Are you finding it tricky to choose between sharara and gharara for your next wedding or festival? With so many options out there, picking the right traditional outfit can be overwhelming. Let’s explore the differences between these two garments to help you make the best choice for your special occasion without confusion.
The difference between sharara and gharara lies in their design. The sharara pants are loose and flared from the waist to the ankles, while gharara pants are fitted from the waist to the knees, with a flare extending from below the knees to the toes.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Sharara
3. What is Gharara
4. Similarities – Sharara and Gharara
5. Sharara vs Gharara in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Sharara and Gharara
7. FAQ – Sharara and Gharara
What is a Sharara?
A Sharara is a type of traditional South Asian garment consisting of flared pants that are completely loose around the legs and feature an impressive flare. These are a type of party pants commonly worn at festive events and celebrations. They come in various styles, including circular, panelled, or A-line designs, and are typically paired with long kurtis and a dupatta. However, modern adaptations allow for wearing sharara pants with long anarkalis or short kurtas with dupattas.
Due to their festive nature, shararas are often heavily embellished with pearls, zari, sequins, gota patti, or other decorative elements, adding to their ornate appearance. In some contexts, the flared silhouette of sharara pants also earns them the nickname “lehenga pants.”
What is a Gharara?
A Gharara is a traditional South Asian garment that shares similarities with the sharara, but has distinct features of its own. Unlike the sharara, the gharara is fitted from the waist to the knees, where a thick band is present. This band is where the fabric is gathered or ruched, creating a flare that extends all the way to the toes. The purpose of this thick band is twofold: it hides the joint of the fabric and adds decorative embellishments, often in the form of beautiful lace or gota lace.
Ghararas are commonly worn at traditional events and celebrations, offering a stunning and elegant look. Typically paired with a short kurti and a dupatta, the gharara exudes grace and sophistication, making it a popular choice for festive occasions.
Similarities Between Sharara and Gharara
- Both sharara and gharara are types of lower-body garments worn by women. They typically consist of loose, flowing pants with voluminous flares.
- They are traditional garments originating from South Asian cultures, particularly popular in countries like India and Pakistan.
- These garments are often adorned with ethnic embellishments such as embroidery, sequins, beads, or zari work, adding to their ornate and decorative appearance.
- Both sharara and gharara are commonly worn on special occasions such as weddings, festivals, or other cultural celebrations, reflecting their significance as festive attire.
Difference Between Sharara and Gharara
Style
- Sharara pants are loose and flared from the waist to the ankles, featuring an impressive flare throughout the legs. They may have circular, panelled, or A-line designs.
- Gharara pants are fitted from the waist to the knees, where a thick band is present. Below the knees, the fabric is gathered or ruched to create a flare that extends to the toes.
Silhouette
- A sharara has a continuous and flowing silhouette. The generous flare starts at the waist and maintains its width throughout the leg, creating a graceful and voluminous look from top to bottom.
- A gharara has a more structured silhouette. The fitted upper portion creates a sense of definition, while the dramatic flare below the knees becomes the focal point.
Paired With
- Shararas are typically paired long kurtis and a dupatta but, modern adaptations allow for wearing sharara pants with long anarkalis or short kurtas with dupattas.
- Ghararas are typically paired with a short kurti and a dupatta.
Below is a summary of the difference between sharara and gharara in tabular form for side by side comparison.
Summary – Sharara vs Gharara
The difference between sharara and gharara lies mainly in their silhouette and construction. Sharara pants feature a loose and flowing flare from the waist to the ankles, creating a consistent voluminous silhouette throughout. On the other hand, gharara pants are fitted from the waist to the knees, where a thick band is present. Below the knees, the fabric is gathered or ruched to form a flare that extends to the toes, emphasizing the flare at the ankles.
FAQ: Sharara and Gharara
1. Is Sharara a Hindu dress?
- The sharara has roots in Lebanese and Yemeni cultures, and it was introduced to the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal era in the 16th century. But it has now become popular in many parts of India and Pakistan, and worn by women of different religions.
2. What is the difference between sharara and Plazo?
- The main difference between a sharara and plazo lies in their silhouette and flare. Sharara pants have a significant flare starting from the knees, while plazo pants have a straight and wide-leg silhouette without a distinct flare.
3. What does a gharara look like?
- A gharara is a type of wide-legged pants originating from Lucknow, India. It features a fitted silhouette from the waist to just above the knees, where a distinct thick band is incorporated. Below the knee, the fabric transforms into a voluminous flare that cascades down to the toes.
4. Is sharara worn by Muslims?
- Muslims wear shararas. They are especially worn during Muslim weddings and festivals. However, Shararas are not only worn by Muslims. People from various cultural and religious backgrounds across South Asia wear them.
Reference:
1. “Gharara.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Pooja Hegde celebrates Dhanteras in a cinnamon coloured sharara” By Bollywood Hungama (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Model in a Yellow Dress Flared Pants and a Scarf” (CC0) via Pexels