Gharchola
GHARCHOLA
When two people marry, two families too, invariably, marry! This stands especially true in the context of the Indian marriages, where a bride is traditionally considered the honour and grace of the family she marries into. Also, with marriage, the bride becomes an integral part of her new family – her security and respect, the new family’s responsibility.
There are many cultural practices and religious/ ritualistic symbols associated with this integral aspect of Indian society. Gharchola is one of them! This auspicious wedding staple from the Indian states of Gujarat has been used since years with this beautiful thought behind it
FROM MOM-IN-LAW TO DAUGHTER-IN-LAW WITH LOVE
Traditionally sought and culturally rich, Gharcholas (sarees/odhanies) are a way of welcoming the new bride into the groom’s home – with respect and affection. Groom’s mother gifts a Gharchola – traditional grid-patterned, unstitched length of embellished fabric – to the bride. The daughter-in-law drapes it over her head – as a way of her mother-in-law’s aashirwaad (blessing) – at the time of wedding rituals.
The draping of Odhani/Dupatta on the shoulders and head of a girl is also symbolic of the promise that comes with the Indian marriage – the promise that post marriage the groom and his family would take care of the bride – in every way. With this profound gesture, the mom-in-law takes the new bride under her wings!
Dont Miss To Give a Gift To Your DAUGHTER-IN-LAW
