Garchola is a traditional Hindu and Jain wedding saree, which used to be made of cotton, but is now usually in silk.
Gharchola sarees carry a gold thread for the checks with small golden motifs like a peocock or a lotus in the center. Lavish use of zari, thread enchances its beauty. These sarees are tied and dyed in Kutch. Though Kutchh has retained its traditional designs and colour schemes, other centres in Gujarat, mainly Jamnagar, are producing “modern versions” using unconventional colour schemes and fancy designs. The final red colour of the Gharchola sarees is traditionally dyed in Jamnagar because of the special quality of the water there. Rajkot in Saurastra is another important center for Gharchola sarees.
Gharchola sarees are woven with silk and zari threads. Bandhni work is then done on them or they are block-printed. Gharcholas are traditionally used as wedding sarees. The saree is divided into squares by white bandhni dots or stripes of zari.
The number of squares are usually in multiples of 9, 12 or 52. Motifs like elephants, parrots, flowers and dancing girls are generally found in each compartment.