government of Tamil Nadu undertaking, that showcases within its world authentic handloom sarees and home textiles. The fascinating part about the garbs exhibited here is that a community of almost 3 lakh weavers (bunkar) of Tamil Nadu have breathed life into them!

From men's shirts, dhotis and lungis to women's sarees, from quilts and bedsheets, aprons and towels to yoga mats and door curtains, Co-optex has it all.

Moreover, if you're a fan of bona fide sarees, prepare to be entranced by the hues and varieties here. From Kancheepuram Pure Zari Silk Sarees to Arani Silk, from Chettinadu Cotton Sarees to Butta Silk Cotton, the authentic designs are sure to leave spectators in awe. Not only does the store have an array of sarees, it also offers a wide price range, thus, catering to all kinds of audience. With intrinsic Zari work and impressive patterns, the cotton sarees here start from a mere ₹500 while the pure silk ones begin at a ₹10,000-12,000 range. The bedsheets, too, start at only ₹500.

Not only that. It's the personal touch of local weavers here that keep the shop going. For instance, if you buy a product here, it comes with a thank you note from the bunkaar. Prepare to read something heart-touching like, "The aforesaid highly skilled weaver, along with his family members, takes three days to weave this saree of 6.20 mts and in this process, moves his hands and legs 19500 times. He has been in the profession for the past 32 years and expresses his gratitude to you for bringing a smile on his face!"

The stores, that are available throughout India, in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bhilai, Ahmedabad, Patna, Nagpur, Banaras, Lucknow, and even in the Indian state Goa, started their journey in 1935. The Lucknow store among these, the sole Co-optex in the city, has been standing tall in Hazratganj since the 1960s.

Now, if you're planning to visit this Co-optex store in Lucknow, we have news for you- The Co-optex branches are currently offering a special celebratory offer for Pongal, valid till January 31 so buy 2 and get 1 free!

Check out the website by the brand to know more and shop online!

Location: 82, near Indian coffee House, Block E, Hazratganj, Lucknow