Featured Market–8: Hazratganj Market, Lucknow

Why should you visit? Insights for small businesses

Hazratganj Market is known as the ‘Heart of Lucknow’. The new name of Hazratganj is 'Atal Chowk' and is named after the late prime minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is the most famous market in Lucknow and is located in the downtown of Lucknow. It is the second-largest market after Nehru Place in the country. Back in 1842, the place was known as ‘Ganj’. When Britishers took over the city, they re-modelled the place after Queen Street in London. The stone pavements, lamp posts, benches, colourful fountains, uniform pink and cream colour with Victorian-style touches enhanced the architecture of the place.

Hazratganj is famous for shopping complexes, theatres, offices, restaurants, books, cafes, and other extravagant little shops. It is an ideal shopping place for locals and tourists. The historic places have an extravagant view one cannot love enough. It is the best market in Lucknow to visit.

Why should you visit the Hazratganj Market?

The Hazratganj market is the most famous market in Lucknow, and one should visit this place for many reasons. The history of the market makes it a unique attraction for tourists. Some of the reasons for visiting Hazratganj Market are listed as follows:

1. Chikankari

Lucknow is famous for the art of Chikankari. This embroidery was introduced by Nur Jehan, wife of Mughal emperor Jahangir. Chikankari is made using several techniques on fabric, and you can find all the authentic and traditional designs of Chikankari at Hazratganj Market. Chikankari is an authentic and traditional embroidery design. You can find various shops of Chikan work at Janpath Market, in Hazratganj.

2. Handmade Objects

The Hazratganj Market is also quite famous for handicrafts and handmade objects. Places like Gandhi Ashram and Kashmir Government Arts Emporium are highly popular for handmade and handicraft objects. People from all over the states in India sell their handmade objects to showcase their traditional and cultural backgrounds at Hazratganj Market, Lucknow.  It is a great business idea for small business owners.

3. Books

The Ram Advani bookseller in the Hazratganj market is the best place to purchase books and all sorts of historical volumes. The shop has been going strong for 60 years and handed down four generations. It has a quaint seating place in the centre and is filled with bookcases and shelves. It is a must-visit place in Hazratganj Market for avid readers.

4. Food Places

The Hazratganj Market has some of the best places to eat. Lucknawi cuisine is famous all over the country. Royal Café is one of the most famous out of all the food places in the area. JJ Bakers is known as a dessert paradise for people with a sweet tooth. If you are in the mood for snacks or beverages, Cherry Tree Café is the best. There are so many other places in the area where you can have an authentic food experience. Many people have started small businesses in the area due to a large number of customers and consumers.

5. Historic

Hazratganj Market is a historical place dating back to 1862 and the First War of Independence. The market is also famous for the National Botanical Research Institute, with 6000 exotic and rare plants. It is situated in the heart of the city, Sikandar Bagh, Rana Pratap Marg at Hazratganj, and has a variety of India's flora. It is a perfect place for nature lovers.

6. Shopping

The place is highly famous for shopping and is filled with several showrooms, malls, and small businesses. Famous Gandhi Ashram, Handloom Emporiums are located in the Hazratganj market. The five-storied Sahara Ganj Mall is also situated in the area. It is one of the largest shopping malls in the country. It covers around 425,000 square feet and has a huge PVR movie theatre and a food court in it. It is the best market in Lucknow to shop and have fun with family and friends.

7. Theatres

The Hazratganj market has two operating cinemas, Sahu cinema and Novelty cinema. The Sahu cinema is next to the main crossroad of Hazratganj, and the Novelty cinema is at Lalbagh Circle. Former cinemas include Mayfair cinema and Capital. Hazratganj is a perfect place for the source of entertainment. It is a must-visit market in Lucknow.

To conclude, we can say that Hazratganj Market is the heart of Lucknow. One of the reasons for the popularity of Lucknow has been due to this second-largest market in India. It has been famous even before British rule. The market offers a variety of different and exotic experiences to customers.

The Hazratganj Market, Lucknow is famous for Chikankari embroidery work, authentic history, traditions, culture, food, hospitality, and environment. It includes various small businesses like handicrafts, clothing shops, bags and shoe shops, etc., to attract tourists and travellers. The prices are very reasonable and are best for shopping and food lovers. You can visit the place with your friends and family and can have the best experience.

Also read:

1) Best Markets in Haryana
2) Best Markets in Tamil Nadu
3) Best Markets in Kerala
4) Best markets in Andhra Pradesh
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FAQs

Q. Why is Lucknow famous?

Ans. Lucknow is famous for many reasons, and Hazratganj Market is one of them. The place is famous for traditional Chikankari embroidery work and is a one-stop destination for all travellers and tourists. It has the second-largest market in India. The food, specifically desserts, and sweets are quite in demand at Lucknow.

Q. Is the Hazratganj market good for small business owners?

Ans. The Hazratganj Market is a good place for small business owners because it is a widely popular and crowded market. It is famous for many small businesses like handicrafts, hand-made products, food stalls and cafés, tea stalls, and other small shops. If you are looking to open a shop or starting a small business, Hazratganj is a good place to start as it will help you reach out to a large number of people.

Q. Is Lucknow worth visiting?

Ans. Lucknow was once the home of the Nawabs. Even after British Rule, the city has maintained its heritage and traditions. If you are someone who likes history or historical places, Lucknow is a place you must explore. Places like Baba Imambara, the Asfi Mosque, Roomi Gate, La Martiniere, and Chhota Imambara are quite famous in Lucknow.

Q. How can I spend my day in Lucknow, and which places should I visit?

Ans. You can spend your day in Lucknow by visiting Hazratganj Market initially. After that, you can visit various places like Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Satkhanda, Chattar Manzil, Ambedkar Memorial Park, Husainabad Clock Tower, Chota Imambara, etc.

Q. Is Lucknow famous for sweets?

Ans. Yes, Lucknow is highly popular for sweets and desserts. The sweets are very unique and have a long history behind them. The 'Revdi' is one of the sweet dishes that are not only famous in India but famous worldwide and people come from various cities and countries to eat it. Other than that, Gulabi Chai (Pink Tea), Kulfi Falooda, Shahi Tukda, Thandai, Makhan Malai, etc., are some of the famous sweets you can find in the city.