Narsapur is famous across India for its handmade lace, and the town and surrounding villages are among the largest centres of the craft anywhere in Asia. The industry was introduced by missionaries in the 19th century, and it took root so thoroughly that today tens of thousands of women in the delta region earn their livelihoods making lace in their homes. The designs range from traditional European patterns to distinctly Indian motifs.
Visiting Narsapur you will find workshops and export houses throughout the town, and it is possible to watch lacemakers at work — the intricate pillow-lace technique used here is genuinely impressive to observe. The town's market areas sell both finished pieces and the raw materials and tools of the trade. The best pieces are exported, but good quality table linen, doilies, and shawls are available locally. The lace market is most active in the morning.