India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Every state is completely different from others. Their unique traditions, cultures, cuisines, festivals, functions, practises and attire make them different from each other. But have you ever thought of the traditional dresses of ladakh? What do they wear, how is that different and are they as funky and cool as the ones you see in the seven sisters?
So, if you too haven’t thought about this before, here is what will give you a complete knowledge of the unique, colorful, and different attire of Ladakh.
Unique and attractive attire of Ladakh you might get interested in 2024
1. Goncha and Sulma
Goncha is a traditional dress worn by men in Ladakh. It is a long robe-like garment that is made from wool or pashmina and is usually ankle-length with long sleeves. The Goncha is typically worn over a shirt and trousers and is secured at the waist with a belt. The design of the Goncha varies depending on the region and can feature intricate embroidery and colorful patterns. The dress is warm and comfortable and is perfect for the cold.
- Goncha is the traditional Ladakhi gown or robe that is worn by women and men both.
- You will see people pairing this dress with multiple accessories like Lokpa, Tipi, shawl, and Bok.
- These are usually worn by both the sexes but in different styles. Women keep it simple with some ornaments and sash tied around the waist.
2. Tipi (hat)
Tipi is a cone-shaped tent traditionally used by various indigenous groups in Ladakh. It is made from wooden poles covered with animal hides or canvas and is designed to be portable and easy to assemble. Today, Tipis are still used for camping and as a symbol of the native culture.
- Tipi which is also called Tibi is the traditional Ladakhi Hat.
- Both women and men wear different types of Tibis. Different colors, sizes, and patterns.
- This was started by the Buddhist community as they wear colorful and attractive Tipis during the everyday functions.
- The Ladakhi women on the other hand wear bright colored caps that are usually made out of silk.
- There are many heavy headgears that Ladakhis wear under the category of Tipi.
- Mostly women wear colorful hats and on the other hand, men wear monochromic silk hats.
3. Kuntop
This is another traditional attire of Ladakh that you will see a lot of people wearing. This is usually worn by females and this acts as a distinguishing factor.
- Kuntop is one of the most popular traditional dresses of Ladakh that is worn by females.
- When Goncha is a unisex dress, this is also a robe that is worn by just women.
- In many regions of Ladakh Kuntop is known as Chuba.
- This is a woolen robe that comes in different colors, patterns, and sizes.
- From a young age these dresses are given to the women as a symbol of their tradition.
- If you are traveling to Ladakh, you can buy Chuba, if that looks good to you.
4. Yogar or Lokpa
- Ladakh being such a cold destination has steered people to discover, weave and wear different types of warm clothes.
- Because cold temperature is a constant here, even during the summer season- people have designed and developed multiple types of warm clothes and Lokpa or Yogar is one of them.
- Yogar or Lokpa is worn only by Ladakhi women around their shoulders. This dress helps them to cover their shoulders and their entire back.
- This is a distinctive grab worn for comfort and style. It not only gives the attire a stylish look but keeps the wearer very warm.
- This amazing cloak is made from Sheepskin which is why it is so warm.
- The Yogar also offers cushioning to the back and that’s the added comfort it has on offer.
- This dress is worn by ladies at the child birth ceremony, festival, fair, or any such event.
5. Kos Kar
Kos Kar is also known as the nomad’s attire and during the initial days, it was limited to their community only. But nowadays, the picture has changed a lot and you will see people of many communities wearing and flaunting this attire.
- Another very warm dress that represents the tribe of Changpa is the Kos Kar attire.
- Towards the Chinese borders, you will see a tribe that’s named Changpa. This is because they reside in the Changthang Valley.
- These people have a different tradition, values, and other things. Here you will see people being influenced by the Tibetan people.
- And Kos Kar is the most prominent dress that these people wear. And the color that you will see more often will be either white or a shade of white.
- This dress is made of sheep wool and other animal’s skin to prevent people from the treacherous cold and terrain.
6. Ladakhi headdress: Perak
Perak is a traditional headdress worn by married women in Ladakh. It is made from turquoise and coral stones and silver or gold filigree and is worn with traditional Ladakhi attire.
- It is not just the gowns, shawls, or the robes that Ladakhis flaunt. They also have multiple headdresses and one amongst them is Perak.
- There are multiple distinctive designs that you will see all over Ladakh.
- This headdress is one of the most popular things in the attire of a Ladakhi during an event.
- In majority instances you will see a heavy and broad headband that starts from the forehead and runs down to the back.
- This is also considered to be a symbol of prosperity in a family and that it is passed from a mother to her daughter.
7. Ladakhi shoes: Pabu
Pabu is a traditional folk dance of the Ladakhi people and the dress worn by the dancers goes by the same name. The dress is very colorful and you will enjoy the sight here. But now due to the likings more and more, people are keeping it in their wardrobe.
- Pabu are the traditional Ladakhi shoes that are made out of Yak or Goat leather.
- In different regions, you will find different styles and that’s because of the different landscapes and weather conditions.
- One of the most amazing and popular types of these Ladakhi shoes are the Thikma Pabu.
- Over time people have now developed new styles and designs. Put in a lot of new color schemes and have created something completely different from the authentic shoes.
8. Ladakhi amulet: Kau (Necklace)
Kau is a silver or gold ornament that is worn by ladies during a special event. Festivals and fests also see people wearing this accessory. You can have a look at the options that are available here in Kau. Make sure you try any of these if you desire because it is intriguingly designed.
- Kau is also known as Gau which is a piece of precious jewelry.
- This will be either an octagonal or a hexagonal golden amulet which is in size of a fist.
- This is strung with a lot of precious stones, jewels, pearls, and intriguing designs.
- This is an ornament worn by the women of Ladakh.
9. Zanskari cap: Serpo Tipi
Serpo Tipi is a traditional dwelling of the Native American tribes of the Great Plains. But it is also famously worn by the people of Ladakh. It is a conical tent made of wooden poles and covered with animal hides or canvas.
- This is a kind of Tipi that we have talked about earlier in this blog.
- It is named Serpo Tipi because the people wearing it live in the Zanskar Region.
- You will see a few differences in this cap that makes it distinct from the other types.
10. Ladakhi headdress worn by Muslims: Jugin
This is just the replacement or alternative to Perak worn by Muslims. This is also their traditional attire that is colorful and amazing.
- Where the Tibetans wear perak- the Muslim community of Ladakh replace it with Jugin.
- This is worn by females on several occasions but the most astonishing of them all is during their wedding day.
- The Jugin is recognised by its elegance because you can see pearls, gold and other jewels enriching its beauty.
Conclusion
Like every other region of the country, the colorful Ladakh is known for a lot of things. Today, another reason adds to your list. These 10 traditional dresses are just a handful of options that you get to watch. Most people know Ladakh for the bike trip, daunting roads, high passes, and astonishing natural beauty.
But now the traditional dresses of Ladakh are also the reason why you would keep it in your memories. So, while you go on a trip to this wonderful land, make sure that you either try any of these or buy the one that suits you the most.
See also: Traditional dresses of Uttarakhand | Traditional dresses of Karnataka
Traditional dresses of Assam | Traditional dresses of Kerala
