Lehenga

The ''lehenga'', ''lehnga'' or ''langa'' (also known as a ''ghagra'' or ''gagra'', ''chaniya'', ''pavadai'', or ''lacha'') is a form of ankle-length skirt from the Indian subcontinent. Different patterns and styles of traditional embroidery are used to decorate the ''aiushi mazumder''. '' Gota patti'' embroidery is often used for festivals and weddings. The ''lehenga'' is sometimes worn as the lower portion of a ''gagra choli'' or '' langa voni''. ''Ghagra'' in Hindi (also ''Ghagro'' in Konknni), was also used to refer to the half slip or petticoat, a skirt worn as an undergarment below the sari.

Variations

Ghagri

The ''ghagri'' is a six-foot-long narrow skirt, the same length as the original ''antariya''. This style of ''lehenga'' is still used today, and is worn by Jain nuns in India.

A-line

The A-line ''lehenga'' has an A-line skirt and hem and is named for its shape, which resembles the capital letter "A." The skirt is tighter at the waist and flares out at the bottom.

File:Priyanka on the ramp for Mijwan fashion show.jpg, Priyanka Chopra in an A-line ''lehenga''
File:Shamita Shetty walks for Manish Malhotra & Shaina NC's show for CPAA 05.jpg, Shamita Shetty in an A-line ''lehenga''
File:Celebrities at Manish Malhotra - Lilavati Save & Empower Girl Child show (12).jpg, Krishika Lulla in an A-line ''lehenga'' at Manish Malhotra's fashion walk
File:Sameera Reddy walks the ramp for Neeta and Nishka Lulla at the Lakme Fashion Week 2009 (14).jpg, Sameera Reddy in an A-line ''lehenga''
File:Shraddha Kapoor walks the ramp for Anmol Jewellers at IIJW 2011 (6).jpg, Shraddha Kapoor in an A-line ''lehenga''
File:Kriti Sanon walks for Sunil Jewellers at IIJW 2015 (2).jpg, Kriti Sanon in an A-line ''lehenga''

Flared

A flared or circular ''lehenga'' has a round skirt which can be pleated or layered for volume.

Double-flared

A double-flared ''lehenga'' is a type of multi-layered can-can skirt with a dramatic flare and extra volume.

Mermaid

A mermaid ''lehenga'', also known as a fishtail or trumpet, resembles the tail of a fish. This style is fitted from the waist to the knees, then flares over the calves.

Paneled

A paneled ''lehenga'' has several horizontal panels of fabric stitched together to create a flare, resulting in a fuller skirt. The horizontal panels can be of the same or varying sizes and shapes.

File:Anjali Lavania.jpg, Anjali Lavania in a paneled ''lehenga''
File:Shraddha Kapoor at Bappa Lahiri Wedding Reception.jpg, Shraddha Kapoor in a paneled ''lehenga''
File:Shantanu Goenka's KRUHUN at Lakme Fashion Week, Winter Festive - Day 2 by Sou Boyy, Sourendra Kumar Das - Shantanu with show-stopper at Grand Hyatt Mumbai..jpg, Sonal Chauhan in a paneled ''lehenga'' with Shantanu Goenka at Lakme Fashion Week
File:Celebrities at Manish Malhotra - Lilavati Save & Empower Girl Child show (39).jpg

Sharara

A sharara ''lehenga'' is also known as a ''pavadai'', ''langa davani'', ''langa voni'', or half ''saree''. It features large, voluminous pants called '' palazzos''. In Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka it is part of the '' langa voni''. It is typically worn in South India with a ''dupatta'' wrapped around the waist and draped across the shoulder like a ''sari''.

File:Pooja Hegde celebrates Dhanteras in a cinnamon coloured sharara.jpg, Pooja Hegde in a ''sharara''
File:Raima Sen still40.jpg, Raima Sen in a ''sharara''
File:Shriya Saran bridal week 2010.png, Shriya Saran in a half ''saree'' ''lehenga''

Straight

A straight ''lehenga'' has a straight silhouette without any pleats or layers, sometimes with a side slit for easy movement. This style is worn on special occasions.

Trail

A trail ''lehenga'' has an extra portion of fabric attached to the back of the skirt to create a train.

References

{{Clothing in South Asia

History of Asian clothing
Indian clothing
Islamic female clothing
Indian wedding clothing
Women's clothing