There’s something intrinsically beguiling about it. Not only does it make the ‘Doolha’ drool over, It captures the attention of the entire ‘Barati Brigade.’ The sumptuous garment with its voluminous ‘ghera’ (flare) that’s always captivated the poets’ imagination. It’s the costume that won Lara Dutta the Best National Costume first runner up award at Miss Universe Pageant, 2000. An all time celebrated motif among fashion gurus, it’s the ‘meat and potatoes of Bridal Trousseau Trade’. Yes, you guessed it right. Its none other than the traditional yet uniquely sensual bridal wear – lehenga! The word Lehenga is generally associated with a voluminous paneled skirt that is narrower than the ghaghra and has some ghera traditionally. It was worn with a shirt (kurti) and a wide (Odhani).

It originally represented the traditionally Rajdhani, Gujarati and Haryanvi style of dressing. In Punjab, Patiala is the land of traditional Lehenga. But the Lehenga is no longer region specific or class specific. The winds of Westernization have led to the blending of tradition and modernity in the lehenga too-be it the colour, embellishments, fabric or the design of the lehenga. The traditional lehengas were embellished with gota and motis. Embroidered lehengas were usually embellished with Zardosi in royal karkhanas for ceremonial occasion. Today’s Lehengas are modern day versions which hug the figure. The bodice (choli) has become tight-fitted and short. Bright reds, maroons and majentas would earlier set the hearts of buyers aflutter, the brides now want an exclusive look with off-beat colours. No doubt, an eclectric range of mauves, onion pinks, lime greens, peaches, mustards and blues are available in the market no doubt bright colours like reds, golds and oranges have reappeared on the scene, maroons being all-time hot-sellers. Lehengas are being heavily embroidered in dabka, brocade or zardosi, swarovsky crystals, bead-work, nalki and sequins. Some boutiques are going for mix and matches of aari work, kutki, tilla and meenakari,. Talking about fabrics, traditional silks and crepes have given way to nets, satines georgettes and sand tissue. Trendy lehengas are flaunting fish cuts,. A-lines and side slits. Long cholis with high necklines have given way to strappy cholis, short tops with plunging necklines and embroidered halter blouses. Isn't all this a tempting attraction for your wallet? So all you would be Dulhans out there – go ahead and buy your lehenga – the perfect wedding dress for your ‘the day’.