What makes a suit Bahawalpuri
Chunri tie and dye
Chunri (also written chunari) is a hand tie and dye technique. Artisans tie hundreds of tiny knots in the fabric before dyeing, so each knot leaves a small undyed dot. Multi colour pieces go through several dye baths. Chunri is closely linked with the Cholistan and Bahawalpur region and is a favourite for dupattas and mehndi outfits.
Gota and gota kinari
Gota is metallic ribbon that is cut, folded and stitched onto the fabric to make borders (kinari) and motifs. Bahawalpur is one of the busiest markets for gota work dresses in Pakistan, and gota is the classic choice for mehndi, mayun and Eid.
Mukesh and kamdani
Mukesh (mukaish) work uses thin strips of metal wire that are pushed through the fabric and twisted into small shining dots. South Punjab is well known for mukesh and kamdani suits and dupattas, which look elegant for formal evenings and weddings.
The Bahawalpuri shalwar
The traditional Bahawalpuri shalwar is wide and full with deep folds, which makes it comfortable in the South Punjab heat. It pairs with a kameez that often carries local prints or embroidery and a matching or contrast dupatta.