What will you say when asked about the traditional dresses of females in Goa? Or are the traditional dresses of Goa in generic? We know Goa as the party capital of India and that it is the beach destination for people. Romantic getaways, beaches, sunset views, Goan beer, and the honeymoon places- is Goa all about this? No not at all! There are some lesser known but vibrant dresses of Goa that nowadays people have started wearing on their trip to the beach destination.
If you are even slightly interested to know Goan Catholic traditional dresses or the dresses the people of this state wear on festivals and occasions, give this blog a quick read!
Here is the list of the best traditional costumes of Goa
1. Pano Bhaju
The most popular traditional costume of women of Goa is Pano Bhaju. This is a dress that’s mostly worn during a festival or community celebration. The women who wear this attire celebrate by dancing. This attire is an end product of Wendell Rodricks and is popular even today in the state. The dress is a 9-yard cloth which is draped like a saree and then taken in the same way. Pano Bhaju is paired with different footwear and jewelries. It depends on the occasion or the event to decide what accessories will be worn with them. There are multiple designs and styles in which this saree comes and it is highly influenced by the styles of ancient Persia, China, and Central Asia.
2. Traditional dresses of Goan Catholics
After the invasion of Portuguese in Goa in 1510; there were a lot of changes that the people went through. The tribes here liked the fashion sense of the invaders and most of them adopted their style and attire. And in today’s world, the catholics of Goa wear the same dresses but a bit tweaked. Especially during a marriage ceremony. In this, you will see a woman wearing a completely white gown with elegant designs made on it.
And men on the other hand prefer dressing up in suits of different shades. From complete grey suits to black and other colors. These dresses not only bring the most out of their look but also give them wonderful attire to flaunt.
3. Nav Vari
There are a lot of different names given to this attire which is nothing but another type of saree. Or we can say more of “Goan Saree.” This attire is worn with attractive jeweleries and it has stones studded on it. In different regions this saree is called differently, some of the common names are Nauvari, Lugade, Kacha, Nauvaree, Sakachcha, and Kasta Sari. The saree is also popular for its length which is more than any other you will see in the entire country. The design options, styles, and other things in the saree are phenomenal.
Also, when it is worn in an authentic way, it looks like a trouser. The saree mostly comes woven in cotton and is worn without a petticoat.
4. The beachwear attire
Have you ever thought, why do people love wearing shirts with flowers and vibrant colours in Goa? Or something that fits this description? There must be an origin story for this right? So, in Goa, it is the fishermen of Koli who brought this attire into the limelight for the first time. These men wanted to make a different style statement and that’s the reason they chose to wear brightly colored shirts with shorts. It is now a signature culture attire for these people. And people wearing this costume look amazing and inject a sense of happiness in people; it immediately got a lot of attention.
Impressed with the dress code and having experienced the liking of this attire amongst the people visiting here- a lot of big brands have also started making attire that looks like this.
5. Kashti
Gosh! How many traditional saree do we have in Goa? And this is so strange, usually, people don’t know about it. Also, Goa is considered to be a place where trending fashion becomes the fashion of the state. But that’s not true. With a strong and long culture, Goa is also known for their dresses and this article is an example of the same. Now, coming onto the dress- Kashti is known to be a traditional dress of Goa, which is worn with Kunti Pallu (tied knot with the pleats of the saree.) This attire is also made of loincloth.
Women pair it with light-weighed payals, bangles, and beautiful jewellery. If you want to keep it minimal, just wear sandals along with this attire. It will be good enough.
6. The Goa Carnival dresses
Okay, so you must not be aware of the fact that the carnival dresses of Goa are also their traditional dresses. People here do love flaunting colorful and vibrant attire. During the multiple carnivals of Goa, you get to see people wearing different styled attire that matches their props. Yes, the carnivals here are theme-based and you will get numerous tourists following the dress code. And yes, not everyone has to follow that!
That’s the best part about the carnivals of Goa. It offers the visitors a chance to showcase their best attire in the festival.
7. Valkal
Just like the other dresses, this one is also a costume that is worn by multiple tribes of Goa. You will see the resemblance of Valkal in all the tribes like Kunbi, Velip, Zalmi, Gauda, and Dhangar. There is another distinctive feature that people have in this attire and it’s the ornaments or accessories they wear. Valkal is originally made out of Loincloth. And because Goa is extensively visited by foreigners; this fashionable attire with others has become popular. And you will see it being used in many places now. Also the ornaments that are worn along.
8. Feni Suit
The Feni Suit is a traditional attire from Goa, often seen at cultural and festive events. This ensemble consists of a knee-length kurta and matching pajama, usually made from lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton. The Feni Suit showcases vibrant and lively colors, and intricate embroidery, and often includes mirror work, exuding a celebratory spirit.
It is a representation of Goan culture and its joyful way of life. The Feni Suit is an essential part of Goan dance forms and celebrations, where it allows for freedom of movement while reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Wearing a Feni Suit during festivities evokes a sense of pride, belonging, and celebration in the coastal state of Goa.
9. Kunbi Saree
The Kunbi Saree is a traditional attire from Goa, primarily worn by the Kunbi tribal community. This saree is emblematic of simplicity and cultural heritage. It is typically woven from coarse cotton or silk, designed for comfort in Goa’s tropical climate. What distinguishes the Kunbi Saree is its plain and earthy colors, reflecting the rustic charm of the region.
It is often adorned with minimal embellishments, showcasing the Kunbi community’s modest and timeless fashion. The Kunbi Saree is not only a reflection of Goa’s culture but also a testament to the cultural resilience and indigenous traditions of the Kunbi people, making it an essential part of Goa’s sartorial heritage.
10. Kupya
The Kupya is a traditional headgear from Goa. It is particularly worn by the Gauda community, who have a significant presence in the region. The Kupya is characterized by its conical shape and is typically crafted from palm leaves or coconut leaves. These leaves are intricately woven to create a sturdy and practical headpiece that provides protection from the scorching sun and heavy rainfall, common in the coastal region.
The Kupya reflects the deep connection of the Gauda community to the land and their reliance on agriculture. This headgear is not just a piece of clothing but a symbol of their identity and a testament to Goa’s rich cultural diversity.
Conclusion
Honestly, I too didn’t know a lot of things about the attire of Goa before writing this blog. It is an insight and strength into what people can expect from the country. Goa too adds to the diversity in culture and traditional dress of India. These are just the names of some popular attire that you will get to see in today’s time. There are a lot of other things that are popular at the beach destination. So, when you visit here next time, don’t forget to try some of this attire too!
Traditional dresses of Assam | Traditional dresses of Rajasthan
Traditional dresses of Karnataka | Traditional dresses of Tamil Nadu
Traditional dresses of Punjab | Traditional dresses of Sikkim
Traditional dresses of Manipur | Traditional dresses of Odisha
Traditional dresses of Uttarakhand | Traditional dresses of Maharashtra
Traditional Dresses of Andhra Pradesh | Traditional dresses of Gujarat
Traditional dresses of Haryana | Traditional dress of Kerala
