From the Chunri offered to the goddesses during Navaratri and Pooja at home, to the beautiful red veil of the newlywed bride, the Dupatta- literally “two” (do), “cloths” (patta) is a traditional Indian wear that belongs to all, from the deities to the devotees. The history of this simple piece of clothing goes back to the Vedic age when women wore an item of clothing called “uttariya”, described by the Sanskrit and Buddhist Pali texts. At its inception, the Dupatta is believed to be a favorite accessory in the fashion of men and women. During the Mughal times, the dupatta became a part of the regal wardrobe of Begums, queens, and elite women, and grew into a statement of luxury and grace. With premium materials like silks and velvet and embellishment of Zari, Zardozi, and classic embroidery decorating the fabric, the humble Dupatta became a symbol of elegance and charm. Smiling beautifully in her veil or Ghunghat, the woman became an epitome of femininity. Who can forget the sideways, playful gaze of Kishangarh’s “Bani-Thani” or the “Bedecked Woman”, who is all dressed up in jewels, holding a corner of her translucent dupatta?
Bani Thani
With a dupatta added to any look, you can effortlessly bring the timeless charm of ethnic Indian wear to your style. Crafted with comfy cotton or luxurious silk, made according to the taste of modern women with a hint of classic elements, Dupattas present the easiest way for fashionistas, working women, college goers, and everyone else, to experience the charm of Indianness in everyday or festive wear. Here are some of the Dupattas that are woven with threads of India’s rich history and colors of its heart-warming culture, perfect picks for your wardrobe for all seasons.
Caviar Black Georgette Phulkari Dupatta
Woven and embroidered by the rural women of Punjab, covered in floral work or Phul-kari, which creates vivid gardens on georgette, chiffon, cotton, and other fabrics, Phulkari dupattas are the heart and soul of the traditional fashion of the land of five rivers. These colorful clothes are the perfect addition to a monotone outfit or simple salwar-kurta, to bring a splash of colors to your attire while letting you enjoy the wearable gardens.
Multi-coloured Tie-Dye Bandhani Dupatta
The traditional tie-dye technique from the Western state of India has been employed for ages to create eye-catching and classic motifs on cotton, georgette, and sometimes silk and is prized by modern fans of traditional appeal in their wardrobe. With the classic Bundi or dot pattern surrounded by a rich variety of vibrant colors, Bandhani dupattas are a great way to add traditional peppiness to your simple outfits.
Royal Banarasi Brocade Silk Dupatta
Rich in colors and richer in material, the brocaded clothes from Banaras are a timeless symbol of royalty and elite taste in fashion. Banarasi silk dupattas are exquisite pieces of clothing, covered in classic Zari brocade work and traditional Buta (motifs) that make the wearer stand apart with their unparalleled charm. Add a Banarasi dupatta to your kurtas to stitch the perfect party look or put it on with a lehenga or saree to infuse your look with a queenly beauty.
Banglori Satin Batik Sun Motif Printed Dupatta
If you love chic patterns or classic ethnic motifs to reign your style, go with a printed dupatta. Made with every fabric possible, printed dupattas are a stylish union of the traditional appeal of dupattas and contemporary patterns, creating unforgettable and edgy experiments. Whether you are wearing a traditional kurta, a fusion dress, or it is simple denim pants with a top look, adding a printed dupatta to it is a sure-shot way to create eye-catching ensembles.
Velvet Dupatta
Soft, luxuriant, and appealing to the eye, velvet in the world of fashion is synonymous with classiness and regalia. Made with this lux fabric, Velvet dupattas are often embellished with classic elements like Zari, Zardozi, and gemmed pieces that infuse a traditional allure to the delicate cloth. With lavishness written all over, a Velvet dupatta in your wardrobe opens doors to create stylish and refined looks that turn heads.
Once you open the treasure chest containing the traditional clothing of India, you are welcomed by colors, elements, fabrics, and styles that are spellbinding. This could not be truer than it is in the case of dupattas. Among the most ancient components of traditional dressing, the Dupatta today has become a part of contemporary fashion as not just an additional piece of clothing but as a statement of the wearer’s love for this classically Indian wear.
Explore a handpicked collection of beautiful dupattas from different states and styles of India only at Exotic India, to find the perfect pairing for your suits and lehengas and upgrade your wardrobe effortlessly with a piece of clothing that never goes out of style.
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