The Significance of Sherwani in South Asian Weddings

The Significance of Sherwani in South Asian Weddings

Weddings in South Asia are incomplete without traditional dresses and conventional get-ups. You would rarely find an individual wearing Western outfits at events like Mehndi or Dholki. It is because these events are recognized by their traditional values and cultural significance. They are still celebrated with zest and enthusiasm because adding such details enhance our cheerfulness for special occasions.  These festivities are embedded deep into our culture and demand to be cherished with true passion and warmth. The essence of these wedding festivities lies in the ethnic costumes and time people spend getting these luxurious attires ready. Dresses are the biggest part of weddings in South Asia.  From various styles of designer Salwar Kameez for men to richly embroidered Sherwanis are found all around us at such significant family events.

Sherwani: A Perfect Wedding Outfit

Out of all other traditional get-ups, a traditional sherwani  is the most popular one in Pakistan-India as a wedding outfit. It would not be wrong to claim that these ethnic wears have become a prerequisite for getting married. Pakistani sherwani for a groom is of utmost importance. You would hardly ever find a South Asian groom, getting married without wearing one. Not just the grooms, but even his friends and close family members also seem to follow the rising trend. A big number of men in a wedding hall are dressed up in this traditional attire. It is considered a male counterpart of the Saree and lehengas. They have been part of local culture for centuries and seem to be irreplaceable.

Rooted Deeply in Royalty

As royal as the attire appears, you should not be shocked to hear that this coat-like dress finds its root in the nobility of Ancient India. It was first worn by the nobles and aristocrats of the grand and mighty Mughal Empire and Delhi Sultanate who adopted it from their ancestors Turks and Persians. This skillfully embellished garment was seen in the splendid courts of the great Mughals. It was a royal costume designed with lavish embroidery and ornaments. It was a symbol of wealth, power and might. Back in the day, it was an open-jacked-like dress that would be buckled with a belt. This belt also served the purpose of hanging the swords. Gradually collars, buttons and lapels were added to this costume and finally, it got the form that we are familiar with in current times.

A Symbol of Local Culture

The renowned ruler Akbar used this historical dress to unite the nations of Muslims and Hindus under his leadership. Apart from royalty, the outfit slowly got popular among artists, businessmen and other affluent folks of the time. Sherwanis laid the foundation of men’s fashion in India. It played a major role in the evolution of the fashion industry of the Sub-continent.  With the British invasion of India and the rise of protests against foreign rule, the sherwani acted as a symbol of pride. It was readopted by the locals in an attempt to boycott British culture and lifestyle. In short, the most popular wedding outfit in the country was once an emblem of the freedom of oppressed inhabitants of Indo-Pak.  

A Widely Popular Garment

Nowadays sherwani is a well-recognized ethnic dress all around the world. It has been proudly representing the culture of South Asia on international platforms. Local designers take a keen interest in evolving sherwani in a way that it can fit into the modern world while sticking strongly to its roots. A glimpse of the glamorous formal wear has been captured by competitive designer Arsalan Iqbal.This traditional outfit is marked by its versatility. They come in different patterns and designs. You can choose the colour that suits your style the best. Moreover, a sherwani is made up of lightweight cotton which makes it a comfortable to wear outfit.

Style Sherwani for a Fancy Wedding

A sherwani for a wedding can be styled in plenty of ways to get a perfect look for the most special day of your life. They can be adorned with a lungi, dhoti, churidar pyjama or simply a Shalwar.  Nowadays these are also being worn over trousers and jeans as well to give them a more casual appearance. The addition of a turban to the groom’s get-up can further enhance the glamour of the attire. You can embellish a sherwani with classic pocket squares as well. Khusas are always the right choice for footwear, with well-embellished sherwanis. Groom’s Sherwanis are available in a range of vibrant colours to light up your wedding festivities. Grooms can pick up a sherwani that would complement their brides’ dresses. Sherwani for men’s weddings can be styled in plenty of ways to not only give them a graceful and elegant look but also depict their loyalty to local culture. Their rich history, popularity and versatility make them highly important for wedding festivities. 

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