Thursday, January 20, 2011

Indian State costumes

Indian state costumes are sure to attract the attention of the onlookers for their variety. India comprises twenty eight states and each of these have a separate way of dressing. Both the daily wears and traditional Indian state costumes widely vary from each other. Indian state costumes are vibrant, comfortable and vary according to the climate of a particular region. The rich textures of the Indian fibers are used in making different kinds of costumes. The topography of the subcontinent is a significant reason for the availability of a wide array of attires in the Indian states.


The primary fiber used in North India is cotton. However, since this part of India experiences winter, woolen cloths are quite common as well. In fact it is quite interesting to note the variety of traditional and daily wears in North India alone. The costumes of Jammu and Kashmir are made of wool, silk with intricate embroideries and cotton. In these mountainous regions, the traditional 'pheran' is the most popular form of dressing among both men and women. the 'pathani' suit, also referred to as 'khan-dress', is a popular garb among the men, especially in Srinagar. Costumes of himachal Pradesh are different for each community, be it the Hindu Brahmins, the Rajputs, and the tribal people. The soothing suppleness of the renowned Pashmina shawl is the specialty of the handlooms of Himachal Pradesh. Western influence is visible on the costumes of the younger generation of Himachal Pradesh these days. Punjab is famous for the 'phulkari' shawls that are worn with a tight-fitting choli and gaghra. Jeans, jackets, Trousers, skirts and other form of western outfit are worn among women of Panjab. But still the popular or universal form of dress material stands out to be still what punjabi culture is known for salwar kameez, saree and sharara. The traditional costumes of Delhi are churidar or salwar kameez dupatta for women and kurtas and pyjamas for men. Salwar-suits with sequined embroidery or semi-precious stones 'embroidery, mirror work, zari work, prints, hand paints, all alluring on excellent fabric is the characteristic of salwar-kameez in Delhi these days.


Costumes of East and Central India
Sarees are common in the eastern and central India. The costumes of West Bengal reflect the states cosmopolitan culture. For the men in West Bengal, the the traditional garment is the Dhoti and the Panjabi. the Lungi is another variation of the dhoties worn by men in West bengal. In Bengal, a section the saree is wrapped around the waist and the remaining portion is swathed over the shoulder. The salwar kameez is nowadays equally popular among the bengali women as the sarees. costumes of bihar are very traditional. Women mostely wear saree and men stick to Dhoti and Kurta. Costumes of Madhay pradesh shows multiplicity in various aspects. The majority of the people of madhay Pradesh attest Dhoti is their traditional costume. Safa, a kind of turban, is the headgear, which is the common feature of Madhay Pradesh's costume. The women folk of madhay Pradesh dress themselves in lehenga and choli. Bandhani cloth is produced on a huge scale in maundsar, Indore and Ujjain. the delicate chanderi sarees and maheshwari sarees produced in Madhhay Pradesh are hand-woven, and they are quite renowned all over India.


Costumes of North east India


The Indian state costumes of the North East India stand apart. Ankle length skirts, jackets and traditional caps are a huge draw for the tourists. The costumes of mizoram bear conspicuous resemblance with that of the other hill-states of the Northeast. Puanchei, the gorgeous attire of Mizo girls is a must during wedding, and festivals. Costumes in the state of Meghalaya show the ethnicity of the tribes namely the Garos, Khasi and the Jaintias. The women drape eking, a short cloths round the waist, while the men put in a loincloth. Muga or the golden silk fiber of Assam constitutes the lion's share of the costumes of Assam. traditional costumes of Assam is called mekhla chadar. Costumes of Nagaland mainly comprise shawls which are an extensively used item of the state. costumes of Andhra Pradesh reflects the cultural and ethnic way of life of the tribal people residing there. Accessories are a must for any women, be she a tribal or a city-girl. The females beautify them with silver rings, earrings cut from bamboo-bits and appended with red beads or lovely turuoises.


Costumes of West India


Costume of Western India are also quite varied and fascinating. costume of Maharashtra comprises a nine yard saree called Nauvari as the traditional costume for the women, and dhoti and shirt as the traditional costume of the men folk. the fabric of Nouvari saree is usually cotton, and for special occasions, silk tops the prioprity list. paithani sarees happen to be the treasured creation of Maharashtra's textile-industry. The men of Maharashtra upload Dhoti as their cultural heritage. It may be worn along with a shirt or kurta, and Dhoti is often substituted with trousers. They also wear bandi over the shirt and turban called pheta and pagadi. costumes of Rajasthani inhabitants are colorful, gaudy, bright and elegant. While pagari, angarakha, dhotis, payjamas, kamarband or patka form integral part of a male's attire; the female's attire includes ghaghara, kurti or choli and odhani.


costumes of South India


south India enjoys a warm climate; hence the Indian state costumes in this region are primarily made of cotton are light. Sarees for women and dhoti like attires for men are quite common. In fact state like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are renowned for their silk and cotton sarees. Costumes of Karnataka consist of regal silk sarees, which happen to be the traditional costumes of this place. bengaluru and Mysore are the epicenters of silk industries in South India. The kanjeevaram or Kanchipuram silks, of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, dazzle the eye with the rich texture, colors, and fabulous designs. The traditional form of dress worn by the people of Kerala are 'Mundu and Neriathu' for the men; and saree and jacket for women. Costumes of Andhra Pradesh is saree and blouse for women, and Dhoti and kurta for women, and Dhoti and kurta for men. The women of all communities together with Muslims wear Sarees and blouses. Some Muslim women also put on salwar kameez dupatta.


India is a land of festivities as well. Besides the traditional dresse there are special attires for the festivals. On the other hand there are certain Indian state costumes that are worn in almost all part of the country but the styles differ. For instance, salwaar kameez, Punjabis and others are worn in most of the states. Costumes and accessories go hand in hand in India. Small pieces of ornaments are worn alon with the Indian state costumes on a regular basis.

No comments:

Post a Comment