Himachal Pradesh modern dresses description(women)
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Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses
The beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh nestled amidst the Great Himalayan ranges is rich in culture, tradition and away from the western glitterati. The culture of Himachal Pradesh is largely reflected in the people like diverse tribes, cuisine, occupations, and their traditional dressing. It is a large state with different religions, beliefs, rituals and also various tribes and all live in peace and serenity adding to the picturesque surroundings.
The traditional dress of the Himachali people also reflects their culture. They like their ethnic dressing and dress in traditional costumes as they safeguard and honour their diversity. The natives are known as Pahari people. Partly the dressing also makes even the climatic conditions of the harsh winters which is another reason to influence the traditional attire of Himachal Pradesh. It includes a headgear, tops, trousers, and even the footwear are mostly woven by hand. The vibrant and colorful handloom fabric is now the culture identity of the state.
Traditional Dress for Men in Himachal Pradesh
The Himachali people are widely divided into two ancient classes – Brahmins and Rajputs. Only a local or traditional people can spot the difference at once as there is very little difference in the way they dress as they are almost identical.
Rajputs:
Men wear a long Kurta over Chudidar Pyjamas that hold the ankles tight. They drape a lengthy silky overcoat over it. As Yak is very common in the region even the clothing is made from Yak leather. So, these overcoats are designed by golden threads and embroidery over yak leather. It helps to keep them warm in the harsh weather. They cover their heads with a turban which is a long cloth tied over the head. These are vibrant and colorful and generally starched to keep it stiff. Rajput men wear their turbans and also grow their mustache long as a sign of pride.
Brahmins:
Men wear long Kurta over a dhoti. They also wear a lengthy overcoat or waistcoat and tie a turban on their head to cover their head. The Brahmin priests wear mostly white colored dresses and also have a soft cloth like a towel over their shoulders. However, for special festivals or ceremonies, they wear new clothes including the Kurta, pajama, stiff caps, or turbans and wrap an exquisite shawl around themselves as part of dress.
Traditional Dress for Women in Himachal Pradesh
The women of the two major castes of Himachal Pradesh wear something similar and their dress is also identical. Hence, it is hardly differentiable except for a few variations. Traditionally a purdah system prevailed in the region but now that is no longer followed in the state.
Rajputs:
The women wear long dresses from their neck to their feet. It is in the shape of a Kurta and they wear it over a skirt like dress or a loose salwar. They wear also Ghagris and Cholis called shirts or blouse. The other dresses they wear is the traditional Salwar – Kameez. They wear a lot of bangles to accessorize their dressing. They also wear a long cloth over their head to cover the head which knotted up to stay in place on the head. They wear footwear that is made from leather or Yak skin and also specific grass. It is said to protect feet from cold and keep the feet warm.
Brahmins:
They also wear Ghagra and Cholis called shirts or blouse over a long loose skirt type trousers and the traditional Salwar – Kameez with a dupatta, meaning a long cloth to wear over the dress and head. They wear special materials for the special celebrations or festivals that have intricate work including embroidery on handwoven cloth. They also wear jewelery like bangles and rings on nose, fingers, toes, neck, etc.