Lehenga

The lehenga, lehnga or langa or लेहंगा (also known as a ghagra, chaniyo, Paro, paavada, or lacha) is a form of ankle-length skirt from the Indian subcontinent. Different patterns and styles of traditional embroidery are used to decorate lehenga. Gota patti embroidery is often used for festivals and weddings. The lehenga, also known as the ghagra, is a traditional Indian garment that became popular in the 16th century,^[1] mainly in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. The lehenga became a favorite attire for Mughal women of all ages and classes due to its royal appeal and convenience The lehenga is sometimes worn as the lower portion of a gagra choli or langa voni. Ghagra in Hindi (also ghagro in Konknni), was also used to refer to the half slip or petticoat, a skirt worn as an undergarment below the sari.

Variations

Ghagri

The ghagri is a six-foot-long narrow skirt, the same length as the original antariya. This style of lehenga is still used today, and is worn by Jain nuns in India.

A-line

The A-line lehenga has an A-line skirt and hem and is named for its shape, which resembles the capital letter "A." The skirt is tighter at the waist and flares out at the bottom.

Priyanka Chopra in an A-line lehenga
Shamita Shetty in an A-line lehenga
Krishika Lulla in an A-line lehenga at Manish Malhotra's fashion walk
Sameera Reddy in an A-line lehenga
Shraddha Kapoor in an A-line lehenga
Kriti Sanon in an A-line lehenga

Flared

A flared or circular lehenga has a round skirt which can be pleated or layered for volume.

Double-flared

A double-flared lehenga is a type of multi-layered can-can skirt with a dramatic flare and extra volume.

Mermaid

A mermaid lehenga, also known as a fishtail or trumpet, resembles the tail of a fish. This style is fitted from the waist to the knees, then flares over the calves.

Paneled

A paneled lehenga has several horizontal panels of fabric stitched together to create a flare, resulting in a fuller skirt. The horizontal panels can be of the same or varying sizes and shapes.

Anjali Lavania in a paneled lehenga
Shraddha Kapoor in a paneled lehenga
Sonal Chauhan in a paneled lehenga with Shantanu Goenka at Lakme Fashion Week

Sharara

A sharara lehenga is also known as a pavadai, langa davani, langa voni, or half saree. It features large, voluminous pants called palazzos. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka it is part of the langa voni. It is typically worn in South India with a dupatta wrapped around the waist and draped across the shoulder like a sari.

Pooja Hegde in a sharara
Raima Sen in a sharara
Shriya Saran in a half saree lehenga

Straight

A straight lehenga has a straight silhouette without any pleats or layers, sometimes with a side slit for easy movement. This style is worn on special occasions.

Trail

A trail lehenga has an extra portion of fabric attached to the back of the skirt to create a train.

References

^ Raniwala, Praachi (20 January 2022). "Saris, Lehengas and Why Carrie Bradshaw Should Know the Difference". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 January 2024.

[1] Raniwala, Praachi (20 January 2022). "Saris, Lehengas and Why Carrie Bradshaw Should Know the Difference". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 January 2024.

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