Weddings in India have changed fascinatingly over the decades, just like other aspects of Indian culture. In addition, the rich history of India has had a profound impact on weddings. The different empires over the subcontinent had a great influence on wedding traditions, styles of wedding outfits, as well as the excellent needlework that is known throughout the world.
Our previous article about clothing colors discussed the importance of red for Indian brides. In today's post, we examine the history of Indian bridal lehengas and what propelled them into the global marketplace. Whether you're buying bridal lehengas for your Indian wedding or a saree for a friend's wedding, here's all the information you'll need to start looking for your outfit for the next wedding you're invited to. Let's get started!
The lehenga's Origins: A Trip Down Memory Lane
We now know the sari as a nine-yard marvel that was originally worn as loincloths during the Indus Valley Civilization. Similar outfits are also depicted in India's epics, which were written later than the Indus Valley period. There were beautiful women in silks and lehengas adorned with gold and diamonds in the literature of that time.
- Ancient lehenga
Modern bridal lehengas are six to nine yards of fabric draped over the waist, over the torso, and over the shoulders, paired with a blouse and petticoat. The way Hindu and Muslim women adorned themselves during the Mughal era was clearly different. A depiction of the Persian heritage of the Mughals, Muslim women wore loose pants with long tops (known as Salwaar Kurta) and a shorter, thinner scarf-like fabric covering their heads called Dupatta. lehengas with pleats, on the other hand, were more popular among Hindu ladies.
- lehenga during the Mughal Era
Upon the arrival of the Mughals, the bridal lehengas became a standard garment for Indian women. In addition to employing many traditional embroidery methods, embellishments, and designs, India's skilled lehenga weavers incorporated classic Mughal aesthetics with the typical lehenga drape in some absolutely remarkable variants.
Probably the only unstitched garment still in use today is the lehenga, one of the oldest garments in the world. Over the millennia, it has evolved not just into a sensual, elegant all-time-wear for women, but also into a canvas for weavers and printers to create artistic weaves, designs, and jeweled or gold-silver decorations!
- Paisley Motifs
lehengas in red are often seen at important events like weddings, parties, and other memorable occasions. The color red has historically been associated with power and passion. Today, women wear more colors than just red, such as blue, green, black, and more! There is a symbolic meaning associated with each of these colors historically. Orange lehengas represent freshness and brightness, while blue lehengas represent peace, calm, and tranquility. The green lehenga symbolized prosperity, while the yellow lehenga represented optimism, brightness, and love. As for white, it was associated with calm, purity, tranquility, and spirituality, while black and pink stood for elegance and femininity, respectively.
The Trendiest lehengas You Should Know as an Indian Bride
In India, the lehenga represents customs and traditions. Since time immemorial, it has been an integral part of the country's history. lehengas are known for their elegance, which is why Indian lehenga online is so popular among Indian brides. Let's take a look at the different lehengas that will make you look fashionable as you display your new knowledge of ethnic clothing.
The Plush and Luxurious lehenga
Known for their fine mulberry silk fabric, Kanjeevaram lehengas are traditional bridal lehengas from Tamil Nadu. An Indian wedding lehenga would be incomplete without a gold tinge, which completes the aesthetic. It is common for Kanjeevaram lehengas to have religious motifs based on legendary tales and temples, while the pallu is usually a contrast hue, adding to the drape's texture as well.
Chikankari lehenga: The Epitome of Royalty
Originally from Lucknow, these lehengas are reminiscent of Persian handicrafts infused with Chikankari art. There are no exact duplicates of these lehengas since their work is so exquisite and generally done by hand. With rich embroidery in soothing colors like peach, lavender, lemon yellow, and mint green, these lehengas are perfect for any occasion. It looked like Priyanka Chopra Jonas was wearing a million-dollar creation by Tarun Tahiliani! With a thin jeweled strap blouse, she wore a mint-green chikankari lehenga with sequin work over it.
The Bold and Beautiful lehenga
Nauvaris are traditional Indian lehengas that originate on the west coast. lehengas like this one are named after their length, which is nine yards. A very unique way of wearing Nauvari is to tuck the border in at the back, which is called the "kashta" style. In order to ride horses and battle with ease, Maratha women warriors wore this lehenga in a dhoti style, which was a sign of bravery. The Nauvari lehenga is designed for special occasions.
The Vibrant Bandhani lehenga
The iconic tie-and-dye Bandhani lehenga originates from Gujarat and is available in a variety of colors and patterns. They all hold the same age-old belief: these lehengas bring good luck to Indian brides. Hand dyeing is often used to dye Bandhani lehengas. Textiles made from them must be stored and preserved over time with great care.
Chanderi lehenga: For Your Inner Goddess
Madhya Pradesh lehengas are known for their pure sheen. lehenga's opulent texture makes it ideal for a daytime Haldi or casual mehndi because silk and zari are woven with cotton for a light-air fabric. Handloom weaves like this have a delectable texture, and they are perfect for any wedding reception. These silk and cotton drapes feature Chanderi temples, peacocks, coins, geometric designs, and leaves.
Phulkari lehenga: For the Playful Bride
Phulkari is a traditional Punjabi needlework with florals, patterns, and geometric patterns. The intricate embroidery on the Phulkari lehenga is made with yarn stitches. As radiant as ever, Sonam Kapoor wears a custom-made phulkari lehenga in Khadi material by Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla.
The Evolution of Indian Bridalwear: A Final Note
Known for its spectacular designs and glorious charm, Indian bridal fashion continues to shine around the globe. It continues to attract brides who are fond of luxurious, symbolic outfits as seen in the beautiful lehengas, lehengas, and embroidery designs. Do you plan to get married soon? Visit UKnow for more Indian lehenga online and the best dresses for your Desi wedding.
