What is the Difference Between Sharara and Lehenga?

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The main difference between a sharara and a lehenga lies in the style of the lower garment. Both are traditional Indian outfits, but they have distinct features:

  • Sharara: A sharara is a pair of loose, flared pants that are only fitted at the waist and flow freely until the end. They are similar to lehengas but have a bifurcation, making them look like pants. Shararas are usually worn with either short or long straight-fit kurtis, along with dupattas. They are considered more feminine and are often worn for special occasions.
  • Lehenga: A lehenga is a long, flared skirt that is paired with a shorter blouse called a choli. Lehengas are typically more conservative than shararas. They are often worn with a dupatta, which is a long scarf that can be draped in various ways.

Both shararas and lehengas are popular choices for traditional events such as weddings and festivals, and they are often heavily embellished with decorations like pearls, zari, sequins, and gota patti. While they share some similarities, the main difference between the two is the style of the lower garment: the sharara being a pair of wide-legged pants and the lehenga being a long, flared skirt.

Comparative Table: Sharara vs Lehenga

The main difference between a sharara and a lehenga lies in the style of the pants. Here is a table comparing the two:

Feature Sharara Lehenga
Definition A pair of loose, flared pants fitted at the waist A long, flowing skirt worn with a choli
Origin Lebanese Northern India, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries
Style Wide-legged pants that flow freely from the knee down A skirt-like garment that is pleated and gathered at the waist
Typical Length Floor-length or slightly shorter Floor-length or slightly longer
Pairing Usually worn with short or long straight-fit kurtis and dupattas Paired with a choli and a dupatta (optional)
Occasions Formal events and weddings Festive occasions and weddings
Embellishments Intricate embroidery and embellishments Can be adorned with various decorations, but generally less elaborate than sharara

Shararas are typically worn with either short or long straight-fit kurtis, along with dupattas, and are considered a regal and elegant choice, often worn at formal events and weddings. On the other hand, lehengas are more common in festive occasions and weddings, and can be paired with a choli and a dupatta.