Though traditionally worn by the women folk in the rural belts of Indian states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, the lehenga choli is also popular as bridal attire in the urban parts of India. It is also known by the name of Ghagra Choli.
The typical Indian bridal
lehenga is of red color and is heavily embroidered with golden thread or
zari. It is teemed with a short or waist length blouse, known as the
choli, and a
dupatta.
Though one can get many readymade ethnic lehengas in the market, many brides-to-be prefer to get them stitched. Ask any Indian, preferably a women and she will tattle off a number of names of famous tailors who specialize in making bridal
ghagra choli.
Nowadays, many variations have seeped into the
lehenga designs. The
bridal lehenga is not limited to red color. People are also opting for multi-colored or pastel-shade lehengas now. Similarly, the skirt can be double layered and stylishly embellished with
zari and precious stones.
The
lehenga, being a bridal dress, is kept and handled very diligently before and after the wedding by women. Since a bride has to stand out from rest of the decked up guests, her dress is the most heavily embellished. It's normal for it to weigh at least 10 kilograms or more. As such, it generally makes for a one time wear.
Though
lehenga is essentially a bridal dress, it does not mean that people cannot wear it during normal parties and festivities. In this case, the design of the lehenga varies and it may not be so heavily embellished. For instance,
lehenga is also worn by women of all age-groups. But when donned by young girls, the skirt may be teemed with a halter-neck blouse or a backless
choli. People just vary the design, color and embroidery of the
ghagra to make it suitable for different occasions. [source :
Lehenga Choli]
