From rural Punjab to urban wardrobes, the ‘paranda’ weaves heritage and identity into modern fashion
KARACHI:
There are some accessories that truly never disappear — they simply wait for the right moment to return. The paranda is one of them.
Rooted in Punjabi culture, the paranda carries with it a history, heritage, and a quiet poetry that transcends time. Once a staple of rural Punjab, today it is making a comeback — journeying from village courtyards to high fashion editorials, from Basant festivities to Gen Z wardrobes inspired by Y2K nostalgia.
A threaded history
Within rural Punjabi communities across present-day Pakistan and India, the paranda holds both practical and ornamental purposes. In earlier times, when fashion leaned towards restraint and simplicity, women would weave silk or cotton threads together and attach them to their braids.
Over time, the paranda evolved into a decorative hair extension designed to create the appearance of thicker, longer, and fuller hair. Traditionally crafted in vibrant hues and finished with decorative tassels, parandas are composed of a top section known as the surahi and three braided strands that end in ornate embellishments, often referred to as latkan or “flowers.”
Several styles developed over time. The tassel paranda — the most common form — features long silk or woolen tassels that hang at the end of the braid, often embellished with gold thread (gota), beads, or small bells.
Another popular variation is the pom-pom paranda, adorned with a soft, round pom-pom made from wool or silk threads. Contemporary designs have expanded to include heart and star shapes, metallic leaf motifs, reflective mirror work, and potli or kundan embellishments incorporating small fabric pouches and crystals, particularly for weddings and festive occasions.
When worn in bright colors such as red, yellow, and green, the paranda traditionally symbolises prosperity, happiness, and celebration.
Symbol of love and new beginnings
The paranda is also a significant part of ceremonies. In Punjabi culture, it is said to be a token of love — gifted to a bride-to-be by her husband or in-laws. She braids it into her hair as she steps into a new chapter of her life.
At weddings and festive gatherings, the bride dances wearing her paranda — each swing of tassel marking celebration and continuity. Passed from mothers to daughters, the paranda connects generations of women through rituals and familial bonds.
The paranda is not just worn — it is inherited.
Basant and overseas Pakistanis
For many overseas Pakistanis, cultural objects like the paranda hold nostalgia. They are tactile memories of village homes, mustard fields, and patang filled skies. During festivities such as Basant, when yellow hues dominate the air, parandas become part of the day’s vibrant tapestry, women in dress and remembrance.
Recently, local pop-ups and fashion platforms have spotlighted the basant, reviving interest in accessories that were once forgotten. The paranda, with its unmistakable charm, has quietly re-entered the fashion scene.
For members of the Pakistani diaspora, wearing a paranda today can mean reclaiming something — a visible thread tying them back to Pakistan.
From village craft to fashion shoot
The comeback, however, is not only confined to nostalgia.
Modern fashion houses and independent brands are reimagining the paranda for contemporary audiences and social media is amplifying its revival. Brands such as paranda.co are creating curated versions appealing to younger audiences.
Influencers now style paranda with fusion wear — long skirts, traditional kurtas, beaded denim jackets, even monochrome outfits where the paranda becomes the statement piece. It has frequently been appearing in fashion shoots, bridal editorials, and Instagram reels.
Why now?
In a world that is currently fleeting of fast-fashion and microtends, younger generations are seeking authenticity.
They want to blend global aesthetics with cultural pride. The paranda fits perfectly into this moment: it is sustainable, artisanal, historic, and vibrant.
The paranda embodies a return to craft. It is a celebration of identity. A reminder that heritage can evolve without disappearing.
From Basant rooftops to Y2K mood boards, from rural Punjab to overseas Pakistanis redefining style from abroad — the paranda has swung its way back into relevance. This time, it is not just an accessory.
It’s a statement.
