Ujjain, with its rich spiritual heritage and cultural significance, offers a wide variety of unique and meaningful souvenirs that make perfect gifts or mementos for your visit. Whether you’re looking for religious items, handicrafts, or traditional clothing, Ujjain’s markets have something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top 10 souvenirs you should buy when visiting Ujjain, with detailed information on each.
1. Brass and Copper Pooja Items
Where to Buy: Sarafa Bazaar, Harsiddhi Market, and Agrawal Store
About: Brass and copper pooja items are popular souvenirs for visitors to Ujjain, which is a city deeply connected with religious traditions. You can find a wide range of items such as incense holders, small idols of deities, bells, and pooja thalis.
Best For: Religious souvenirs and spiritual gifts.
What to Buy:
- Brass Lamps
- Copper Pooja Thali
- Brass Idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and other deities
Cost per Item: ₹100 – ₹2,500 depending on the size and quality.
2. Wooden Handicrafts
Where to Buy: Ujjain Haat, Vikramshila Handicrafts
About: Ujjain is known for its beautiful wooden handicrafts. From intricately carved statues to small decorative items, wooden products from Ujjain make great gifts and are perfect for home decor. The city’s artisans create stunning wooden sculptures, idols, and furniture pieces.
Best For: Home decor, collectors of traditional art, and unique gifts.
What to Buy:
- Wooden Carvings of gods and goddesses
- Wooden Coasters
- Wooden Sculptures and Wall Hangings
Cost per Item: ₹150 – ₹3,000
3. Ujjain’s Religious Literature
Where to Buy: Agrawal Store, Sarafa Bazaar, and Local Bookstores
About: Ujjain, being a major religious hub, has a vast collection of religious literature. These books cover various aspects of Hinduism, spiritual teachings, and the history of Ujjain’s temples. They make thoughtful souvenirs for those interested in spiritual growth or the history of the city.
Best For: Spiritual seekers and lovers of religious history.
What to Buy:
- Books on Hinduism
- Books on the history of Ujjain’s temples and Mahakaleshwar Temple
- Scriptures and Holy Texts (Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads)
Cost per Book: ₹100 – ₹500
4. Traditional Indian Textiles (Sarees, Dupattas, and Bandhani)
Where to Buy: Tower Chowk, Sarafa Bazaar
About: Ujjain offers beautiful traditional Indian textiles, including Bandhani (tie-dye fabric), Chanderi fabrics, and Kanchipuram Sarees. These textiles are widely available in Ujjain’s markets and are often sold at affordable prices.
Best For: Clothing enthusiasts and those looking for traditional wear.
What to Buy:
- Bandhani Dupattas
- Chanderi Sarees
- Handwoven Scarves
Cost per Item: ₹500 – ₹3,000
5. Religious Idols and Statues
Where to Buy: Sarafa Bazaar, Harsiddhi Market
About: As a city that draws millions of pilgrims each year, Ujjain offers a vast variety of religious idols. These idols are typically made from brass, stone, wood, and marble, and represent various gods and goddesses worshipped in Hinduism.
Best For: Pilgrims or spiritual tourists seeking souvenirs with religious significance.
What to Buy:
- Brass Idols of Lord Shiva, Ganesha, or Lakshmi
- Stone Carvings of Hindu deities
- Wooden Statues of saints or divine figures
Cost per Item: ₹200 – ₹5,000 depending on material and size.
6. Ujjain’s Sweets and Local Snacks
Where to Buy: Anand Sweets, Bhavani Shankar, and Chhappal Bhel
About: Ujjain is known for its local sweets and snacks, which make delicious and unique souvenirs. The city’s sweets are rich in flavor and are a must-try before you leave. You can also take home local snacks such as Khopra Patties, Chana Chaat, and Gajar Halwa.
Best For: Food lovers and those who enjoy trying local delicacies.
What to Buy:
- Gajar Halwa
- Khopra Patties
- Kaju Katli
- Shikanji (traditional Indian lemonade)
Cost per Box: ₹100 – ₹500
7. Silver Jewelry
Where to Buy: Sarafa Bazaar, Harsiddhi Market
About: Silver jewelry is popular in Ujjain, with many shops offering silver rings, necklaces, earrings, and bangles. These pieces are often crafted with intricate designs and are perfect souvenirs for those looking for traditional yet stylish jewelry.
Best For: Jewelry lovers and those seeking traditional, handcrafted pieces.
What to Buy:
- Silver Bangles
- Silver Rings and Necklaces
- Earrings with traditional designs
Cost per Item: ₹200 – ₹5,000
8. Decorative Brass Lamps and Diyas
Where to Buy: Sarafa Bazaar, Agrawal Store
About: One of the most symbolic items you can take home from Ujjain is a brass lamp or diya. These items are used in Hindu rituals and make great decorative pieces for homes. Many of these lamps are intricately designed and often sold at affordable prices.
Best For: Those looking for spiritual and home decor items.
What to Buy:
- Brass Diyas (oil lamps)
- Decorative Lamps
- Oil Lamps for Pooja
Cost per Item: ₹100 – ₹2,500
9. Ujjain’s Local Pottery and Clay Items
Where to Buy: Ujjain Haat, Sarafa Bazaar
About: Local pottery is an excellent souvenir to buy in Ujjain. The city offers a range of clay items such as traditional pots, flower vases, and earthen lamps. These items reflect the local craftsmanship and make for beautiful decor pieces.
Best For: Home decor and collectors of traditional pottery.
What to Buy:
- Clay Pots
- Earthen Lamps
- Decorative Vases
Cost per Item: ₹50 – ₹800
10. Hand-Painted Wooden Toys
Where to Buy: Vikramshila Handicrafts, Ujjain Haat
About: For those looking for traditional toys, Ujjain offers hand-painted wooden toys that are made by local artisans. These toys are often inspired by mythological stories and religious figures, making them meaningful and fun souvenirs.
Best For: Families, children, and collectors of traditional crafts.
What to Buy:
- Wooden Rattles
- Wooden Animals and Figures
- Mythological Toy Figures
Cost per Item: ₹100 – ₹500
Conclusion
Ujjain is a treasure trove of cultural and religious souvenirs that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’re looking for spiritual items like brass lamps, idols, or unique local handicrafts like wooden carvings and silver jewelry, Ujjain has something to offer every shopper. Don’t forget to explore the local street food and sweets as souvenirs to take home!