Lehenga Choli is an integral part of Indian wardrobe; the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli reveals and radiates the ethnicity of the royal state of Rajasthan. This is actually a lehenga which consists of a long, beautiful pleated skirt, a fitted, midriff-baring blouse and a long scarf with beautiful embroidery work, which is not only worn by Rajasthani women but is also a representation of the state’s tradition and the craftsmanship of its people. Now, let’s get to know the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli and how this dress has been advanced to become the fashion emblem today.
Historical Background
The Lehenga Choli got its roots from the ancient India, more specifically, Mughals Period. The Mughals were particularly a great influence with their passion for the luxurious fabric and appreciable fine work, engraved designing, rich embroidery and numerous worth appreciating designs. This style of clothing called Lehenga Choli was adopted from Mughal fashion and many of the royal and noble women of Rajasthan were seen wearing this new and elegant style of clothing.
The colour and design of the Lehenga Choli changed according to the particular destination or region of it’s wear, and in Rajasthan the slight alteration in the Lehenga Choli depicted the dry climate of the place and the dynamic colours of the place’s culture. Local craftsmen started using sensationally pomp colours, mirror and pure traditional Rajasthani borders and embroidery works like Gota Patti, Zardozi & Bandhani – a form of tie-dye. All these elements not only addedtolist of beautiful regional dress but also denote prosperity, happiness, richness and also the rich culture of Rajasthan.
Cultural Significance
The Rajasthani Lehenga Choli is not only an essential fashion aspect but also a culturally symbolic ensembles that forms a part of traditions, ceremonies, and festivities. Every region of Rajasthan has its own kind of Lehenga Choli ensemble different from the other that captures the cultural spirit of the area.
1. Ghoomar Dance Attire:
Lehenga Choli is the traditional attire worn during the Ghoomar dance, which is the most popular Rajasthani folk dance form performed by women. This is because, the Lehenga which has a free flowing look complements the graceful moves of the dancers, while the colourful dupatta adds to the aesthetic look of the performance.
2. Wedding Attire:
The Lehenga Choli is another traditional dress preferred by brides in Rajasthan especially during wedding ceremonies. The lehengas Rajasthani brides wear are heavily embroidered with zari and other decorative work, Lehangs are traditionally red or maroon colour is also said to be bring luck into the marriage. The detailed workmanship of the embroidery, the mirror work and the inclusion of gold and silver thread make it the perfect attire for royalty that would not have been out of place at a royal wedding.
3. Festive Wear:
As far as Traditional Indian Festive Outfit is concerned, Women wear Lehenga Chols and during festivals like Diwali, Teej and Gangaur, the dresses are bright and colourful. The aesthetic feel of the costume in terms of bright colorations and ornamental work also helps in enhancing the mood and delight of the festivity.
There are numerous designs of Rajasthani lehenga choli, out of which some of the classic models have been explained here:
1. Bandhani Lehenga Choli:
Bandhani or Bandhej is a kind of tie and dye art synonymous to Rajasthani culture. They are a set of traditional Bihari outfits with colorful dots and bright colors that are preferred for festival occasions.
2. Gota Patti Lehenga Choli:
Gota Patti is a type of hand embroidery work done on fabric using gold or silver ribbon and lacWorkflow. This technique also helps in enhancing the overall look of the Lehenga Choli outfit and lends it a royal look, therefore making it perfect for wear during wedding and other such functions.
3. Mirror Work Lehenga Choli:
There is also Sheesha or mirror work in which mirrors of small sizes are fit into the embroidered fabric. This style also reflects the richness and is highly used in the Rajasthani folk costumes and it gives a remarkable look to the Lehenga Choli.
Evolution and Modern Adaptations
However, there has been a traditional Rajasthani Lehenga choli that has been trending among women attire and has been updated to match the modern designs. Contemporary designers have re-imagined this timeless suit by incorporating traces of the original design, intermingling the historical forms and accents of the suit with contemporary silhouettes and trends.
1. Contemporary Designs:
There is renewed interest in the craftsmanship and creative direction of lehenga choli designs for designing for and mixing and matching different silhouettes with different fabric, accessories and ornamentation techniques. These Lehenga Cholis are modern day bridal and fusion wear that is likely to appeal to todays bride or the fashion conscious woman.
2. Fusion Wear:
Indo-Western Lehenga Cholis are the beautiful fusion of western and Indian trends that have been creating marvelous looks. These ensembles integrate fabrics like crop tops with lehengas or jackets with cholis with an innovative new concept that makes it perfect for different occasions.
3. Sustainable Fashion:
Recent environmental concerns push people towards giving attention to handcrafted and sustainable fabric material. Craftsmen have come up with light Lehenga Choli products by adopting natural sources of weaving and dyeing in copies with organic features.
Coming back to the Lehenga Choli, it is a traditional Rajasthani attire worn by the women of Rajasthan and Gujrat during the plethora of ceremonies including marriage functions and the needy can purchase it online.
However, the beauty of traditional Rajasthani Lehenga Choli is not unique to the country nowadays, but they can easily be availed from online stores. Here are a few keywords to help you find your perfect Lehenga Choli online:Here are a few keywords to help you find your perfect Lehenga Choli online:
Rajasthani Cotton Lehenga:
In case one is looking for that comfortable fabric which is light and has breathability associated with it, they should consider purchasing Rajasthani cotton lehengas. These are perfect for wedding and any celebration which takes place during the hotter months.
Rajasthani Ghaghra Choli:
Lehenga Choli is also known as Ghaghra Choli where it is more prevalent in Rajasthan. To see a range of the traditional Rajasthani Ghaghra Choli and modern designs for it, search for it on the internet.
Rajasthani Lehenga Online:
Many online stores have Rajasthani lehengas in their catalogues and assortment with very diverse designs and colors. It is advisable to visit the company’s website to find out more about the screens from the comfort of your home or office by going through the description, looking at images, and reading the reviews provided by customers.
Conclusion
To some, the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli is clothing, but to others, it is much more – the pride of Rajasthan and its unique artistry. From the colorful bridal gowns to superior fashion trends, the flamboyant apparel is endearing the women folk beyond the four corners of the globe. Whether the clothing possesses the beauty of Bandhani, the glamour of Gota Patti or the sparkling posterior mirrorwork.
Mainstream fashion borrows from cultures all over the world but each form undergoes changes as it integrates into this evolving industry, as does the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli. Some people said that they will always cherish this piece of clothing on their body and for the art and culture it embodies. It makes the normally plain Lehenga Choli very ornate to be worn on any occasion such as wedding, festivity or otherwise if you want to flaunt Indian ethnicity. Leave no stone unturned and check out the plethora of designs available on the internet and don the spectacular Lehenga Choli of your choice on your special day.
