TRADITIONAL TIE & DYE- LEHARIYA
Lehariya or Leheria is a simple style of tie and dye from the state of Rajasthan, India. Traditionally seen in bright colors it has a very distinctive striped pattern. Literally translating to the term ‘wave-like’, lehariya symbolizes the unique and rich costume heritage of Rajasthan. Depending on the skill and imagination of a worker, every fabric gets a new look, with vivid colors, fresh patterns and vibrant designs.
It is interesting to note that the leheria has been able to retain its original essence ever since its inception. In its earliest form, leheria was a style mainly used in head turbans. As time progressed, leheriya was introduced in lehenga cholis, salwar kameez and sarees. Nowadays, leheria is a part of both attire and accessories. One can find the style on ethnic and casual clothing, bags and shoes, as well as on scarves and cravats. The bright colors and lightness of the fabric makes leheriya a great fit for the global stage. It is a popular fabric in the export market too and has been showcased in fashion shows worldwide.
The light and vibrant hues of leheria is apt for spring and summer. The colorful fabric in the form of a dupatta can be used to adorn solid colored salwar kameez. Alternatively, it can also be teamed up with Indo-Western attires to add a splash of vibrancy.
A lehariya adorned fabric is not very difficult to maintain. It can be maintained just like any other georgette, chiffon or cotton fabric. One common problem that most purchasers face is color bleeding. However, the easiest and quickest fix for this problem is to soak the garment overnight, in a bucket of water that contains a teaspoon of salt. This process fastens the colors on the cloth.
