Shady business

This summer, umbrellas with pretty embroidered work are a rage in Delhi.

Delhi’s flea markets have a new best-seller this summer and it’s come all the way from Gujarat. Cloth umbrellas in hand-embroidery and zari-work have become a rage among tourists and local buyers alike — the best way beat the heat in style.“These reached the market last October, but have become a big rage only this summer,” says Rajesh Ohri, who owns a shop called Mohan Garments in Janpath.

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Ohri says the umbrellas are a big hit with foreign tourists. “They use them to escape the heat, and also, like for the ‘Indian’ look. Delhi’s locals also buy them, but for them, it’s more of a decorative option,” explains Ohri. Initially, the umbrellas available were made of colourful hand-embroidered cloth but in April, they introduced designs made of sheer cloth with gold, zari embroidery.

Mukesh, who owns a shop called Bryan’s in Connaught Place, says these umbrellas are made in Kutch and exported to Delhi. “They are made of used cloth, old saris and dupattas, each umbrella is unique,” he explains.

The shopkeepers quote anywhere between Rs 350 to Rs 700 for the umbrellas, depending on their size and style. However, a good bout of bargaining can get the price down to Rs 300, even for the zari umbrellas. “I saw a foreigner carrying a white and red embroidered umbrella on a very sunny day and it looked very cool. I found a pale yellow one, made of sheer cloth with gold embroidery for just Rs 350 at Paharganj,” says Rohini Sharma, 25, an interior decorator.

Get your own
What: Cloth umbrellas — with embroidery and zari-work
Quoted price: Rs 450 for a small umbrella and Rs 700 for a larger one
After bargaining: Rs 300 and Rs 450 respectively
Available at: Janpath and Paharganj Market