Lucknow is known for its cultural treasures, one of which is the traditional Awadhi costume known as Lucknowi Gharara. Lucknow has gained a reputation as the city of Nawabs and their lavish lifestyles throughout the years. The city’s arts and fashion scene is just that impressive.
Wearing a gharara is one of those cultural practices which is highly popular among female, women, and brides for high-quality bridal wear. It’s a lovely set, with a sophisticated air and a rustic undertone. For centuries, ladies in the Indian subcontinent have donned the traditional gharara.
The Gharara is not just attire rather it represents a complete culture, tradition, and lineage of the Nawabi era of the Lucknow city, being worn even today. In Lucknow, it is very common to spot women dressed in Ghararas for marriage parties or at least the brides all decked up in ornate Ghararas. Gharara is clothing full of richness and gracefulness that reflects on the person wearing it.
History of Lucknow Gharara Culture
Gharara originated from Lucknow, the city of Nawabs, and came into existence during the 20th century as it was a fashion to wear Ghararas during those days. Ghararas are women’s attire, typically for people belonging to the northern hemisphere, and the ones coming from Talukdar and Nawab’s families.
Further, traditional lucknowi Gharara has also evolved throughout the years and is evolving even today. Whenever you think of an elegant, traditional, and beautiful dress, Gharara is the first choice, even in different locations such as Bangladeshi and Pakistani weddings and events. This is because a Gharara is not just a piece of cloth. It’s about the traditions and culture of India. This dress speaks about the gracefulness of the women wearing and adoring it.
A Lucknow Gharara has evolved over time. Initially, it was worn by princesses and queens belonging to the royal families in northern India. However, it has evolved and has become the most preferred piece of clothing for Indian weddings, presently.
What is a Lucknowi Gharara?
Gharara, one of the most well-known cultural items, is a three-piece clothing or Lucknow traditional dress consisting of a Kurti, a dupatta, and the Gharara, which are flared and long pants. Gharara is known for its pronounced flair at the bottom and richness near the knee. The knee portion of the Lucknow famous dress, Gharara is embellished with different laces, also known as gota Patti.
Further, the dupatta of the set is embellished heavily with zari work and adorned with laces as well known as the zarbaft Gharara.Traditional Ghararas are made of various fabrics such as georgette, cotton, or silk.
The novelty Gharara Lucknow also has another style known as Tukdi Ka Gharara which is made from a number of different colored clothing pieces which are combined and stitched all together. The dupatta of this Gharara can be made of a variety of materials and designs, including beads, sequins, laces, and crystals.
In Lucknow, you can purchase Ghararas from a number of old and heritage shops from Madanlal in Aminabad.
The Lucknowi ghararas can be paired nicely with silver and gold threads, gemstones, and other accessories. A number of women are often spotted wearing Ghararas in Lucknow, including celebrities.
Remember that Gharara is not a ‘Sharara’.
Gharara is sometimes confused with a Sharara, whereas both are different ethnic styles of clothing. The main difference between a Gharara and a Sharara is the tight fitting of the Sharara till the knee whereas Gharara is not tight fit in any part of it. So if you are looking for a Gharara, make sure you do not confuse it with a Sharara. These apparels have little in common apart from their rhyming names.
Factors to Decide the Price of Lucknow Ghararas
Some of the most vital factors for deciding the prices of Lucknowi ghararas are:
- Fabric : The overall price of the fabric is linked to the price of a Gharara for weddings in Lucknow. This is because the quality of the ghararas are relied upon the fabric utilized for making the Gharara. You can always go for a farshi Gharara because it is made of premium fabrics that you see and admire on Bollywood actresses. There are many retailers in Lucknow who can customize your farshi ghararas for you at the best price while providing the best quality.
- Designing : Traditional ghararas are said to be the most expensive when compared to simple Gharara designs because they have complex decorations and embroideries. Ghararas that feature fine craftsmanship generally can be more expensive as compared to others that are made with less attention to designing details.
- Stitching : Stitching is the most important factor associated with the price of the Gharara. The stitching needs a lot of experience from the tailors for providing an excellent piece of Gharara for Indian weddings.
Differences and Similarities between Shararas and Ghararas
The similarities between a Sharara and a Gharara are provided below:
- Both Ghararas as well as Sharara are famous in Southern Asia.
- Both of them are worn at traditional events and weddings.
- Both Shararas and Gharara are popular among Muslim and Indian women.
- Both these outfits are heavy and embellished and have a large amount of fabric of up to 8 to 12 meters.
- Both Shararas and Ghararas date back to the 16th century.
Conversely, the differences between Shararas and Ghararas are reflected below. However, one of the most prominent differences is the Lucknowi dressing style.
- Shararas are of Lebanese origin, whereas Gharara originated from Awadhi origin.
- A Sharara is fitted around the waist and then freely flows down, whereas a Gharara is fitted from the waist to the knees.
- A Sharara can be worn with both short or long Kurta. However, a Gharara can only be paired with a short kurta to make the details intricately visible.
Best Shops to Purchase Ghararas in Lucknow
There are several shops in old Lucknow that sell the legacy called gharara. In fact, the outfit can be customized in parts and assembled to form innumerable forms, styles, and designs of the attire. People from Lucknow say that the best places to get these outfits are in the old part of the city. Madanlal and Novelty in Aminabad are the most popular shops for the latest styles.
1. Nilofer’s Gharara Boutique
This shop located in Hasangarden colony in Lucknow is known to sell the most unique collection of Ghararas. People here have been crafting for over 20 years. This shop is a well-known manufacturer of designer custom-made shararas and ghararas that are specially curated for festive occasions and weddings. They have options for all budgets, from cheap to expensive. You can also get your personal names written on the Gharara.
| Location | Hasangarden Colony, Chinhat, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226006 |
2. Jamazeb Boutique
This boutique is located on Seth Ramjas road and is known to sell amazing and intricate pieces of Ghararas. What’s great is that they really listen to what customers want and make the best Ghararas. They keep up with the latest fashion trends.
| Location | Shop No-113, Kothi Nawab Sahab, Seth Ramjas Road, Opposite Vidya Mandir Girls High School, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001 |
3. Madan Lal Ballabh Das
This place is exclusively known to sell the most intricate pieces of lehengas and ghararas. This store is located in Aminabad and makes sure to provide the best quality ghararas at affordable prices.
| Location | 46, Aminabad Rd, Nazirabad, Aminabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226018 |
Different Types of Lucknowi Gharara Designs
Ghararas are often constructed from richer fabrics like silk, brocade, or satin and include elaborate embroidery, zari work, or other embellishments.
1. RED BRIDAL LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
2.LUCKNOWI PEPLUM STYLE TUNIC WITH GHARARA DESIGNS
3. SLEEVELESS KURTI WITH LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
4. LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS IN NAWABI STYLE
5. SHORT KURTI WITH LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
6. TRADITIONAL LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
7. CONTEMPORARY LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
8. LUCKNOWI GHARARA WITH LONG KURTA DESIGNS
9. FULL SLEEVES CLOSED NECK LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
10. LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS WITH RESHAM WORK
11. BANARASI LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
12. ANARKALI LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
13. SATIN LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS
14. LUCKNOWI GHARARA DESIGNS WITH DOUBLE DUPATTA
Conclusion :
In conclusion, Lucknow’s gharara culture is a vibrant and cherished tradition. These beautiful outfits continue to hold a special place in the hearts of locals and have even found popularity beyond the city. They are unique and popular for weddings and festivals because they are made with great skill and fancy designs.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or someone looking to embrace tradition, Lucknow’s gharara culture offers a rich and timeless heritage that continues to flourish in the modern world.
My name is Pragi. I am a resident of Lucknow Uttar Pradesh. I have done B.Tech in Electronics & Communication. I have been blogging for last 2 years. I love to know about new things about my city Lucknow and write about them.