Bandhini & Lehriya Sarees

The Indian Fashion shows glamorize on the exotic Indian work of art,
with exquisite handwork beadwork, and tie-dye fashions. Designers are
taking indian fashion and incorporating it into western culture. Yet,
the most traditional handwork sarees are the most sought for.

Every region of India has developed its own unique sari style, which
differs in terms of fabric and weaving style. The reservoir of sari is
simply superb encompassing variety.

Today we shall look at the sarees, belonging to region of Gujrat and
Rajasthan popularly known as Bandhani Sarees.

The word Bandhani comes from the Hindi word Bandhan which means tying.
Bandhini have been the most popular fashion wear in north-west India.



In fact, the Gujarati saris, the Panetar [white sari with a red
bandhini border and the Gharchola [traditional red bandhini sari
crisscrossed with woven gold squares enclosing bandhini motifs were
traditional wedding wear.

Now however, contemporary colours and designs interprets the
traditional bandhini saris in old rose, jade green, peach etc. with
zari borders. Single color sarees and odhnis with white spots are also common. The most famous of this type is the Gujarati sarees called Garchola. It is usually red, but occasionally green, and is divided into a network of squares created by rows of white tie - dyed spots or woven bands of zari.

Bandhani sari is classic style of Rajasthan and Gujarat. This sari is made by hand, that involves tying and dying of cloth. The sari is tied and died in such a manner that it produces elaborate patterns and designs on the fabric.

Red, black, pink, yellow and green are mostly used in Bandhani sarees. All the colors used are bright and contrasting with each other. After all, Rajasthan is famous for its vibrant colors. Nowadays, as pastel shades are growing popular, you will find even pastel shades on
Bandhani work. The trend has caught Bandhani in its grip too!

You can get various designs in Bandhani like squares, stripes, dots,waves, tear-shaped dots etc. Also, popular designs such as Lehriya, Ekdali, Shikari and Mothda are also made by the process of tie and dye. You can even find flowers, bells, plant shapes, mountain patterns in tie and dye.

These are various types of cloths on which Bandhani work is done like silk, cotton, muslin, handloom, voile etc. For dying the cloth, vegetables dyes or synthetic dyes are used. Embroidery work is further done on the Bandhani to give it a decorative look. You will also find zari work, gotta etc. For weddings, silver and gold embroidery is done on the Bandhani, giving it a rich look.

Leheriya (pattern of the waves) is another popular design of Rajasthan. In Leheriya, only two colors are used. These two colors are used alternatively. Wave like stripes are formed by using these two colors. Leheriya is worn throughout India, especially in Northern India.

Traditionally, only bright colors were used for Leheriya, but Leheriya is catching up with fashion. Now, you will find pastel and English shades in it too