Bandhani lehengas are becoming quite popular lately. We are seeing brides carrying them flawlessly as a part of their wedding look & had to compile them so you can bookmark the list easily. Traditional Indian textiles oozes a certain charming appeal. Chikankari, leheriya, banarasi silk, kanchipuram silk, gota patti, chanderi are just some of the names that can make any woman look their personal best when donned.
What is Bandhani or Bandhej?
Bandhani print is made by traditional tie and dye technique, that is used to make fine, artistic fabrics. The word is derived from ‘Bandhna’, meaning tightly tied. That’s where the name Bandhani and the modified version Bandhej originated. It’s practiced mainly in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and some parts of Tamil Nadu, where it’s known as Sungudi.
It is known to be the oldest form of ‘tie and dye’ and has been dated back to around 4000 BC. In the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, it was considered to be a royal clothing material that only queens and princesses wore. The earliest representation of Bandhani dots was found in Ajanta caves.
How is Bandhej made?
The fabric for the cloth is chosen (usually cotton or silk). The first step is tying the fabric tightly so as to form the pattern. It’s then dyed in a specific color, and the part tightly tied doesn’t get the color. Lastly, the fabric is dried for around 4-6 hours, depending on the weather. Bandhani design has many patterns like Sarkam, Kungra, Gharchola etc. Watch the video till the end to see how they all look!
Bandhani sarees are traditionally worn by brides in Gujarat and Rajasthan during their pheras. However, the demand for bandhani has risen for all types of Indian wear. We’d advise that you don’t iron your bandhani cloth on high heat as it loses its strength. To make sure you’re buying a pure bandhani print, purchase it from a reputed store or from the states it’s most popular in.
Bandhani Lehengas We Loved!
1. This gorgeous one that’s been adored by everyone on Instagram right now! Bride Tisha wore it for her haldi, but we think it makes a great pick for your mehendi ceremony as well.
Via @artfotostudios, @tisha_official
2. RAH are known for the intricacy in their lehengas imparted by the handwork of their artisans. So when they include a traditional print into their couture, it has got to look flawless. You can mix and match the dupatta with your other clothing and it’d make a perfect pair ready to go!
3. Who remembers this flawless and timeless look? We do! There’s no doubt that whatever Sabyasachi designs becomes a trend. And when this GORG bride stepped out in his bandhani lehenga, the popularity of the print grew. Scroll down to see another bride who wore the same lehenga design in pink color.
4. What a delightful mix of colors? Love everything about her charming outfit. Bandhani dupatta, purple lehenga, yellow blouse and her pretty smile acting as a cherry on the top.
Via @annus_creation
5. As we mentioned, some Rajasthani & Gujarati cultures call for brides to wear bandhani prints for their pheras. And that’s why this Rajasthani bride is clad in a winsome bandhani saree with a traditional borla.
Via @makeoverbyindu
6. Who wouldn’t fall hard for her edgy style? She chose paisley motifs, bandhani prints, and gota patti work for her lehenga and dupatta, but to create a perfect mix of the ethnic and modern outfit, wore a zero neck blouse that’s screaming millennial bride goals out loud!
Via @mansi_sidhpura_photography
7. Make a statement as a bride or a bridesmaid with this ogle-worthy lehenga. This shimmery white lehenga that’s mixed with a sultry bandhani dupatta has us hooked. Love it!
Via @sj_snehajethwa
8. A paradise of traditional prints! This bride’s Tarun Tahiliani lehenga is such a swift balance between feminine and ethnic. It’s so unique. Don’t you think?
Via @taruntahiliani
9. Brides who crave simplicity, this pink bandhani lehenga by Raunika’s Couture will have all your attention. It’s bright, refreshing, and minimal. If you’re searching for a lehenga that matches all these qualities, your search ends here.
Via Stage 3 Co., Raunika’s Couture
10. An all-pink bandhani lehenga with just a touch of geometric prints is a perfect pick for brides who want to keep it less with a dash of glam. The best part is it’s from a reputed store in Jaipur called Vasansi, so you don’t have to worry about quality while purchasing.
Via Vasansi Jaipur
11. Well, we have said it a few times on our social media channels before but Rimple & Harpreet are definitely becoming a bride’s top choice for high-end designer lehengas, giving a strong competition to Sabyasachi. We spot as many brides in RAH as in Sabyasachi & why not! Just look at their lehengas, they’re so epic. Here’s one with bandhani print incorporated in it.
Via @rimpleandharpreet, @priyamparikhpictures
12. The details on her lehenga are worth drooling over! Do you spot those baraati motifs on her lehenga & dupatta? When you find a lehenga this pretty, you sure will be dancing like this too.
Via @annus_creation
13. Being a Gujarati, Isha Ambani embraced her traditions by wearing a gorgeous bandhani print dupatta on her lehenga, which was actually made from her mother’s saree when she got married.
Impressive, aren’t’ they?
Where to buy a Bandhani lehenga?
You can look for the sources of these lehengas. They are all tagged. Apart from Sabyasachi & Rimple & Harpreet, all will fall into your budget and can range from around 20k to 50k. You can also buy pure bandhani cloth, which starts from anywhere around Rs.500/- for a meter and get a lehenga stitched for yourself.
