We are all aware of the fact that there are certain attire in India and other countries that become the national traditional dresses. Now, what is the reason or what makes them the traditional dress of a nation? It is majorly because of their popularity and that they are being worn in multiple places in a country.
When it comes to India, traditional dresses vary because the nation is known for its diversity and versatility. Dhoti, Saree, Sherwanis, and Lehengas are some of the traditional dresses of India. And the diversity is the reason why there is not just one but a list of dresses that too depending on the states or regions. All in all, we have a list of such dresses that have been adopted by a lot of communities.
The traditional costumes of India that you should wear once in life
1. Dhoti
Dhoti is bottom wear that was initially worn by males, mostly under kurtas. But over time it evolved and now people wear it under shirts, and sherwani too. Over time, women have also started using it in their dresses and you can see the same in many places.
Initially, dhoti was a simple cloth that people wrapper around their waist to cover their bottoms. But now you get a huge diversity in Dhoti too. There are some that are completely stitched and you just have to wear them like your pants. The attire was popularized by Mahatma Gandhi.
2. Saree
Right from the early ages, when India started to build and emerge Hindu Culture came into existence. And since then saree has been one of the common, prominent, and important attire. In today’s world, the saree is still there and a lot of people from different countries have also adopted and practised wearing it in their daily life.
Over time, the designs, style of wearing, and other factors have significantly changed but one thing remains the same and that’s its importance. People from North India to South India wear it quite often.
3. Ghagra choli
Ghagra Choli is a popular and important attire of Rajasthan. Right from the ages of Rajputana kings, females of the entire region wore this costume. There is a differentiating factor based on handwork, elegance, color combination, and worth. Women wear Ghagra Choli in their daily life and even on occasions and festivals. The factors we have mentioned are those that determine the usage of the attire.
4. Sherwani
There are two traditional attire in India that look similar and have been closely related. Sherwani and Achakan are two such dresses that most people wear on occasions and festivals. Most of these dresses can be spotted during a wedding. This attire came into existence during the medieval period and since then it kept on evolving.
Initially, the attire was tied using a string but nowadays you have hooks, pins, and even buttons.
5. Phulkari and Damaan
Phulkari is basically not an attire but a work that is performed on a cloth. It is a type of Chunni/ Chunnari/ dupatta; that’s worn with multiple suits. It was and is still popular in Punjab. Women of the state started using Phulkari with their suits and it gave the entire costume a lot of charm and elegance.
And from Punjab, people have always been bringing it to different parts of the country. And now, there are a lot of regions or states in India where Phulkari and Damaan are being worn. Not just one Punjabi suit, but a lot of different types of other suits as well.
6. Lungi
If you have been to South India, then you must have seen Lungi which is also known as Lungee. It is a very common attire in the southern states of India. The main reason why people there wear it is due to the weather. It remains hot and humid in southern Indian states which is why people wear comfortable and airy clothes. Lungi is a simple cloth that’s wrapped around the waist to cover the entire bottom.
At times you can see people wearing lungis which are knee-length. From the Southern Indian states, lungis have found their way to different other states and cities.
7. Pheran
Talking about the traditional dresses of India, Pheran is another name that makes its way to our list. Pheran is one of the most popular dresses of North India, majorly worn in the Kashmir Valley. This attire has been around for a long time and came to popularity in the 19th century. The traditional outfit is worn by females and males and there are different styles and types of Pheran that you can get in the market.
The dress goes till the feet- at least that was the initial thing. It is quite warm and people wear it to look good and keep themselves warm. Pheran constitutes one of the main outfits of Kashmir.
8. Puanchei
Puanchei or Mizo Puanchei is another popular traditional dress of India which is worn by the tribes and people of Mizoram. This is a kind of shawl which is draped around the waist and then tucked on the opposite end. According to their language, Puan is a shawl.
Nowadays, this is one attire that has been getting cornered and people wear it when there is a festival or any occasion. While you visit Mizoram which is in the seven sisters, do try wearing this and get clicked. The colorful shawl is a masterpiece in the world of traditional clothes.
9. Salwar Kameez
One of the most worn and popular dresses that you will see in India is Salwar Kameez. It is worn by ladies throughout the country. Where Salwar is the bottom wear and Kameez is for the upper body. The attire is not complete without the dupatta for ladies. If you visit some other smaller villages around the country you will see men wearing Kameez with trousers. Over time, there have been a lot of changes and diversity in this attire.
10. Sharara
Ladies have a lot of important and traditional dresses in India and one of them is Sharara. It was first worn by the ladies of the Mughal Empire. And then this dress was worn by the Muslim community females. But now, Sharara is a very commonly worn dress that is now used even in marriages and parties. It is an ankle-length dress that has evolved a lot from what it was earlier. Designs, color schemes, and other factors have also evolved a lot.
11. Wrap-around skirt and blouse
The traditional attire of Arunachal Pradesh, often includes a wrap-around skirt and blouse. The wrap-around skirt, known as “Gale,” is a long piece of cloth intricately patterned and wrapped around the waist, secured with ties. The design and patterns vary among tribes, showcasing unique cultural identities. The blouse, known as “Rimu/Rigong,” complements the skirt. It is typically short-sleeved and often adorned with colorful embroidery, beadwork, or traditional motifs, reflecting the rich craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region. The ensemble is not only a symbol of tradition but also a mode of self-expression and pride, especially during festivals, ceremonies, and important cultural events in Arunachal Pradesh.
12. Mekhela Chador
The Mekhela Chador is the traditional attire of women in Assam. The Mekhela, the bottom piece, is a rectangular cloth intricately woven with exquisite designs. It is pleated and draped around the waist, secured by folding and tucking, forming a skirt-like garment. The Chador, the top piece, is a long, unstitched cloth worn as an elegant wrap or shawl over the upper body. The ensemble is often adorned with intricate patterns, motifs, and vibrant colors, reflecting the cultural richness of Assam. It symbolizes grace, tradition, and the artistic heritage of the Assamese people, frequently worn during festivals, ceremonies, and significant cultural events.
13. Kunbi Sari
The Kunbi Sari is a traditional attire worn by the Kunbi tribe of Goa. It is a distinctive sari known for its simplicity and comfort. The sari is typically woven from natural fibers and features vibrant, earthy colors such as red, yellow, and white. The design is minimalistic, with a plain or striped body and a contrasting border. The pallu (the loose end) often showcases geometric or floral motifs. The Kunbi Sari represents the cultural heritage and identity of the Kunbi community, and it is a symbol of their connection to tradition and rural roots, often worn on special occasions and cultural events.
14. Chaniya Choli
Chaniya Choli, a traditional attire originating from Gujarat, is a vibrant and colorful ensemble predominantly worn during Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrating Goddess Durga. The Chaniya, a flared skirt with elaborate embroidery and mirror work, forms the lower part. It is paired with the Choli, a fitted blouse adorned with intricate designs, mirrors, and vibrant hues. The outfit is complete with a dupatta, a long piece of cloth draped elegantly over the shoulder. Chaniya Choli embodies the rich Gujarati culture, reflecting the lively spirit and traditional artistry. The attire symbolizes devotion, celebration, and community, often donned during festivals and cultural gatherings in Gujarat.
15. Nauvari Saree
The Nauvari Saree, also known as the Lugade or Kashta saree, is a traditional attire from Maharashtra. The name “Nauvari” originates from the nine-yard length of the saree. The Nauvari is characterized by its unique draping style, where the saree is tucked in at the back, creating a trouser-like effect, allowing for ease of movement. The pallu, or loose end, is often draped over the shoulder or used to cover the head. This saree is usually paired with a short-sleeved blouse. It represents the essence of Maharashtrian culture and is an iconic attire worn during festivals, cultural events, and traditional ceremonies, embodying the strength, grace, and cultural heritage of the Maharashtrian women.
Conclusion
How many of these attire have you already tried now? We know there are many that are still missing the blog. But we assure you that these are the most popular dresses that are worn in multiple states and regions of India. Interestingly, even though the attire is the same, its name and sometimes the way of wearing it changes and differs from others.
See Also: Traditional Dresses of Sikkim | Traditional Dresses of Tamil Nadu
Traditional Dresses of Rajasthan | Traditional Dresses of Kerala
Traditional Dresses of West Bengal | Traditional Dresses of Punjab
Traditional Dresses of Maharashtra | Traditional Dresses of Gujarat
Traditional Dresses of Uttarakhand | Traditional Dresses of Goa
Traditional Dresses of Bihar | Traditional Dresses of Haryana
Traditional Dresses of Uttar Pradesh | Traditional Dresses of Chinese
Traditional Dresses of Assam | Traditional Dresses of Korean
