Filipino Wedding Glossary › Dupatta

Dupatta

Pronunciation: doo-PAHT-tah

Origin: Hindi and Urdu, long scarf worn over the shoulders or head with a lehenga or salwar kameez

A long scarf, typically 2 to 2.5 meters, worn draped over the shoulders or head as part of a South Asian outfit.

A dupatta is a long, lightweight scarf draped over the shoulders or head. It is part of a lehenga or salwar kameez ensemble.

For brides, the dupatta is often the most heavily embellished piece in the outfit, with embroidery, beadwork, or sequin detail. Some brides wear two: one over the head, one over the shoulder.

Dupattas appear in Filipino weddings only in South Asian or interfaith contexts. They are not part of Filipino bridal attire.

Related terms

Back to the Filipino Wedding Glossary

Take the free 5-minute Wedding DNA quiz