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Bandhani is one of the most recognisable patterns in Indian fashion – those tiny dots arranged in waves, diamonds and circles that instantly say "Rajasthan". Paired with a flowing Anarkali silhouette, it becomes one of the easiest festive looks to wear, whether you are at a Diwali puja in Jaipur or a sangeet in New Jersey.
What is bandhani?
Bandhani (also called bandhej) comes from the Hindi word bandhan, meaning "to tie". Traditionally, artisans in Rajasthan and Gujarat pinch tiny points of fabric, tie them tightly with thread and dye the cloth. When the threads are opened, each tied point stays undyed and leaves a small dot. Hundreds of these dots form the patterns you see.
Today you will find two kinds:
| Type | How it is made | What to expect | |---|---|---| | Hand-tied bandhani | Fabric tied by hand and dyed | Slightly irregular dots, slow to make, higher price | | Bandhani print | The bandhani pattern printed onto fabric | Crisp, even pattern, lighter fabrics like chiffon, easier care |
Both carry the same festive spirit. Printed bandhani on chiffon is especially popular for Anarkalis because the fabric stays light and flows beautifully.
Why bandhani works so well for Diwali
- It is joyful. The dotted pattern adds movement and colour without heavy embellishment.
- It photographs well. Bandhani reads beautifully in photos, from close-ups to full-length twirl shots.
- It suits every age. From college students to mothers and grandmothers, bandhani never feels out of place.
- It mixes well with handwork. A little embroidery at the neckline lifts a bandhani outfit from everyday to festive.
Meet our purple bandhani Anarkali
Our purple bandhani chiffon Anarkali suit set has a full flared silhouette with a soft ruffled hem and sheer churidar sleeves. The V-neckline is embroidered by hand with thread flowers, sequins, tiny mirrors and pearl beads. The chiffon is lined with soft cotton so it is never see-through, and it comes with cotton pants and a matching bandhani chiffon dupatta.
Deep purple is a wonderful Diwali colour – rich under warm lights, and it pairs easily with gold jewellery.
How to style a bandhani Anarkali
For Diwali puja: gold juttis, pearl studs and a small potli bag. Keep the hair in a soft braid or low bun.
For a sangeet or mehendi: statement jhumkas, stacked bangles and a bindi. Drape the dupatta on one shoulder so the embroidered neckline shows.
For a festive dinner: a sleek ponytail, chandbalis and block heels. Hold the dupatta over the arms for an easy, elegant look.
For winter abroad: a black or camel long coat over purple looks stunning, with closed juttis or ankle boots.
| Occasion | Jewellery | Shoes | Dupatta drape | |---|---|---|---| | Diwali puja | Pearl studs | Gold juttis | Both shoulders | | Sangeet | Statement jhumkas | Embellished juttis | One shoulder | | Festive dinner | Chandbalis | Block heels | Over the arms | | Office Diwali | Small studs | Flats | Skip or scarf style |
Love Anarkalis? See our full Anarkali suits edit, including the royal blue georgette Anarkali. Prefer purple in cotton? The plum embroidered cotton suit is a softer everyday option.
How to care for a chiffon bandhani outfit
- Dry clean is safest, especially with embroidery and mirror work.
- Never wring chiffon – press water out gently in a towel if you hand wash.
- Store folded with tissue paper between layers to protect the neckline work.
- Steam or iron on low heat from the reverse side.
Getting the fit right
An Anarkali looks its best when the bodice fits well and the flare falls freely. Use your bust, waist and hip measurements – our guide on how to measure yourself takes two minutes. Between sizes? We can stitch it to your measurements with our free custom fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is bandhani the same as tie-dye? Bandhani is a traditional Indian form of tie-dye that creates tiny dots in detailed patterns. Bandhani print recreates that look by printing it onto the fabric.
Is a chiffon Anarkali see-through? Unlined chiffon can be sheer. Our Anarkali has a soft cotton lining in the body, while the sleeves are left sheer for a graceful look.
What colour jewellery goes with purple bandhani? Gold and pearls are the easiest choices. Silver with pink stones also looks lovely for a cooler tone.
Can I wear a bandhani Anarkali to a wedding? Yes. It is perfect for sangeet, mehendi and daytime functions, and with statement jewellery it works for evening events too.
Have a question about size or styling? WhatsApp us and a real person from our Jaipur team will help.
