Sherwani and bandhgala: formal menswear
The sherwani is the formal end of men's Desi dress: a long, fitted, buttoned coat worn over a kurta, usually with churidar. If a wedding has a groom on a horse, he's almost certainly wearing one.
Three garments, often confused
Knee-length or longer, fitted, often heavily embroidered. Ceremonial — mainly grooms and close family.
Similar cut, usually plainer and slightly shorter. Historically court dress; still worn at formal occasions.
A tailored jacket the length of a Western suit jacket, with a closed mandarin collar. The Desi equivalent of a business suit — and the right answer for a formal reception.
The groom's version
- Safa or pagdi — the turban, often matched to the outfit and tied by a specialist on the day.
- Sehra — a veil of flowers or beads over the face during the baraat, in some traditions.
- Dupatta or stole across the chest.
- Mojari / jutti — embroidered slip-ons. And they will be stolen; see baraat.
Heavy gold embroidery, a sehra, or a full ceremonial turban belongs to him. A bandhgala, or a good kurta with a Nehru jacket, is the right register for a guest.
See also: kurta: men's everyday and formal · baraat: the groom's procession · what to wear when: desi occasions decoded
Last updated: 2026-08-13
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