Gotta work, traditionally known as lappa gotta or gota kinari ka kaam, has been admired since ancient times. Today, it is widely recognized as Gotta Work, a beautiful and intricate form of embroidery used especially in festive and wedding wear. Over the years, this traditional craft has evolved, but its cultural value and charm remain the same.
Gotta Work in South Punjab
In modern times, Gotta Work is mainly crafted in South Punjab and surrounding areas, especially within the Saraiki community of Multan and Bahawalpur. These regions are famous for their skilled artisans who dedicate months to creating detailed and elegant designs. From these cities, Gotta Work suits are not only sold across Pakistan but are also exported worldwide.
A Labor-Intensive Craft
Gotta Work is a highly labor-intensive process. A complete suit goes through several careful stages before it is ready.
- Fabric Selection – First, a soft and suitable fabric is chosen for the design.
- Tracing the Design – The desired pattern is traced onto the fabric.
- Handcrafting Process – The fabric is then handed over to skilled artisans, often village women, who carefully bring the design to life with their dedication and craftsmanship.
The gotta patti is first cut into equal sizes. It is then folded and shaped into unique forms, often resembling a heart shape. After that, the pieces are placed carefully over the traced patterns and stitched onto the fabric using fine hand-sewing techniques.
Heavy and Luxurious Finish
Due to the amount of embellishment used, a fully completed Gotta Work suit can sometimes weigh up to one kilogram. This weight reflects the richness, heavy detailing, and premium finish of the outfit, making it perfect for weddings, mehndi, and festive occasions.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Despite modern machine embroidery options, traditional hand-crafted Gotta Work remains highly valued. Families of artisans in South Punjab continue this legacy, passing their skills from one generation to the next. This dedication keeps the heritage of Gotta Work alive while meeting the fashion demands of today.
Gotta Work is not just embroidery — it is a symbol of culture, tradition, and artistic excellence rooted deeply in South Punjab’s heritage.