Khara Dupatta

The Khara Dupatta (a standing veil) is an elaborate wedding ensemble comprising of a kurta(tunic), chooridaar (ruched pair of pants), and 6 yard dupatta (veil) and is traditionally worn by Hyderabadi brides.

The Ensemble

Sometimes the kurta is sleeveless and worn over a "koti", resembling a choli. The bride also wears a matching ghoonghat (veil) over her head.

The dupatta is usually made of netted material and embroidered with zardozi work. The border of the dupatta has "masala" or a ribbon border with embroidered motifs.

The accompanying jewelery is:

"Tika" - a medallion of uncut diamonds worn on the forehead and suspended by a string of pearls

"Jhoomar" - a fan shaped ornament worn on the side of the head

"Nath" - a nose ring with a large ruby bead flanked by two pearls

"Chintaak" - a choker studded with uncut diamonds and precious stones

"Karan phool" - earrings that match the Chintaak and consist of a flower motif covering the ear lobe and a bell shaped ornament that is suspended from the flower. The weight of precious stones and gold in the Karan phool is held up by sahare or supports made of strands of pearls that are fastened into the wearers hair.

Satlada - neck ornament of seven strands of pearls set with emeralds, diamonds and rubies

Ranihaar - neck ornament of pearls with a wide pendant

Jugni - neck ornament of several strands of pearls with a central pendant

"Goat" - Shellac bangles studded with rhinestones and worn with gold colored glass bangles called "sonabai"

Payal - ankle bracelets

Gintiyan - toe rings

How to wear

*Tuck the very top part of the middle of the dupatta into the back of the chooridaar.
*Make accordion pleats with both ends of the dupatta.
*Adjust both sides of the dupatta on the left shoulder.
*Keep them in place with a brooch.
*Bring the free ends of the dupatta under the right shoulder and over the inside of the right elbow.