The Lehenga is one of the many traditional types of clothing for the everyday Indian woman. Women in the ‘lands of kings’ or Rajasthan, as it is geographically known, are predominantly known for this particular type of clothing.
India is one of the few countries that have kept their cultural practices intact especially since most countries have adopted the Western culture. Rajasthanis are a few of many in India that have retained their customs and can still be spotted proudly wearing a sari rather than a pair of jeans, t-shirts or a pair of trainers.
A lehenga is a long embroidered skirt, often pleated, made from various fabrics such as silk, cotton, georgette, crepe and chiffon. It could also be referred to as ghaghra choli when paired with a short blouse and a head covering known as a dupatta. However, though many different types of fabric can be used to make this garment, most designers consider silk a favorite. Even though fabric choice is the key, decorative stitching as is the case with most Indian sarees plays a major role. Lehengas portray a number of decorative stitching handiworks such as the kundan, zari and the zardozi.