It is said by many people that if you need to have a look at the culture of any state in India, look at certain aspects. And one of these aspects is the traditional dresses of the state. Did this come as a shocking statement to you? But this is true! The traditional dresses of Karnataka are a true depiction of their culture. A person or an enthusiast who wants to know more about the culture of Karnataka can study its traditional dresses too.
Over the years, there have been some tweaks and changes that can be seen in their attire but the major portion remains as it is. Clothes that these people wear according to their tradition show how simple and elegant life they had. All their clothes reflect simplicity and elegance at the least. So, let’s quickly have a look at some of their most popular attire.
List of 6 most popular traditional dresses of Karnataka
1. Kurta
This attire needs no introduction because you might have already worn it somewhere or the other. But here we are not talking about the designer Kurtas or Dhotis that you wear in marriages or other big functions. Rather we want to tell you that this is a traditional costume of Karnataka where white dhoti with golden stripes on the front edge and a simple plain kurta is worn. This attire is popular throughout the country and many other states have this in their culture and books.
According to the complete attire, you get an elegant look that shows the simplicity of a person. People here call this attire a dress of humbleness and something that has been worn in India from ages.
2. Panche or Dhoti
This is nothing else than a lungi which is worn in a different style. In other places, it is called lungi, dhoti, and by other names. Panche is one of the most worn and prominent dresses of Karnataka; even today. Karnataka shares its boundaries with Kerala and Tamil Nadu which can be the reason for the influence of this attire. But that doesn’t mean Kannada people have completely copied their style. If you look closely, they have a different style to wear this (talking about their authentic dress.)
Panche is paired with either a shirt or a kurta or angavastram. You too can have a look at these different combinations to choose the best amongst them for wearing.
3. Mysore Peta
If you are scratching your head thinking about Mysore Peta because it sounds more like a dish; then let us tell you that it is a hat. Or to say it better, a Mysore Peta is a customary hat that you can see people wearing too often. It is more like a pagdi that was common and popular amongst the kings of India. The Peta has been an important and integral part of the dresses of Karnataka since forever now.
There are different kinds of Peta styles and all of them look elegant. You can check the options that are available because there are some with artificial pearls and other items. Some have feathers too!
4. Kanchipuram Sarees
Although girls have a huge variety in terms of attire options, one amongst them are Kanchipuram Sarees. The elegance of designs and work on these sarees is what makes it a perfect dress for women. It flaunts a broad border and very minutely done handwork. The fabulous designs, smooth art, and rich texture of these sarees make it special and expensive too. One of the best Kanchipuram Saree is known to be very expensive, keeping in mind the material and work that’s done on it.
But you will see many women wearing it. But majority ladies wear these sarees in special events, celebrations, occasions, or during a festival.
5. Kodagu saree
Actually, it’s not about the saree but the way it is worn by the ladies of this community in Karnataka. Kodagu Saree is the simple cloth that you see in the market but the women here make all the pleats of the back of their pallu and then tie it together. The pallu is then attached with the shoulder using a pin.
Kodagu Sarees are usually made of silk or cotton and they are highly expressive. Initially, a color of these sarees was given to the occasion it was worn for. Red was known to be the happiest color and was worn by ladies during special events.
6. Ilkal sarees
Even if you search the history of Karnataka, you will find ladies happily wearing sarees and nothing else. Except for the gowns that were worn by the elite class. One of the most popular sarees in the state is Ilkal sarees. This is also deeply rooted in the culture of the state and was firstly worn by the people of the Bagalkot district.
Not just the women, but even younger girls also start wearing this attire. The pallu of this saree is known to be heavy and has embroidery and prints. You can see the same pattern on the bottom side of the saree. Women visiting temples have to mandatorily wear this saree. And the same goes for young girls who follow the traditions of their family.
Conclusion
Which among all the above-mentioned dresses have you already worn? And which of these would you love trying at least once in your lifetime? As we have already told you in the very first paragraph that Karnataka is a place where people believe in simplicity and humbleness. That is completely reflected in their culture, tradition, and their attire too. On your next visit to Karnataka do look for the best and authentic shops if you desire to buy any of these dresses.
So, let us know in the comment section if you believe we missed out on a good traditional costume of Karnataka. And mention its name too! We will have a look and include it in our list.
See Also: Traditional dresses of India | Kerala Traditional Dresses
Traditional dresses of Assam | Rajasthan Traditional Dresses
Traditional dresses of Tamil Nadu | Sikkim Traditional Dresses
