Regional Traditional Attire: How Every State Reflects Its Culture Through Clothing
With high diversification in languages and different foods, India also shows different kind of clothing styles. In every state there is unique classical attire which reflects the cultural history, climate, and local craftmanship.
Clothing in different state of India is more like an identity where people wear are connected with the tradition, style and festival types.
North India
Jammu & Kashmir - Pheran is a long woolen gown which is of high quality dress from Kashmir. It is used as to keep you warm in cold weather and are decorated/embroidered with complex floral motifs. Also, Pashmina shawls are world famous which are so elegant, stylish and comfortable.
Punjab - The unique salwar kameez which is known as Patiala style which is loose, pleated pants of traditional Punjabi culture, it is normally paired with dupatta. These salwar kameez are of vibrant colors with beautiful and elegant motifs.
Rajasthan - The cultural style of ghagra choli is widely popular dress of Rajasthan which is ankle length skirt with heavy complex motifs blouse. Bandhani is traditional Indian tie-dye textile which are dyed to create intricate patterns.
South India
Tamil Nadu - Tamil Nadu famous Kanjeevaram sarees are made from pure mulberry silk which are in rich and vibrant colors, decorated with gold zari work or motifs mainly inspired temples and mythology. These sarees describe the rich temple heritage and skilled craftsmanship with cultural values.
Kerala - Kerala is well-known for the kasavu saree which has prominent white or cream color body and golden border which symbolized a minimal aesthetic and elegance. Mainly worn during festivals like Onam and temple ceremonies.
East India
West Bengal - The pure silk cotton saree of red and white is a signature attire of Bengali women during festivals like Durga Puja with traditional drape of key bunch in pallu. It highlights the auspiciousness, purity and elegance of the deep rooted cultural values.
Assam - The mekhela chador for woman which is a skirt and a separate shawl draped over the shoulder. It's made from pure silk with local flora and flora motifs. It's generally lightweight fabric which is suitable from the humid climate.
Northeast India
Nagaland - Naga shawls are the most powerful identity of the tribal culture with distinguished motifs designs, colors and weaving patterns. These highly intricate vibrant colors and heavy shawls are worn through generations in festivals and ceremonies.
West India
Gujarat - Gujarati women worn chaniya cholis which are decorated with intricate mirror work, style motifs and tie-dye(bandhani) designs. It's vibrant and heavy embellished attire highlights the festive energy during festivals like Navratri. It's also known for rich and elegant artistic heritage.
Maharashtra : The nauvari saree is a nine-yard garment draped with an attractive style, with great freedom of movement. They are made of rich silks like paithani which are of vibrant colors motifs like peacocks and lotuses. They symbolizes Maratha lifestyle and tradition and worn generally in festivals.
Central India
Madhya Pradesh - Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees are most popular lightweight and handwoven sarees from this state of India. With fine texture, minimal motifs and complex zari work. It indicate the elegance of a rich, refined cultural history by Maratha and Mughal traditions.
Indian traditional attire is not about clothes it's pure culture, memory and pride for Indians. It carries a vital message of cultural values through many generations. Every states significantly contributes with unique style, complex motifs/mirror work and fabric.
Indian fashion, Ethnic wear, Regional clothing, Mughal influence on North Indian traditional attire, Temple art motifs in South Indian silk sarees, The significance of colors in Indian traditional clothing
