The natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh is inexplicable and there is no dearth in attractions too. But what about the culture and tradition that the locals follow? With multiple tribes having strong roots in various parts here- you are surely going to get a number of traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh that would leave you baffled.
Like many other states of India, Himachali dress is also unique, vibrant, and beautiful. The are are very different attire in Himachal Pradesh and they are made according to the harsh climatic conditions of the state. If you have a look at the traditional Himachali dresses, you will majorly get handwoven options that look attractive.
Right from the caps to the dresses to the footwear- each and everything is weaved manually, or at least the traditional items were done that way. So, let’s have a look at some of the most interesting and beautiful dresses worn by people here.
10 Famous Traditional attire of Himachal Pradesh that can be seen even today
1. Pashmina Shawl
This is one of the traditional clothes of the people of Himachal Pradesh. It is made of Pashmina Goat and is in high demand across the world. A Pashmina Shawl is not only known for its color, print, style, light-weighted, or characteristics. But also because even a stroll of Pashmina can keep you warm.
One of the many traits of this shawl is that it can keep you warm even in harsh winters and comes with delicate designs and embroideries. The silk that’s used to make these shawls is very smooth and bright.
2. Long Overcoat
You might have already seen a lot of people wearing overcoats at many places but the Himachali overcoat is a bit different. It gets a lot of qualities from its close relative that is worn in Ladakh and Kashmir. The traditional long overcoats of Himachal Pradesh are usually made of Silk. The entire design of this overcoat is done using the leather made of yak. To make it look beautiful, gold threads are also made on the outskirts of the coat.
It is a very thin coat that is worn during the winter months in Himachal Pradesh and it single-handedly keeps the wearer warm enough.
3. Chamba Dress of Gaddi Tribe
As we have already discussed above, Himachal Pradesh is known for a lot of things and one of them is the tribes here. One of them is the Gaddi Tribe that are popular in Chamba and their traditional attire is also highly popular and can be seen in use even today. The Gaddi tribe and their traditions are the most ancient of all those present in the state. These people majorly lived in the Chamba District and then scattered in different parts.
There is a huge list of the traditional attire of Gaddi Tribe but the ones that are most popular include Topi, Chou, Dora, Launchari, and long dupatta for men and women. These dresses are still popular in many places of the Chamba district.
4. Kinnauri Traditional Attire
Kinnaur is another very popular district of Himachal Pradesh and people here are popular for their traditional attire. Men and Women of Kinnaur have vibrant attire that looks absolutely amazing. The traditional dress of men here includes Chamn Kurti which is a long shirt made of wool. Then comes Chhuba; which is a type of long woolen coat that is worn by men here in Kinnaur. To pair this attire, men have Suthan which is a bottom wear. It is a Churidar Pajama which again is woolen. And to keep their head warm, men wear a Kinnauri Topi.
On the other hand, when it comes to the women of Kinnaur, they too wear a woolen garment named Dohru. This is just a component of the complete attire. Dohru is paired with a full sleeves blouse which again is made of wool. This attire is an important one for the women here because of the comfort, warmth and its elegant look.
5. Traditional dress of Kullu and Manali
The traditional dresses of Kullu and Manali are almost identical and have no major difference. The men here have a complete attire which includes Chola which is nothing but again a long woolen coat. But the only differentiating factor here is the pleats. This coat is traditionally worn with a Dora. This is a string belt that is used to tighten the coat. The woolen pants that are worn by men here are also known as Suthan. The gents’ shawl of this region is named Laccho and Loi. People call it with either of these names. And to top it all, there is a beautiful and colorful Kulluvi Topi.
On the other hand, the traditional dresses for women in Kullu and Manali are also elegant. Let’s start with the warm shawl worn by ladies which is named Patto. The ends of Patto are pinned on both the shoulders with the help of local brooches named Boomini. Ladies too have a belt to press their dress and is called Gachchi. Usually, the women here cover their heads with Dhatu. This is a square cloth which is tied around the head. This cloth is also called Thipu in many regions.
6. Churidar Pajamas
In many regions of Himachal Pradesh, men love wearing Churidar Pajamas and it is a thing for them. Not only is it one of their traditional dresses but one of the popular attires too. These pyjamas are worn by men with a kurta. And in winters; it is also paired with a silk overcoat which is long enough. That protects them from the cold and also makes their entire dress fashionable.
7. Attire of Brahmin men
Brahmins of Himachal Pradesh have always kept them distinguished from the others. And if you have a look at their attire- it seems so simple yet elegant. And now the traditional dress of Himachal Pradesh’s Brahmins is Kurta and Pyjamas with a waistcoat. Although you will see this attire being worn commonly in the entire state, still it is a representation of Brahmins in the city.
8. Chola
The Chola is a traditional dress worn by women in Himachal Pradesh. It consists of a long, ankle-length gown, often made from fine wool or silk. The Chola is typically adorned with vibrant and intricate handwoven patterns, showcasing the artisanal skills of the region.
What distinguishes the Chola is its grace and simplicity. It reflects the practical needs of the local women, offering warmth and comfort in the cool mountainous climate of Himachal Pradesh. This traditional attire is often worn during festivals, special occasions, and daily life, symbolizing the state’s cultural heritage, the pride of its people, and the artistry inherent in the region’s textiles.
9. Dora
The Dora is a traditional belt used as a part of the attire in Himachal Pradesh. It is primarily worn by both men and women, and it holds both functional and decorative significance. The Dora is crafted from wool or cotton and is often adorned with intricate embroidery and vibrant patterns.
Functionally, it secures the Chola (traditional dress) and adds a layer of warmth, especially in the hilly regions. Decoratively, the Dora showcases the rich cultural artistry of the state. These belts are commonly found in various colors, each symbolizing different regions and communities within Himachal Pradesh, making them an essential part of the state’s cultural heritage.
10. Pattu
Pattu, also known as Patta, is a traditional piece of attire in Himachal Pradesh, which is a beautifully handwoven shawl made from fine wool or silk, featuring intricate patterns and vibrant colors. The Pattu is more than just a garment; it serves as a symbol of warmth and protection against the cold climate of the Himalayan region.
These shawls showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the local artisans and are often worn by both men and women during chilly winters, adding a touch of elegance to their attire. Pattu reflects the cultural richness of Himachal Pradesh and stands as a cherished representation of the state’s heritage.
Conclusion
Which of these would you like to wear on your next trip to Himachal Pradesh? The traditional dresses of Shimla, Kinnaur, Spiti, and Lahaul are a bit different. When you visit different parts of the state, you will get to witness different types of attire. It also depends on the tribes that live in that region; as to what they follow in terms of culture and traditions.
But if you are an explorer who wishes to know and understand all the important things including the traditional wedding dresses of Himachal Pradesh then you are up for a treat.
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