A
travel buff won't have to struggle much for finding a reason to travel to
India because every bit of the land has something to offer to the jaded
travellers. Indian Clothing, however, proves to be a strong reason.
The colourful and diverse attire of the people in India act as a major
tourist pulling component. The various costumes with which Indians adorn
themselves amazes every first time visitant. The graceful, sarees draped
along the body in different styles, brightly embroidered cholis and lehangas
and very traditional salwar-kameez are some of the prime clothing delights
of India.
Every destination in India displays its own set of clothes. Let's have a
look at various dressing styles in India: -
Clothing in North India (Rajasthan, Punjab, Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh)
Rajasthan is one of the states whose clothing is as colourful and dynamic
as the land itself. The traditional costume of a Rajasthani women is lehenga
or ghaghara choli. The cholis are brightly embroidered with mirror and other
fine thread work. The Ghagharas or the ankle length skirts are also heavily
adorned. The final shape to the attire is given by the Odhni.
Turbans are also a major part of the Rajasthani men attire. They are a
matter of pride for them. Usually 82 feet in length, a turban can be tied in
various styles. The use of turbans were started by the Rajput community and
is said that the style of turban changes with every 15 km you travel.
In Punjab, among women Salwar-Kameez is a common form of dressing. In fact
this is said to be the traditional dress of Punjab. However, people from
other parts of India like Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir also wear salwar
kameez in their daily lives but the material of the cloth is a bit thicker
because of the prevailing climatic conditions there. Kashmiri Kurtas are
also termed as 'Phiran' here. A kurta is a knee-length tunic that is put
over a churidar or salwar. A Salwar is a tight fitting trouser which goes
till the ankle. The combination of salwar kameez is completed by a dupatta
that adds beauty to the entire set of clothing.
Clothing in West India ( Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa)
Sarees are the major traditional costumes of the women of Maharashtra. They
wear the saree in a Maharashtrian style. This style of sari does not require
a petticoat or a slip.
Western dresses like skirts and tops, trousers and shirts, wrap-arounds are
preferred by women in Goa. The dressing style of Goa is very much influenced
by the Portuguese style.
Ghaghara or Lehenga choli is a common form of dressing in the state of
Gujarat. The dressing is very much similar to Rajasthan.
Clothing in South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu)
Women of south India traditionally wear the sari. Young girls here wear a
half saree, somewhat similar to a Ghaghara choli. The only difference lies
in the dupatta style, which here is put across the waist and is draped
across the left shoulder like the pallu of a saree.
South Indian Men on the other hand wear a type of sarong, which is either a
dhoti or a colourful lungi with various patterns.
Clothing in East India (West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar)
Saree is a traditional wear for the women of West Bengal. The women here
follow a unique style of wearing it. Baluchari, Jamdani are famous
traditional sarees of West Bengal.
The women of Orissa wear an Oriya sari. The women folks in Bihar too are
adorned with sarees that form their basic wear.
