GHARCHOLA SAREE
Gharchola saree, also known as the Zari Chowkda (gold checks) in Kutch, is an auspicious wedding staple in Gujarat and Rajasthan. his traditional saree is a must-have in the Marwari and Jain brides’ wedding collection. Gharchola saree, a variant of Bandhani saree, is known for its typical intricate grid patterns with various motifs in each grid. The saree is carefully tied and dyed in auspicious colours of red, maroon and green, followed by gotas (golden threads) woven into the pallu and the border. Gharcholas are made by the traditional Bandhani workers in Khambat (Anand) and Jamnagar region of Gujarat, as the water quality is considered suitable for producing vibrant red colour used in dying the silk fabric.
Traditionally worn by the Gujarati bride, Gharcholas has a beautiful reason behind it – it is made of two words Ghar, which means new home of the bride, and Chola, meaning her wedding costume or dupatta draped over her head and shoulders. Traditionally, groom’s mother gifts a Gharchola saree to the bride, welcoming her into their family with respect and affection. The bride drapes it over her head, as a blessing from her in-laws, during the wedding rituals. Symbolically put, the bride enters her husband’s house wearing a Gharchola to start a new life with everyone’s blessings and good wishes.
