The lehenga has come a long way since the Mughal Era, and it's now one of the most versatile Indian ethnic wear in India. These days, you can find traditional lehengas worn by people across the country.
Indian fashion designers who make them hope to inspire other cultures with their designs. You can also see how they've evolved. For example, during the British Raj era, women would wear lehengas as a symbol of independence and defiance against colonial rule. And today, many Indian women choose to wear these dresses for their evening wedding ceremonies or other formal occasions.
What Is a Lehenga?
A lehenga is a type of dress that originated in India and gained popularity among Indian women. This garment has evolved to take on many forms and variations, but all share the same roots. The origin of this dress can be traced back to the Mughal Era in India.
Lehengas are traditionally made from heavy cotton fabric, but they can also be made from silk or chiffon. Traditionally, the fabric would have been sourced from local weavers in India. However, today you'll find many lehengas manufactured with fabrics sourced from all over the world. These dresses come in a wide range of styles and colors so they can suit any occasion or mood. Some have embroidered detailing or sequins, while others have beautiful floral designs. Depending on what look you're going for, they may also include embellishments like stripes, zari work, pearls, satin, lace inserts, and more.
Lehenga designs come in various lengths and styles, including tight-fit skirts that end at the front thigh level or voluminous skirts that flow to the ground floor. Even lehenga dresses with a skater skirt style allow a lot of movement and flexibility for dancing! The most common type of lehenga worn is the Punjabi style which is loose-fitting at the bottom and tight-fitting at the top where there's a fitted bodice with an embryo.
