Navratri
this term translates to nine nights in Sanskrit
where the importance is laid to worship the
divine power. Other than that we can also translate
Navratri as those nine nights where men and
women will seek your attention by adorning dresses
in bright hues matching their rhythms with Dandiya
sticks and music.
Typical Garba wear
for the women consist of
Chaniya Choli:
Chaniya choli is
divided into three parts: Chaniya, Choli and
Odhni.
Chaniya is the
long flowing skirt worn by women. Chaniya is
also worn by women for other occasions like
marriages etc. But the difference between Navratri
Chaniyas and Chaniya’s
worn during weddings is that mostly the Navratri
Chaniyas are heavy with embroidered mirror
works whereas The flare of chaniya needs to
be very long at least 9 meters in width such
that it produces some admirable twirls when
the dancer turns around. Whereas traditional
Chaniyas designed for weddings or for other
formal wears are embroidered with either pearl,
sequin, silk or zari and also those channiyas
are not free flowing rather they are umbrella
shaped. These Chaniyas can either be made of
cotton, silk, chiffon, organza or satin cloth
whereas for marriage like occasions Chaniya
Cholis in brocade are preferred.
Choli worn by
women is blouse which can be as traditional
as long blouse extending below the waist as
loose blouse or it can be as fashionable as
short blouse that may just lie above the waist
or it can be short with backless tie-ups called
Bandni Choli or
backless choli.
Ethnic appearance of the Choli is enhanced by
Embroidery, sequins, crystals, kundan stones,
zardosi, and aari, thread work, mirror work
etc. Choli designers
today not only caters to the Indian audience
but they have moved a step ahead in creating
amalgamation of ethnic and traditional by creating
bustiers, noodle straps, short necks, sleeveless
and halter neck
Odhni or dupatta generally covers the head
of the dancer. It need not be matching in color
it can be plain or embroidered as per ones wishes.
It is believed that tradition of wearing these
Chaniya Cholis originated in Rajasthan and Kutch
region of Gujarat. Around 25 types of raw materials
are needed to make swirling chaniya Cholis that
are worn during the festival.
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