A Dohar is a traditional Indian blanket or coverlet that is known for its light weight and softness. It is made of three distinct layers of fine cotton fabric (usually mulmul or voile), with the middle layer often being a hand-block printed fabric that is subtly visible through the sheer outer layers. It is designed to provide just the right amount of warmth for moderate climates, making it an ideal all-season blanket.
The Unique Three-Layer Construction
The defining feature of a Dohar is its three-layer structure. This construction is what makes it so special and functional.
- Top Layer: A layer of soft, breathable, and semi-sheer cotton mulmul.
- Middle Layer: This is the decorative layer. It is typically a piece of hand-block printed cotton fabric, featuring traditional motifs and designs. This printed layer is what gives the Dohar its beauty, and its pattern is elegantly visible through the top layer.
- Bottom Layer: Another layer of soft cotton mulmul that is comfortable against the skin.
The three layers are stitched together along the edges. This layered design traps a thin layer of air, which provides gentle insulation, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in milder winter or air-conditioned rooms.
Benefits of Using a Dohar
Dohars have been a staple in Indian homes for generations, and their popularity is due to their numerous benefits.
- Perfect for Indian Climate: It is specifically designed for a climate that is neither extremely cold nor extremely hot. It’s the perfect covering for AC rooms in the summer and for the mild winters experienced in many parts of India.
- Lightweight and Breathable: Made from fine cotton mulmul, Dohars are extremely lightweight and breathable. They don’t feel heavy or suffocating like thick quilts or duvets.
- Soft and Comfortable: The cotton mulmul fabric is known for its incredible softness, which gets even softer with each wash, making it very gentle on the skin.
- Easy to Maintain: Dohars are easy to care for. They can be machine washed and dry quickly, making them much more convenient than heavy winter blankets or quilts that require dry cleaning.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The beautiful hand-block prints on the middle layer give Dohars a unique and elegant look, adding a touch of traditional Indian artistry to the bedroom.
| Type of Covering | Key Features | Best Season for Use | Primary Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dohar | 3-layered, lightweight, breathable, soft. | All seasons, especially summer (in AC) and mild winter. | Cotton Mulmul. |
| Bedsheet | Single layer of fabric, used to cover the mattress. | Used all year round as a base layer. | Cotton, Cotton Blend, Linen. |
| Comforter / Quilt (Razai) | Thick, filled with cotton, wool, or synthetic fiber for insulation. | Cold winter. | Cotton shell with fiber filling. |
| Blanket | Single, thick layer of woven fabric. | Winter. | Wool, fleece, acrylic. |
A Dohar perfectly combines functionality with traditional aesthetics. It represents a different aspect of Indian textiles compared to wearable items like ethnic wear, but showcases the same attention to craftsmanship. Understanding its construction is similar to understanding the thread count of a TC bedsheet; both are key to comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Dohar blanket?
A Dohar is a traditional Indian lightweight blanket made of three layers of fine cotton mulmul. The middle layer is often block-printed, with its design visible through the outer layers. It is designed to be a soft, breathable, all-season covering.
What is the use of a Dohar?
A Dohar is used as a light blanket or coverlet. It is ideal for use in air-conditioned rooms during the summer, during the monsoon season, or in mild winters when a heavy quilt would be too warm. It provides a comfortable and cozy covering without being too heavy.
What is the difference between a Dohar and a comforter?
A Dohar is a thin, three-layered cotton blanket with no filling, making it lightweight. A comforter (or a razai/quilt) is a thick bedding item with a filling of cotton, down, or synthetic fibers, designed to provide significant warmth during cold winters.
What is Dohar fabric?
The fabric used for a Dohar is typically ‘mulmul’ or voile, which is a very fine, soft, and breathable type of cotton. This fabric is what gives the Dohar its characteristic softness and lightweight feel.
How do you wash a Dohar?
Most cotton Dohars are easy to care for and can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. It is best to avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. They can be tumble-dried on a low setting or, preferably, line-dried in the shade to preserve the colors of the print.