Influencer Ravkirat Kaur on the Essence of Punjab’s Bridal Heritage and Craft

Punjab has always stood out for its vibrant culture, rich royal traditions, and distinctive bridal artistry, making it one of India’s most popular destinations for wedding shopping. The region’s age-old embroidery techniques and bustling markets filled with colour, texture, and skilled craftsmanship create an experience that goes far beyond whatever is trending online.

To truly understand what shapes Punjabi bridal style today, digital creator Ravkirat Kaur offers an insider’s point of view, influenced by her upbringing in Ludhiana and her strong sense of aesthetics. Her take on bridal fashion emphasises authenticity, balance, and the kind of craftsmanship that reflects Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.

In an interview with Manifest, Ravkirat shares what brides should really keep in mind when shopping in Punjab, the best places to find high-quality Phulkari, Gota Patti, juttis, and parandis, and the designers known for crafting timeless, heirloom-worthy pieces. She also gives thoughtful advice on putting together a trousseau that captures the spirit of Punjab without feeling too heavy or overwhelming.

Whether you’re exploring hidden bazaars, searching for modern twists on traditional outfits, or learning how to spot true artisanal work, Ravkirat’s insights offer a complete guide to navigating Punjab’s diverse and vibrant bridal landscape.

In Conversation With Ravkirat Kaur

Manifest: When it comes to bridal shopping in Punjab, what’s the first thing you tell every bride-to-be to look out for?
Ravkirat Kaur: "Punjab’s spirit is confident and joyful. It is not about labels or loudness. I personally feel there is so much more here than what we see on Pinterest and Instagram. You will find royalty, heritage, and culture rooted deeply in our bridal wear. The embroidery, colours, beautiful craftsmanship, and even the oh-so-heavy lehengas are incredibly amazing, and you'd want to add them to your trousseau."

M: Where can brides find the best phulkari, Gota Patti, juttis, and parandis?
RK: "Being born and brought up in Ludhiana, I can confidently say that you can find the best of all of this in this city. Take a round through Ghumar Mandi, Model Town Market, or Chaura Bazaar, and you will experience so many amazing options all at once. There are also extremely famous bridal markets in Amritsar and Patiala. It is the kind of shopping where once you start, you simply cannot stop!"

M: Any local designers or boutiques you would like to recommend for modern brides?
RK: "There are labels like Plumtin Motif that recreate the vintage aesthetic through their lehengas. These are pieces that turn into heirlooms, carrying forward their heritage value for generations. I also love WhiteLily by Navneet Sidhu, Akriti by Shakun, Aman Takyar, Label Mannat Sandhu, amongst others. The list is endless. You will find rich, unique, and truly beautiful pieces that help you stand out."

M: What advice would you give brides who want to capture the essence of Punjab in their trousseau without going overboard?
RK: "The secret lies in balance. Heritage should meet restraint. Invest in a few timeless, well-made outfits that you can actually wear again rather than multiple OTT looks that end up in storage. I always suggest choosing colours that you feel can be worn more than once. Focus on the fabric, texture, embroidery, and most importantly, the silhouette."

M: What is your tip for spotting good-quality craftsmanship while shopping?
RK: "The richness of Punjab comes from its handicraft traditions, not just colour or volume. Choose authentic crafts like Phulkari, Zardozi, Tilla work, and Gota Patti. These details create a cultural aesthetic without making the outfit heavy or dated. Pair something classic with a modern touch. Focus on the quality and finishing of the embroidery, not just the motifs. Not everything beautiful has to be shiny. For example, Zari's work exudes royalty while remaining subtle."

M: Any hidden markets or lesser-known shops worth exploring?
RK: "Amritsar: Katra Jaimal Singh and Kapda Bazaar (Old City)
Ludhiana: Ghumar Mandi and Chaura Bazaar
Patiala: Adalat Bazaar and Arna Barna Chowk

You can also explore Chandigarh, Jalandhar, and Hoshiarpur. Every city has its own richness, style, and cultural identity."