Phulkari, meaning "flower work" (phul = flower, kari = work), is a traditional form of embroidery from Punjab, believed to have originated around the 15th century.

Traditional Phulkari is done on handspun cotton cloth called “khaddar”, dyed in earthy shades—typically red, maroon, or ochre, considered auspicious. The embroidery is worked from the reverse side using floss silk thread (pat) in vivid colors like gold, orange, blue, pink, and green.