Lehenga Davani Half Saree

• What is the difference between half saree and lehenga?
• What is the meaning of half saree?
• What is half saree called?
• What is Pavadai dhavani?

Pavadai dhavani is a half saree from TamilNadu. Its Also called langa davani in Karnataka and the langa voni in Andhra Pradesh. This traditional two-piece saree was initially worn in South India mostly by young girls. The 'half' saree / Pavadai dhavani is considered the halfway saree for girls who have reached maturity but are not yet married or are on the verge of marriage.

Half saree often given as a gift in coming of age functions to represent the girls' newfound maturity as she can now manage to wear a more sophisticated outfit than the simple skirt and top that children wear.

The davani resembles a saree in looks but is more similar to a lehenga choli in pattern. It consists of a skirt/lehenga fastened with a drawstring around the waist and a fine cloth made of chiffon, Georgette, soft net or soft silk fabrics of about 2 to 2.4 meters in length called the davani, which is attached to the skirt and thrown over the shoulder like a saree pallu.

The final piece is the blouse/choli. Davani is much more comfortable to wear than a sari, and this is their main benefit. Though you get a look of the saree, you only need to slip on the three pieces and fasten them in place without having to bother with pleating, draping and so on.

Langa Davani

Traditional pattu pavadai designs are more on the dull side, Nowadays according to the trend colour range venturing beyond the expected shades of green, yellow or red. The essential ornamentation would be the contrast borders. which can be gold print or with small traditional motifs of religious and natural stylizations. 

Silk and cotton is the most popular and beloved fabric in the south of India, and the use of this luxurious material was the only 'dressy' aspect of a traditional langa davani dress. However, for less critical ceremonies and festivals, cotton and coarser silk fabrics were used.

Evolution

• Over time, this outfit has emerged; with a renewed interest in traditional forms comes an increased desire for experimentation and variation, and that is same what happened with the pavadai davani sarees. From differences in blouse designs to latest changes in skirt designs, one can find a lot of newer patterns and cuts besides the loose, straight-fitting classic design.
• Garment includes mermaid cuts, a-line skirts and flared skirts as well as blouses with varying sleeve lengths and different necklines. One can also find langa voni's in the colours of the rainbow, including the trendy neon shades of pink, green, blue and purple; traditionally inauspicious colours like white, black, grey and brown are also found in davani catalogues nowadays.
• The langa voni latest designs also include more elaborate embroidery and embellishments than previously seen, from zari and thread work to stones, beads, sequins and appliqué designs. Pure Silk and south cotton fabrics support a wide variety of designs, patterns. Designers are taking full benefit of that to adapt the basic langa voni design into more embellished styles, resembling a more South Indian ethos. At the same time, trendy fabrics like Crepe, chiffon and Georgette used along with Silk and cotton.

Dress the part

There was a time when a pattu pavadai davani collection could only be found in the south part of India since they were practically unknown elsewhere and even in the southern part of India, were only worn on ceremonial and religious occasions. In recent times, nevertheless, the langa davani saree has become very trendy and is now worn across the India.

Designers have come up with new innovative, high-end varieties of this Indian traditional outfit. In contrast, Bollywood, Kollywood, Tollywood movies with a focus on southern cultures have increasingly showcased the authentic styles. Thus, women everywhere seen wearing a langa voni, for parties and special events as well as for ceremonies. It becomes a fun way to deviate from the expected ethnic fashions while still being quite fashionable and incorporating a traditional element.

Pattu Half saree sets should be accessorized according to the event, and the look one wishes to achieve. For religious, festival and cultural events, going for temple or antique gold jewellery would be the most suitable. The classic look highlights simplicity, and this can be achieved by adhering to subtle but beautiful gold pendants, earrings and antique south Indian bangles.

Accessorize it right

However, the latest, more modern and embellished varieties can dressed up according to the designs and colour combinations on the saree. A stonework half-half Kanchipuram silk saree can match up with stone studded antique necklaces and antique jhumka earrings. Such an expression would be suitable for a south Indian wedding and party, where a more Indian traditionalized, glamorous vibe expected.

At the same time, even contemporary jewellery like Kundan jewellery sets can add beauty to the outfit without looking out of place. The colour of the Kundan necklace design can match to the langa voni designs for a put-together wedding reception or party look.

Find a truly traditional range of ethnic outfits and temple jewellery at http://www.thenesavu.com.