When two individuals wed, two families as well, perpetually, wed! This is particularly evident with regards to marriages in India, where a bride is customarily viewed as the family’s honor and grace she weds into. Likewise, with marriage, the bride turns into an essential part of her new family – her respect and security are the new family’s responsibility.
There are numerous social practices, religious and ritualistic symbols related to this essential feature of Indian culture. One of them is Gharchola! This promising wedding staple from Rajasthan and Gujarat, the Indian states, has been utilized for years with a thought behind it is quite beautiful.
The meaning of Gharchola:
The name “Gharchola” is derived from two words ‘Ghar’: ‘ home’ and ‘Chola’ meaning ‘garments,’ ‘clothing.’ The word gharchola in a real sense means ‘home clothing’ or the outfit one wears at home. Nonetheless, the logical importance of the word is more perplexing. Here ‘Ghar’ alludes to the new home where a bride will be a part of, the home of her husband. Furthermore, ‘Chola’ logically implies her wedding outfit. The new bride enters her conjugal home wearing a Gharchola on her head and shoulders – inferring she accompanies everybody’s endowments and well wishes.
So, what is Gharchola exactly?
It is a saree, customarily utilized as a head/shoulder wrap, called Chunari, Chundari, or Odhani. It is generally in some bright shades of red/maroon and green/yellow since it is clothing for the wedding. Gharchola saree, a variation of the famous Bandhani saree, is recognizable by its pattern (typical grid).
How to wear a Gharchola and when it’s worn?
In the Indian states of Gujarat and Rajasthan, the Gharcholas are worn. Usually, the bride wears a Gharchola as a Chunar or Odhani, hung over her head and across her shoulders. The Gharchola’s one end is pleated and tucked at the bride’s midriff, towards the left.
The opposite end is then brought to her right shoulder, draping the saree from the back. Numerous brides, especially the contemporary ones, don’t wrap the pallu over their heads. The Pallu’s remaining part that falls over the bride’s right shoulder is attached to the man of the hour’s consecrated stole during the customs of the wedding.
The fabrics used:
Numerous people wrongly believe that Gharcholas are made continuously in pure silk. Indeed, the ‘authentic’ conventional Gharcholas are once in a while made in pure silk. Producers commonly utilize Venkatgiri Cotton to make a gharchola silk saree. This rich cotton assortment has a specific silk-like quality and texture. This retentive and firm handloom texture is sourced from Southern India, particularly Andhra Pradesh. A few creators of wedding silk sarees additionally utilize a rich mix of Silk-Cotton mix. Different textures aren’t used, as rich cotton, and cotton mixes assimilate the best characteristic colors, which were first used to create these Bandhani Sarees.
Conclusion:
Khatri Jamnadas Bechardas is reputed to have a stock of some of the renowned gharchola sarees online. Here you can find some of the gorgeous prints, and if your wedding is nearby, this is your ideal destination.
