From pure gharchola sarees to kurta sets to stunning cape sets, you will want it all.
The term Gharchola has recently gained attention in the discussions of the fashion world, thanks to the big fat Ambani wedding. However, it is not a household name yet as compared to other crafts such as Bandhani and Leheriya. Let us explain to you what Gharchola is, its origin, and everything that goes into making this glorious and cultural textile.
In simple words, Gharchola is a Bandhani variant. The Gharchola, where ‘Ghar’ means ‘house’, is a type of attire that is usually worn by the bride in a traditional Hindu or Jain wedding. This piece of clothing has its origins in the bride’s family or household.
The history
Pure Gharchola sarees have long been a staple in Gujarati wedding ceremonies, originating from Gujarat’s Kutch region. Khambat, once a bustling port and trade hub in India, boasted renowned silk production, attracting merchants worldwide until the 16th century.
In the present day, Gharcholas are produced in the regions of Khambat and Jamnagar in Gujarat. The water quality in these areas is believed to be appropriate for colouring and rendering the colours more vivid. Gharcholas created in other parts of Gujarat distinguish themselves in terms of design and precision.
The technique
The Gharchola is a type of sari that is single-coloured with white spots. Traditionally, it is often red, and sometimes green or yellow. Rows of white tie-dyed spots or rows of Zari are used to create the arrangement of squares. Inside each square, single motifs are created, such as parrots, elephants, dancing girls, and flowers, which symbolise fertility, prosperity, and joy. Sometimes, discontinuous supplementary-weft patterning is used to weave in Zari.
Creating a Gharchola is a complex and time-consuming task with multiple steps involved. The process starts by attaching a starched silk sari or Odhani to a large wooden frame using nails. Next, the red or green coloured sari or Odhani is divided into a network of squares by rows of white tie-dyed spots or woven bands of Zari. Lastly, various motifs are crafted within each compartment to complete the design.
Embracing the craft of Gharchola at Pink City
There are numerous crafts and techniques gifted to us by our rich heritage. At Pink City, we strive to celebrate these crafts in all their glory by nurturing the old and amalgamating them with the new, for our future generations these precious historic gems. Moving beyond the predictable pure Gharchola sarees and Gharchola lehengas.
Top 5 Gharchola to transform your wardrobe:
1. Gharchola ft. Royalty
If you are wondering what modern-day royalty would wear, we have got you covered. We bring to you the simplest yet stunning Gharchola outfit in a vibrant hue we clearly love. Balancing the scales of colour, texture, tradition and functionality, this Gharchola outfit is perfect when ‘less is more’ is your dressing mantra.
2. Cape of good style
Fuss-free fashion is having its moment, and turns out capes are cool for weddings too! This silver and purple cape with a metallic crop top and pleated skirt is great for a reception or cocktail look when you want to make a statement but also want the outfit to stay out of the way of having fun. Don’t miss the cameo of shells in this outfit. And that Polti is an extra element of celebration thrown in, to make sure your belongings stay safe while all the dancing at the same time ensures that you ace the desi-chic vibe and have a night to remember.
3. When tradition meets comfy chic
It has been some time since this stunning hue became fashionable, and it’s clear that it’s not going out of style anytime soon. Add the timeless yet traditional Gharchola to the purple, give it a fluid twist and you have everything you need to dress up in shades of comfort and tradition that will never go out of style. This head-turning ensemble comes with a Moonga silk kurta with a pre-stitched dupatta which can be draped in more ways than one. The intricate jaali embroidery on the neckline and cuffs adds an old-world charm to the ensemble, but what we love the most is the Gharchola pants & the matching Potli that tie this beautiful look together.
4. Timeless shades of the craft
Are you guilty of sticking to the classics instead of going that extra mile to try something new? You find yourselves drawn towards fuss-free chic kinds of ensembles. Then this Ombre Gharchola kurta set is just made for you! This Gajji silk kurta is the perfect no-nonsense ensemble, owing to the flattering cut of the kurta which suits almost every body type. The mirror work on the kurta and tassel detailing give the tiny X factor that elevates the look without interfering with the wholesome comfort. And what kind of bottoms scream fuss-free chic better than a pair of chic cigarette pants?
5. Tradition at its best
Drape sarees are the coolest, aren’t they? But guess what? This one isn’t a drape saree, it’s a fuss-free kurta, a fluid dhoti and a draped dupatta constructed so mysteriously, it almost feels like sorcery. This ensemble is a great choice for your best friend’s wedding. Without compromising on the glam quotient, the outfit makes you feel comfortable enough to get on the dance floor with no stress of managing the outfit.
We never imagined that something so conventional could be so alluring in this modern era. Nevertheless, we held onto the hope and, behold, our hopes materialised!
Enjoyed this blog? You may also like to read:
- Exploring The Charm of Leheriya: Must-Have Leheriya Outfits For Every Festive Season
- Unveiling the Magic: 5 Must-Have Bandhani Outfits for Festive Flair