Shopping for a wedding is an elaborate exercise in any part of the world. For Indian weddings, however, this exercise can get really exhausting and crazy! The practices, traditions, and cultures often mandate gifts for not just the immediate family members but distant relatives and family friends too. To add to this, unlike in the west, there are many ceremonies – big and small – that are important leading up to the wedding ceremony. Of these, the haldi ceremony is one of the most fun-filled events before the wedding.
Many consider the haldi ceremony to be the official beginning of the wedding celebrations. The ceremony – held separately for the bride and the groom – involves applying haldi (turmeric) on the face, hands, and neck of the couple. The ceremony is often elaborate, including music, singing, and dancing, while family elders apply a paste of haldi (often mixed with rosewater, milk, and even honey) to the soon-to-be-wed. The significance of the haldi in an Indian wedding ceremony is manifold. The most commonly known reasons include:
- Warding off evil spirits from affecting the bride and the groom who are starting a new leg of their life together.
- The colour of haldi (deep yellow) is considered auspicious and symbolises prosperity, blessings, and new beginnings in Indian culture. This is why all those participating in the haldi ceremony wear clothes with yellow as the dominant colour.
- Turmeric is known for its natural beauty and cleansing properties. Its application helps to heal any skin damage and provides that extra glow to the skin.
Over the years, the haldi ceremony has evolved into a major event with a special focus on dresses to wear at the haldi function. Haldi ceremony photographs often flood social media pages these days, announcing the start of a wedding ceremony. Hence, it is essential to choose the proper attire that makes one look great—both in person and in photographs.
Be it for the bride, the groom, siblings, or close relatives of the couple, here is a compilation of ten exquisite Haldi wears that one must consider this wedding season:
The Pure Cotton Yellow Kurta for Men is a signature choice from the unique range of haldi wear by The Cotton Staple. Made using pure cotton, this thoughtfully curated haldi kurta for men features hand-block prints and has full sleeves with a band collar and buttons in the front.
The Handwoven Yellow Cotton Saree with Jamdani Motifs by Ira is a classy ethnic wear for haldi functions for women. It is a handspun cotton saree in a beautiful and vibrant yellow colour obtained from the natural marigold dye. The saree is brought to life by contemporary jamdani motifs in white and grey.
The Chanderi Kurta Set with Dual Toned Dupatta by Vaaya is a gorgeous festive wear for women and makes a great haldi wear dress. The tangerine-hued kurta with billowy sleeves and striking cuffs raises the bar of sustainable ethnic clothing for women. The irresistible dual-toned silk chanderi dupatta, styled with coin and ghungroo tassels is mesmerising and is sure to make heads turn. The tangerine and fuchsia colours blend wonderfully. The soft silhouette of the kurta flatters all body types.
This hand Embroidered yellow Linen Saree by Kavana is the perfect haldi wear for the bride. The artsy sunny yellow sari is sure to light up the room and will ensure the bride is the centre of attention – both on and off camera. The hand-embroidered red, pink, and purple flowers elevate the look and feel of the saree to a whole new level. The saree comes with a matching blouse piece.
The Cotton Block Printed Kurta Set with Dupatta by Pants and Pajamas would make an amazing haldi wear for the bride’s sister. This three-piece set comprising Kurta, bottom, and dupatta is a thoughtfully curated dress for haldi ceremonies and other festival gatherings. The mustard block prints show up elegantly in the Kurta, bottom, and dupatta along with gold laces.
The Yellow Chanderi Silk Saree by Begum Beliya stands out among dresses to wear for haldi function. Inspired by the bahaar season – the colours of spring, this bright yellow saree with silver zari strips on pallu is refreshingly elegant and visually dazzling. It is thoughtfully curated for special occasions such as wedding-linked ceremonies and festival get-togethers and is sure to make heads turn. The saree comes with an unstitched blouse piece.
This Yellow Cotton Silk Dupatta by Dressfolk is a cotton-silk blend and handwoven in chanderi. Delicate ‘chameli’ floret motifs adorn this yellow dupatta in traditional Kadwaa style. The dupatta is 2.5 metres long and 44 inches wide and has a zari border and handmade tassels. For sure, this dupatta will be excellent ethnic wear for haldi functions and other wedding-related ceremonies.
The Yellow Cotton Kantha Weave Kurta by Kalp is a thoughtfully curated haldi kurta for men. Crafted in light, breathable cotton, this kantha-weaved kurta has full sleeves, a band collar, and a button placket. To maintain its colour and texture, handwash separately in cold water, dry in shade, and avoid ironing on embellishments.
The peppy yellow Banarasi Silk Dress by Tamaksh is designed to ooze style and promises to be a great haldi wear dress. This beautiful yellow brocade dress is made in silk with golden zari work and is designed to stun on all festive occasions. It comes in many sizes and is sure to make heads turn!
The mesmerising Mustard Cotton Silk Kurta Set with Dupatta by The August Co will top the list of amazing ethnic wear for haldi function. The stunning kurta has a panelled round neck with yoke and gathers. The flared mustard pants offer comfortable all-day wear thanks to an elasticated waistband. The mustard chanderi jacquard silk dupatta on top completes the set and look.
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