Indian Dupatta

Dupatta is a typical Indian thing. Used as a traditional veil as well as fashionable scarf, Dupatta has omnipresence in India. More of a fascinating accessory, Dupatta provides wonderful finishing touch to western style dresses as well as Indian attires. Also known as the orhni or odhani, the literal meaning of dupatta is covering. Almost a diaphanous veil, it is used as a covering for the upper body parts, back, shoulders and head. The orhni is simply a length of cloth-printed, embroidered or plain, measuring two and a half to three down the back or wrapped around the shoulder.

Dupatta can be worn in various modes. One could be the traditional style of draped over the head. The other mode is, like worn with the middle portion of the dupatta resting on the chest like a garland and it’s both ends thrown over each shoulder. Often while being used with salwar-kameez, dupatta is flowing down the front and back, pinned in neat folds over just one shoulder. Some other times, both of the inner ends are knotted together over the other shoulder to form a cowl-like pattern, otherwise it generally drapes down the front and back.

Dupatta is a striking accessory that looks both graceful as well as stylist. It also provides a bit of value addition for the dress. Imagine, a plain silken or cotton salwar kameez ensemble worn with a heavily embroidered or sequined dupatta decorated with a beautiful border! How elegant! A few minor changes in dupatta or even in the way it is worn, and the whole thing gives fascinating dimensions and looks to the outfit and consequently the personality!