Author Archives: Bandhej

HOW IS A GHARCHOLA CRAFTED? Traditionally, Gharcholas are made on the handloom. However, these days Gaji Silk Gharcholas are available avidly, and these often are not handloom crafted. In the original process, Gharchola saree is first woven using fabric and Zari threads to create the grid/ chequered pattern, thus producing a beautiful Zari checks saree.ThisContinue reading “HOW IS A GHARCHOLA CRAFTED?”

ZARI IN GHARCHOLA Zari (the popular golden thread-weaving) is an integral part of every Gharchola creation. The gold-coloured threads are woven along with cotton/gaji silk/silk-blend yarn to create the wonderful characteristic grid-pattern. Each box in the grid of Gharchola has a Zari border. It may be thin or thick, as per the design, but itContinue reading “ZARI IN GHARCHOLA”

WHICH FABRICS ARE USED TO CRAFT GHARCHOLAS ? Many wrongly believe that Gharcholas are always made in pure Silk. In fact, the ‘authentic’ traditional Gharcholas are rarely made in pure Silk. Venkatgiri Cotton is typically used by manufacturers to craft Gharchola. This rich cotton varietyhas a certain silk-like quality and sheen. This absorbent and resilientContinue reading “WHICH FABRICS ARE USED TO CRAFT GHARCHOLAS ?”

GHARCHOLA AND PANETAR Panetar is the traditional wedding attire in Gujarat. It is the gift to bride from her maternal uncle. The characteristic red and white/ maroon and off-white saree or lehenga choli called Panetar is actually the wedding ensemble of the bride. Most Gujarati brides begin their wedding ceremony and rituals dressed in rich,Continue reading “GHARCHOLA AND PANETAR”

WHEN AND HOW IS A GHARCHOLA WORN? Gharcholas are wedding staples in the Indian states of Gujarat . The bride generally wears a Gharchola as an Odhani/ Chunar, draped over her head and across her shoulders. Gharcholas are wedding staples in the Indian states of Gujarat . The bride generally wears a Gharchola as anContinue reading “WHEN AND HOW IS A GHARCHOLA WORN?”

WHAT EXACTLY IS A GHARCHOLA? Gharchola is a saree, dupatta , khombhi or dressess to , traditionally used as a head/ shoulder drape, called as Odhani/ Chunari/ Chundari. Since it is a wedding apparel, it is usually in auspicious colours of red/ maroon and green/ yellow. A variant of the popular Bandhani saree, Gharchola isContinue reading “WHAT EXACTLY IS A GHARCHOLA?”

THE ORIGIN OF GHARCHOLA Originating from the Kutch region of Gujarat, Gharcholas have been used for years in Gujarati weddings. Khambat was a very popular port and centre of trade in India, till about 16th century. Merchants from all over the world visited this important trading centre that was also famous for silk manufacturing. TheContinue reading “THE ORIGIN OF GHARCHOLA”

ABOUT GHARCHOLA When two people marry, two families too, invariably, marry! This stands especially true in the context of the Indian marriages, where a bride is traditionally considered the honour and grace of the family she marries into. Also, with marriage, the bride becomes an integral part of her new family – her security andContinue reading “ABOUT GHARCHOLA”

WHAT DOES GHARCHOLA MEAN? Ghar+Chola – made of two words ‘ghar’ (home) and ‘chola’ (cape/clothing)– the word gharchola literally translates to ‘home apparel’ or the outfit worn at home. However, the contextual meaning of the word is more complex. Here ‘Ghar’ refers to the bride’s new home, her husband’s home. And, ‘Chola’ contextually means herContinue reading “WHAT DOES GHARCHOLA MEAN?”