The rich culture of Rajasthan is showcased through its majestic forts, royal palaces, vibrant festivals, delicious cuisine, performing arts and even traditional costumes. Traditional clothing is colorful and elaborate and is still a source of pride for Rajasthan people. Here is an introduction to traditional Rajasthani clothing.
Traditional women’s dress
The traditional dress of women in Rajasthan is the ghagra, choli (also known as kanchli or kurti) and odhni. The ghagra is a full-length embroidered pleated skirt available in a variety of colors, prints and fabrics such as silk, cotton, georgette and crepe.
Among all the different prints, laharia, bandhej, tie-dye, chundri and mothra are the most popular. To impart regal elegance, antique borders and Jaipuri gota-patti work are incorporated into the ghagra.
A kanchli, choli or kurti is an upper body garment. It is intricately colored and designed and shaped to specific body dimensions. For an ethnic touch, they are embellished with mirror work, beads and sequins, coral and shells, and creative cutouts.
An odhni or chunar is a long piece of cloth, about 2.5 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, used as a veil. It is made of a light-colored printed or patchwork fabric and decorated with embroidery, beads or other embellishments. It can be worn in different ways, but the most traditional way is to tuck a corner into the gaigra, leave the middle part against the chest and drape the ends over the shoulders and over the top of the head to gracefully cover it. . .
Traditional women’s accessories
Delicate necklaces such as Jadau, aad (short necklace) and Rani Haar (necklace that reaches the navel) costumes are worn around the neck, especially by women from wealthy families.
The women of tribes such as Bhil, Meena or Garasia prefer to wear copper, silver or white metal jewelry. Kaanbali or surliya (earrings), nathani (nose studs), bajubandh (bracelets), rakhdi or borla (maang tikkas), tagdi or kardhani (belly or waist chain), payal (ankle), bangadi (bracelet ), bichuwa (ankle ring)) and rings are also worn to complete the set.
Traditional clothing for men
Traditional clothing for men in Rajasthan is the dhoti and the angarkha, or pajama kurta. A dhoti is a long piece of cloth tied around the waist and wrapped between the legs like a loincloth.
It is associated with the angarkha, a garment characterized by an inner panel covering the chest. Angarkha is usually worn by the wealthy class. However, some tribal and pastoral communities have adopted it and reserved it for special occasions. The dress varies in length and flare. The royal Rajput tribe prefers to wear the flared ankle-length anjaka, while other communities and tribal groups wear knee-length or shorter versions.
For everyday wear, men wear an angarkhi (or puthia), which is short and tied with laces instead of buttons.
Rajasthani men wear dhoti, angarkha and pagari
Pajamas look like sweatpants and are usually made of cotton. It is associated with kurta or mufti which is a loose shirt. Although it is usually knee-length, today Rajasthani men can choose the length and pattern of this traditional garment as they please.
Traditional clothing is incomplete without a pagri (turban or head covering), usually 2 meters long and 0.5 meters long.
2 meters wide. It comes in many colors, shapes and sizes and is considered a man’s pride and honor. There are different ways to wear it, each defining a particular region or caste. Specially designed pagaris called safas (short and wide in size) are worn at weddings and festivals, while everyday pagaris have a rustic style.
Traditional Men’s Accessories
To complete the look, men wore round blades or studs on their earlobes and necklaces of crystal beads or semi-precious stones.
Influential families and members of the royal family also wore a kamarband (belt) and a patka, a piece of cloth over the shoulder.
Footwear for men and women
Juttis or mojaris are worn by men and women in Rajasthan. Made of sheepskin, camel or goatskin, these leather shoes are richly embroidered and embellished. While traditional shoes are usually black or brown, nowadays there are more elegant multi-coloured loafers.
Shoes
These shoes are called Mojaris or Jootis and are made of animal skins and decorated with embroidery on velvet or brocade.
Both men and women wear them. Shoes from cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer are worn across the country.
Textiles of Rajasthan
Rajasthan is also known for various prints and textiles such as-
• Bagru Prints
• Sanganeri Prints
• Leheriya – A Tie Dye
• Bandhani – A Tie Dye • Barmeri Prints 44 -dye
• Kota Doria
It’s safe to say that much of the uniqueness and vibrancy of this northwest Indian state stems from its unique clothing culture. It is commendable that a country with a large area of sandy land, sparse vegetation and water scarcity has such a rich history and culture. They dress beautifully, even on a daily basis, and celebrate what makes their culture unique every day.
It can be said that Rajasthani fashion is classic and known worldwide.
Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh Traditional Costume
Known as the “heart of India” due to its location in central India, Madhya Pradesh is known for its incredible culture. Although the state shares some cultural similarities with states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra, it still has its own unique culture. It is a place of vibrant folk music and dance from the Mughal period which is still intact. Madhya Pradesh handicrafts are highly sought after for their intricate designs.
The state is home to followers of different religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and Buddhism. Much of the population belongs to tribal communities, accounting for 20% of the state’s total population. This diversity of
communities makes Madhya Pradesh a unique culture that can be described as both traditional and ethnic. An important element of Madhya Pradesh culture is its traditional dress. In the modern world, the people of Madhya Pradesh still maintain their heritage of traditional clothing.
Below is an overview of the traditional clothing worn by the men and women of Madhya Pradesh.
Traditional Men’s Garments of Madhya Pradesh
The dhoti is a famous traditional men’s costume of Madhya Pradesh. It is comfortable and ideal for summer. The Safa, a type of headscarf, is another common element of traditional men’s attire here. The Safa is considered a symbol of pride and honor for a man.
Mirzai and Bandi are white or black jackets that are part of the traditional attire of men in Madhya Pradesh, especially in Malwa and Bundelkhand regions. The people of Madhya Pradesh love to add color to their attire that is why these garments are colorful and vibrant.
Madhya Pradesh women’s traditional dress
Lehenga and Choli are the best known traditional dresses of Madhya Pradesh women. An Odhni is a scarf that covers the head and shoulders and is an essential part of traditional attire. Black and red are the most popular colors in clothing.
In this case, sarees are also part of the Madhya Pradesh women’s dress code. Bandhani sarees are becoming especially popular. Sarees are dyed using different methods to create delicate and colorful designs. Wax is applied to the threads of the sari to give stiffness and richness to the easy to weave fabric. Madhya Pradesh is also famous for Maheshwari and Chanderi Sarees.
Even foreigners love these silk sarees and Madhya Pradesh also produces and exports these dresses in droves. Beautifully printed and designed in vibrant colors.
Madhya Pradesh Traditional Ornaments and Tattoos People of
Madhya Pradesh love to wear Kathir and Silvers ornaments. These traditional adornments are an important part of tribal attire. Bracelets, necklaces and bangles are worn by women over their traditional dress and are considered signs of beauty and virtue.
‘Pajeb’ is another very popular decoration for women because of its melodious sound and beautiful design.
Another important part of traditional Madhya Pradesh attire is the tattoo. Tattoo designs are very popular among rural and tribal communities. The people of Bajra, Bhil, Kumhar, Bhilala and Kahar have tattoos on their hands and foreheads. Most tattoos feature spiritual designs or the name of a loved one.
West Bengal
Colors, ethnic prints and accessories form an important part of the traditional attire of Madhya Pradesh men and women. Even though the influence of western style is now evident and men and women are adapting to the latest clothing styles, they still prefer to wear traditional clothes for important occasions like weddings, festivals or parties. West Bengal is a state rich in culture and history. Every corner of the streets of West Bengal has a story to share. Not only has this country given us some of the most famous names in the country, but it also happens to be a place rich in civilization.
Known for its distinctive features, West Bengal dress is perhaps the most popular example of our culture.
Clothing for men
The traditional clothing of Bangladeshi men is the burqa. The trim or kurta associated with the dhoti is called panjabi. In the past, especially in British times, sashes were synonymous with white. Today, however, loincloths are available in a wide range of attractive colors that add a new twist to outfits.
Punjabi or kurtas are usually made of silk or cotton and reach to the knees. A lungi happens to be another variant of men’s clothing. It’s more of a casual, laid-back indoor look.
Women’s Dresses
Sarees are the iconic traditional clothing of women in West Bengal. The sarees capture the essence of the culturally rich state of West Bengal.
Even the draped style of Bengali women’s sarees is very distinct and has now become a more prominent feature. Sarees are mainly woven from cotton and silk and are mainly named for their weaving techniques. The traditional weavers or Tantis of West Bengal are world renowned for the quality of their spun fabrics and wide range of yarn work. Different varieties of saris are woven with utmost efficiency and dedication in different parts of Bangladesh like Murshidabad, Malda, Nadia, Birbhum, Bankura and Hooghly.
Traditional Jewelry
West Bengal jewelry is as much about beauty, tradition and modernity as it is about rituals and customs.
It is pure enchantment! It leaves intact the cultural race of the nation.
Traditional jewelry consists of a pati hair which is a heavy necklace. Bengali jewelry is mostly made of gold and gemstones.
Jhumko are well-made and intricately designed earrings, often with beautiful floral designs.
Nath or nose ring is like normal nath in North India except it is encircled like size
. Choker is a small necklace which is worn around the neck.
Chur is a traditional gold bracelet from West Bengal, made entirely of pure gold, sometimes weighing up to 50 grams.
Modernization of Traditional Dress
Fashion affects everyone and everything these days and Bengali traditional dress has lost its mass influence somewhere. Western clothing and other substitutes take their place.
What was once everyday wear is now reserved for special occasions and festivals. These outfits are still very popular thanks to Bollywood and its obsession with Bengali culture. But overall, Bengali cultural dress is largely responsible for preserving the country’s heritage and will be passed down from generation to generation!
Assam
Customs of Assam
Customs and traditions play an important role in society and Assamese strictly follow the customs established by their ancestors for the community. These customs are beliefs that originated in the past and have been passed down from generation to generation ever since.
Weddings, births, deaths and festivals in Assam include many customs that everyone should observe. For example, the Assamese are committed to bamboo culture and use bamboo to welcome guests. Known as Jaapi, it is basically known as Assam’s sunscreen. It is made from bamboo strips and dried palm leaves known locally as Tokow Pat. There are many types of Jaapi, such as Halua Jaapi, Pitha Jaapi, Sorudoiya Jaapi, Bordoiya Jaapi, Cap, etc.
These Jaapis were also used as turbans in the past, mainly by wealthy and noble families. Also used by farmers and farmers as umbrellas in rice fields. The Assamese have always believed in the joint family system, which still prevails in tribal and non-tribal communities. The rule followed by the succession is called Dayabhaga. Even today, the system is still going strong.
According to custom, as long as the father is alive, the child cannot claim to inherit the father’s property. Some tribes follow customs such as matriarchy, where the mother is the center of the tribe and her property is passed down to her daughters. If there is no daughter, it is passed on to her sister’s youngest daughter. It is a common practice in Dimasa-Kacharis that sons inherit their father’s property and daughters inherit their mother’s property.
Dhoti and Gamosa
Dhoti and Gamosa are believed to be the native clothing of men in Assam.
The dhoti is used to cover the lower body and is also a known garment in other Indian traditions. Wearing a Dhoti properly is not easy and wearing it is also a daunting task. Gamosa is a rectangular piece of cloth which is an important part of Assamese culture. Gamosa means “a cloth used to wipe the body” and is a white cloth with a beautiful red border on three sides and the rest is woven in a pattern. It is a garment of great importance in this state, and as such is also used to recognize and commemorate those who have made great achievements.
Gamosa can be used as a wiping cloth or made into a vest, commonly known as Tongali. Can also be used as a loincloth for lake dancers.
Mekhela Chador – Traditional dress of Assam
Mekhela Chador is the traditional dress of Assamese women. It is worn by women of all ages except children. This two-piece garment has a long piece of fabric that hangs down at the waist and is then folded into pleats and tucked in.
This piece is called Mekhela. The upper part of the skirt is chador, also a long piece of cloth, one end is tucked into the Mekhela and the rest is worn around the body. This chador is adorned with triangular frills, the art of which can only be mastered through practice. Wearing these traditional dresses is not for everyone and can be a daunting task at times. The battle for traditional Assam dress does not end there.
Assam is home to various tribes who have passed down their traditions from generation to generation. Each of these tribes has its own culture, traditions, way of life and dress. Digging deeper into Assam, let’s take a look at the artistic attire of several major tribes living in Assam.
Traditional jewelery
Jewelery is generally hand-
made, with designs representing flora and fauna. People desire to wear fine and unique gold and silver jewelry and all kinds of jewelry.
Jewelry is simple, decorated with rubies or mina. The traditional clothes worn by men are Biri, Magardana, Matamoni, Kundal and Lokaparo and by women are Keru, Karphul, Kharu, Aargathi, Nalak, Keyur and Nupur.