'Gajra' Mohabbat Wala: Meet Hazratganj's Gajra sellers, weaving love into women's locks since ages

Gajras have been a non-negotiable accessory for women since time immemorial. These pretty flower wreaths are simple yet elegant, fragrant and, most importantly, beautify their user the moment they don it!

And roaming around the streets of Hazratganj are these gajra walas embellishing women's vanity tables forever now. Many women adorn their hair with skilfully woven jasmine (chameli) wreaths, and at times, the flower strand is wrapped around wrists as a delightful source of perfume.

When it comes to the sellers, Hazratganj is full of numerous gajra walas who finish their stock by the end of the day.

Ashish, one of the gajra sellers informed Knocksense that he has been selling the flower garlands for almost 28 years. He reaches Ganj by 5 PM and there's no closing time really. He goes home when he has sold all the wreaths.

Talking about their day, it's not always as simple as it looks. These men begin their day by collecting bel from the Phool Gali of Chowk or Dubagga, knitting the gajra together with a steel needle and finally selling them in the bustling market of Ganj during the evenings.

Another gajra wala, who has the most experience in the lot, shared, "I have been serving in Ganj since 1985. We go to Chowk right in the mornings, collect the flowers and begin weaving the gajra with a long needle. Getting smalls cuts is now a habit," he says, showing a deep, black mark on one of his fingers.

Marked at ₹50-60 for a strand of gajra, these individuals carry a bunch of the knitted jasmine with them for customers. Moreover, people from all around Lucknow come to Ganj to buy these, especially during festivals.

From being a part of a woman's solah sringar in ancient times to being an important accessory for them during special occasions like Karwa Chauth, the tradition of wearing Gajras has not only survived tides of time but continues to make a strong style statement!