The Gharchola Chronicles

Hey Guys..

Today I am finally putting up a post that has been work in progress for the longest time.
After I wrote about the Panetar Saree, I was keen on writing about the Gharchola. 

For readers who have no idea what I am talking about read this.

Finally I was able to compile a post on Gharchola, which will not only educate you about it, but would want you to rush to a nearby Saree store and buy one for your self. :)

Gharchola is a Wedding saree most popular in Gujrati/Kutchi and Rajasthani Culture and has Zari grid patterns with Bandhani print inside each grid. To make it richer and expensive, it may be hand-embroidered or attached a heavy border.
The name Gharchola is made of two words: Ghar+Chola. Ghar mean Home and Chola means Clothing. So literally the word Gharchola means Home Clothing or an outfit that you wear at home. However, the word Gharchola has much deeper connotations than you would think.
Ghar refers to the Bride's new home/Husband's home and Chola refers to Wedding apparel.
When the new bride enters her marital home post marriage wearing a Gharchola, it means she enters the new home with everyone's blessings and good wishes.
Since it is a wedding apparel, it is most commonly available in red/maroon colour. However, it is also available in green/yellow colour.

Contrary to popular notion, Gharcholas are hardly made in silks.

The most authentic ones are made in Vankatgiri cotton which is soured from the South of India. This particular type of cotton fabric has silk like sheen to it, but since it is cotton, it absorbs the colour during the tie and dye process properly thus rendering the saree a richer and deeper hue.

However, nowadays Gharcholas made in silk are also available.
Also, not sure why but Gharcholas are always draped in Gujrati style.

I had the opportunity to wear my Gharchola for a cousin's wedding recently and I made sure I took pictures so that I could use them on my blog. :)

Scroll down and let me know what you think.