The festive shimmer

When it comes to bangles lac bangles are among Hyderabad’s most famous cultural motifs and modern day souvenirs. The elaborately designed lac bangles are on display, glittering and shimmering at unbelievably low prices at Laad bazar.

Hyderabadi Muslim women are very particular when it comes to buying bangles during Eid or shaadi. Even a daily wage worker’s wife prefers to wear expensive bangles; as they all want to look pretty and do not compromise.

During the month of Ramadan the bangles stores turn out to be more expensive to buyers and more beneficial to sellers. 30-years-old Khaja bangles store in Laad Bazaar is famous for pearls and bangles.

Owner Mohd Nazeer Ahmed says, “We have many varieties of bangles apart from simple Lac bangles; metal jumbo lac set, two tone bangles, glass bangles and cutwork bangles etc. Lac bangles also come with embroidery, colourful and tiny glass pieces stuck to them.

Rareness of a colour and its unique value also increase the value of these bangles. The range of the bangle sets starts from Rs 1200 and goes up to Rs 5000. We also offer 30% discount on each set of bangles.”

“We have a karkhana (workshop) in Talab katta to make these bangles. We purchase the lac and rings and complete the orders within 8 to 10 days. We add with rhinestone crystal, vibrant colours, semi precious stones, pearls, mirror and glass work to this lac to make them look attractive,” adds Nazeer.

“We sell them in sets of four, six or family set. It’s up to people – what kind of set they want to buy. Throughout Ramadan, we make a profit anywhere between Rs10,000 to Rs 15,000 every day.”