In the heart of Lucknow's Paper Mill Colony, a unique 50-year-old 'Mandir Market' thrives, defying conventional narratives. Here, artisans from a different faith come together, not only to craft exquisite wooden miniature temples but also to weave a living tapestry of harmony.

Most of the market's shop owners also claim that the art of 'mandir making' has been passed down through generations and they're deeply rooted in it. Agreeably, this further makes the market a thriving testimony to Lucknow's 'Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb'.

While speaking to Knocksense, 22-year-old Ayaz Ahmed, the owner of M A Quality Furniture in Paper Mill Colony's Balmikinagar, mentioned, "My family has been selling handcrafted wooden temples, for years and I manage the business now. My workshop is a stone's throw away from here. I work with the artisans, crafting temples in a range of designs, shapes, and sizes!"

Shameem Ahmed, one of the employees at Balmikinagar's Taufiq Furniture, also stated, "I learnt this craft from my father and uncles. From a very young age, I have been making these temples. It's a generational thing now, it runs in our veins."

These shops are two out of nearly a dozen stores, that make up this 50-year-old Mandir Market.

According to the shop owners, here temples are majorly made of wood, as it is widely preferred by buyers. This penchant for wooden temples can be attributed to the material's durability. As for the price range, the temples sold here range from ₹500 to ₹30,000!

Apart from the readymade temples on sale, you can also get your mandir customised at this market. The craftspeople here will first understand your vision and then create the perfect personalised temple for you.

Although this Mandir Market is open throughout the year, the festive season is when it witnesses the most footfall. As buyers bring home new idols, they go on the lookout for a new temple. The demand for expensive, customised temples also skyrockets in the Navratri season, up until Diwali.

The Papermill Mandir Market mirrors the cultural confluence of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb. So, whenever in and around the area, come over to explore a collection of exquisite temples, ready to elevate your puja space.