Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is not just about tea gardens, temples, or the mighty Brahmaputra. It’s also a city that carries Assam’s deep-rooted handloom traditions.
The mekhela chador, gamosa, eri, and muga silks are woven with skill, patience, and pride. If you’re visiting Guwahati, shopping for authentic handlooms is a must-do; it’s like taking home a little piece of Assam’s heritage.
Table of Contents
- Guwahati’s Top 5 Assam Handloom Stores
- Pragjyotika Assam Emporium
- Fancy Bazaar
- Silkalay
- ARTFED
- Purbashree
- Handy Tips for Shopping Assam Handloom
- Wrapping Up
Guwahati’s Top 5 Assam Handloom Stores
The pride of Assam lies in its three world-famous silks – muga, eri, and pat. Muga, often called the golden silk, is naturally lustrous, unique to Assam, and lasts for generations.
Eri, popular for shawls and stoles, is also known as “Ahimsa silk” since it is produced without harming silkworms. Pat, with its brilliant white glossy shine, is much loved for festive wear and widely used in mekhela chador sets.
Here are the five best shops to buy authentic Assam Handloom in Guwahati:
- Pragjyotika Assam Emporium
If you want one reliable, government-run stop for handloom, begin here. Pragjyotika sits in Ambari on G.N.B. Road (Pragjyotika Bhawan).
Run under the Assam Government’s marketing wing, it is known for traditional textiles, crafts, and souvenirs. Expect a broad mix of Muga/Eri/Pat pieces and fixed, transparent pricing.
Since the market is spread out, it’s handy to have a taxi service in Guwahati to take you around, especially if you want to hop between nearby stores.
- Fancy Bazaar
If you love markets with plenty of choices, Fancy Bazaar is perfect. Often called the “Chandni Chowk of Guwahati,” this market has everything – from everyday cotton mekhela chadors to elaborate muga silk sarees.
It’s also a great spot to pick up accessories like jewellery or handbags that complement Assamese outfits. Navigating the busy lanes here can be overwhelming, but with a reliable cab booking app, you can hire cabs easily and plan your stopovers, avoiding wasting time in traffic.
- Silkalay
Silkalay, a household name in Assam, is one of the most trusted places for buying premium handlooms. Whether you want a pure muga mekhela chador, an elegant eri stole, or a glossy pat silk saree, this is the place to go.
Since prices are fixed, you don’t need to worry about bargaining. Travellers often prefer booking a Guwahati car rental to reach Silkalay, especially if they’re visiting from another part of the city or planning to continue shopping elsewhere after their visit.
- ARTFED
ARTFED (Assam Apex Weavers & Artisans Co-operative Federation) operates 30 “Jagaran” showrooms across Assam, including Guwahati. One convenient outlet is near the airport on VIP/Airport Road (Kahi Kuchi).
With state-backed quality, ARTFED also runs handloom production units since 1977 and works directly with weavers (including captive looms in Sualkuchi), which helps with traceable sourcing. From gamosas to Kimmano fabrics on rare muga, eri & mulberry silk, you’ll find almost everything here.
Reaching it is easiest when you book through a cab booking app, which lets you choose a vehicle type as per your convenience.
- Purbashree
Purbashree is the retail arm of the North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation (a Government of India enterprise). The Guwahati emporium is on Maniram Dewan Road at Dighalipukhuri East and stocks Eri, Muga, and cotton sarees, stoles, shawls, and more from across the North-East.
Many shoppers combine a visit here with other markets in a single day. That’s where a taxi service in Guwahati comes in handy – you can cover Purbashree and then head straight to another shopping hub without worrying about parking or navigation.
Handy Tips for Shopping Assam Handloom
Assam Handlooms, as beautiful as they are, can provide a wholesome shopping experience. However, here are some things to keep in mind while shopping in Assam:
- Check authenticity: Especially when buying muga silk, as fakes are common.
- Be ready to bargain: In markets like Fancy Bazaar, bargaining is expected.
- Carry cash: While big shops accept cards and UPI, smaller vendors may prefer cash.
- Ask about the weave: Each weave tells a story, and knowing it makes your purchase more meaningful. For example, whether it’s Muga, Eri, or Pat; handloom or power-loom; and care instructions.
If you’re planning to visit multiple places in one day, it’s smart to rely on a Guwahati car rental, which saves you from the hassle of switching vehicles or waiting for public transport.
Wrapping Up
Shopping for handloom in Guwahati is more than just buying clothes – it’s about experiencing Assam’s living traditions. From the colourful chaos of Fancy Bazaar to the refined elegance of Silkalay, every shop adds something special to the story of Assamese weaving.
Whether you’re picking up a muga mekhela chador, a soft eri shawl, or a simple gamosa, you’re carrying home a piece of history. For a seamless experience, Savaari Car Rentals offers trusted chauffeur-driven rides that make exploring Guwahati’s handloom markets easy, comfortable, and memorable.