Indian weddings are known for their grandeur and lavishness, with guests dressed in their finest attire. While women have a plethora of options when it comes to choosing their attire for the wedding, men usually stick to a traditional outfit called the sherwani. So, what exactly is a sherwani and why is it such an important part of a man’s wedding attire? In this blog post, we’ll take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the mens Indian wedding outfit.
What is a Sherwani?
A sherwani is a long coat-like top that is typically worn by men during weddings and other formal occasions in India and Pakistan. It is made from a variety of fabrics, ranging from silk and brocade to cotton and linen, and is often adorned with intricate embroidery. Sherwanis come in a range of colors, with shades of gold, maroon, and cream being the most popular choices.
The History of Sherwani
The sherwani has a rich history that dates back to the Mughal era in India. It was originally worn by royals and aristocrats and was considered a symbol of wealth and status. Over time, the sherwani became more accessible to the general public and started to gain popularity as a wedding outfit. Today, it is an integral part of Indian wedding culture and is considered a must-have item for every groom.
Styles of Sherwani
There are several styles of sherwani that are popular in India and Pakistan. The most traditional style is the Achkan sherwani, which is a long, button-down coat that reaches the knee. It is typically worn with a churidar pyjama, which is a fitted trouser that tapers at the ankle. Another popular style is the Jodhpuri sherwani, which is a shorter coat that is paired with a pair of fitted trousers and a turban. The Jodhpuri sherwani is named after the city of Jodhpur, where the style originated.
Accessories to Complete the Look
In addition to the sherwani, there are several accessories that are essential to completing the groom’s wedding day look. The most important accessory is the sehra, which is a veil that is worn over the groom’s face during the wedding ceremony. It is made of flowers and/or beads and is tied to the groom’s turban. The turban, or pagri, is another important accessory that is worn with the sherwani. It is typically made of fabric that matches the sherwani and is wrapped around the groom’s head in a specific way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sherwani is a traditional mens Indian wedding outfit that has a rich history and is an integral part of Indian wedding culture. It is a stylish and elegant garment that is perfect for formal occasions, and it comes in a range of colors and styles to suit every taste. If you’re planning an Indian wedding, be sure to include the sherwani as a part of the groom’s attire for a truly authentic and memorable wedding day.
FAQ
What are the Indian dress codes for men?
India is a country that is known for its diverse culture, unique traditions, and vibrant clothing. Indian clothing is an important aspect of the culture and is deeply entrenched in history and tradition. For men, there are various traditional dress codes that they can choose from for different occasions. In this answer, we will discuss some of the traditional dress codes that are commonly worn by men in India.
One of the most popular traditional dress codes for men is the Sherwani, which is a long coat that is typically worn for weddings, formal occasions or other special events. The Sherwani is often made of silk, and is heavily embroidered with intricate designs and patterns. Paired with a turban, the Sherwani provides a complete traditional look.
Another popular option for men is the Bandhgala, which is a formal jacket that can be worn with trousers or dhoti. The Bandhgala has a Nehru collar and is typically worn for formal events, business meetings, or other formal occasions. The Bandhgala is also often embroidered or embellished with designs and patterns, and can be made with a variety of fabrics.
Lungi is a popular dress code in the southern part of India. It is essentially a long piece of cloth that is worn around the waist and is popular as an informal attire, particularly while at home. Lungi is also used as a night dress in many southern Indian households.
Kurta is another popular dress code in India, which is a long, loose shirt that is typically worn with pajama or dhoti. Kurta is one of the most versatile traditional dress codes for Indian men. It can be worn for formal events or even on a casual outing with friends. It is comfortable and comes in a wide range of fabrics, designs and patterns.
Angarkha is a traditional dress code that consists of a long, flowing top that is worn with either dhoti or pajama. The Angarkha has a V-neck design, which is tied together with strings. It is a popular option for weddings or other formal occasions.
Jama is another traditional dress code that is typically worn for special occasions. It consists of a long coat that is similar to a Sherwani, but is typically simpler in design and is made with a lighter fabric.
Finally, Dhoti or Kurta Pajama is a traditional dress code that is worn by men in India for both formal and casual occasions. Dhoti is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist and legs, while Kurta is a long shirt that is worn over it. Kurta Pajama is usually worn for weddings, religious events or other formal occasions.
There is a wide range of traditional dress codes for Indian men, each with its unique style and significance. These dress codes are deeply rooted in Indian culture and have been passed down through generations. From the colorful Sherwani to the simple Dhoti, each dress code has its own charm and importance in Indian culture. The acceptance of western clothing such as trousers and shirts as traditional Indian dress has opened opportunities to explore and experiment within Indian culture.
What is an Indian groom?
An Indian groom is an integral part of the wedding ceremonies and rituals in India. Weddings in India are grand affairs, attended by several guests and family members, and the groom plays a key role in these celebrations. In Indian culture, the groom is commonly referred to as the ‘dulha’ in weddings held in the northern part of the country. However, the groom is called by different names in different regions of India, such as Mapillai in Tamil language, Varudu in Telugu language, and Manavalan in Malalayi in the southern parts.
In traditional Indian weddings, the groom gets dressed up in traditional attire before the wedding ceremonies. The attire of the groom varies from region to region. For instance, in a north Indian wedding, the groom usually wears a Sherwani, which is a long coat worn over a Kurta and tied with a pair of churidar. In South Indian weddings, the groom wears a traditional dhoti and angavastram along with a silk shirt.
The wedding ceremony in the Indian culture is a sacred event that symbolizes the union of two families. The groom is given a warm welcome by the bride’s family, and there are several rituals that the groom has to go through before he finally ties the knot with the bride. One of the most crucial rituals in Indian weddings is the Baraat, which is the groom’s wedding procession. The groom, along with his family and friends, comes in a decorated car or horse, accompanied by music and dance.
After reaching the wedding venue, the groom is welcomed by the bride’s family and is then escorted to the Mandap, a sacred place where the wedding ceremony takes place. The ceremony is conducted by a priest, and the groom and the bride exchange Vows and take seven rounds around a sacred fire, towards the end of the wedding ceremony.
An Indian groom is an important figure in Indian weddings, and the wedding ceremony is incomplete without the groom. From the traditional attire to the wedding procession and the sacred rituals, the groom plays a vital role in Indian weddings.
What is the Bengali groom dress called?
In Bengali culture, weddings are regarded as one of the most auspicious and significant occasions in one’s life. The groom’s attire for a Bengali wedding is traditional and elegant, which consists of a dhoti, kurta, and topor. The Bengali groom’s dress is a symbol of heritage, culture, and elegance that is a blend of modern and traditional fashion.
The Dhoti is the most essential element of a Bengali groom’s outfit. Better known as Dhuti in Bengali, it is a rectangular piece of cloth that is typically wrapped around the waist and between the legs to form a conical shape. It is made either of silk or khadi. Generally, a Bengali groom opts for a white, beige, or cream colored dhoti. The dhoti is often intricately embroidered with gold or silver threadwork, making it a stunning element of the Bengali groom’s wedding attire.
Along with the dhoti, the Bengali groom also wears a Kurta, which is a loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt that covers the upper body. Typically, the Kurta is made of silk, cotton, or linen and is often heavily embellished with intricate embroidery, stones, and sequins. The kurta is also usually paired with a matching Nehru jacket, which is a sleeveless, collarless jacket that adds an extra layer of elegance and style to the groom’s outfit.
Finally, the Bengali groom tops off his attire with the Topor, which is a conical headgear that is typically made of sholapith or cork and is decorated with a white or light pink cloth. The topor is a significant symbol of the Bengali groom’s wedding, representing his status as the groom and his readiness for his marriage.
The Bengali groom’s dress is traditional and elegant, reflecting the heritage and culture of the Bengali community. The Dhoti, Kurta, and Topor are essential elements of the Bengali groom’s attire that are beautifully crafted to create a stunning and regal wedding outfit.
What is the alternative option of sherwani for groom?
When it comes to a groom’s attire, the sherwani has been a popular choice for many years. However, if you are looking for something different and unique for your big day, there are many alternative options available that you can explore. One such option that has gained popularity in recent times is the Bandhgala with trousers or Jodhpuris.
A Bandhgala is a close-fitting jacket that is collared and has a button-down front. It is usually worn with formal trousers and can be accessorized with a pocket square or a Lapel pin. This attire gives an elegant, sophisticated, and regal look to the groom.
Pairing it up with Jodhpuris adds a traditional Indian touch to the outfit. Jodhpuris are trouser-like attire that narrow down towards the ankle and are loose up to the thighs. These pants are usually made of cotton or linen material, making them comfortable and airy, perfect for an outdoor wedding.
The Bandhgala with trousers or Jodhpuris can be designed in various colors, fabrics, and patterns. You can opt for classic white, beige or try something bold like bright red or pastels. The combinations are endless, and you can choose something that complements your personality and style.
This attire is suitable for not only the wedding but also for pre-wedding events like the mehendi or for a day wedding. You can also accessorize your Bandhgala with a turban, a pair of mojari, or a classic watch for a complete look.
If you are looking for an alternative option for your wedding attire that is elegant, comfortable, and traditional, then the Bandhgala with trousers or Jodhpuris is the perfect choice for you. It is versatile enough to be worn for various events, making it a timeless investment for your wardrobe.
