Gharchola

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 her wedding costume. The new bride enters her marital home wearing a Gharchola on her head and shoulders – implying she comes with everyone’s blessings and good wishes.

Many of you might not know that in Gujarati culture bridal wears Panetar in the First half of the wedding and then switches to Gharchola in the second half of the wedding. However in today's time usually bridal wears Panetar/Lahenga and wears Gharchola dupatta over head and shoulder. 

During a wedding, the transition from Panetar to Gharchola is actually a symbolization of the transition of bridal from one family to another where she is accepting other family culture and family members happily.

Since gharchola is a wedding apparel, it is usually in auspicious colours of red/ maroon and green/ yellow. A variant of the popular Bandhani saree, Gharchola is distinguishable by its typical grid pattern.