Uttarakhand is also known as Devbhoomi and is one of the most diverse states of India. Be it the attractions, activites, food, or even the dresses; you will find a lot of variety here. Majorly there are two communities that live in Uttarakhand- Kumaoni and Garhwali. There are differences in clothings and accessories between these communities. If you visit here on your next trip, we suggest you explore not just their attractions but also their traditional costumes.
Their dresses are very important to understand if you were to get some insight into their culture and tradition.
Here are a few popular traditional dresses of Uttarakhand that the people here still love to wear in 2023
1. Lungi
Like we already know, there are a lot of places where you can see people wearing Lungi and you can see something similar in the traditional attire of Uttarakhand. Dhoti is actually a long cloth that is used to cover the bottom part of the body. Where mostly you will see people wearing white or any solid colored dhoti, nowadays, a lot of new types, designs, and patterns have come up. And with time even the style of wearing this attire has also changed significantly. Because people are now pairing it with kurtas, shirts, and other wearables. And this is one outfit that you will see across Uttarakhand. And mostly because of its ease of wearing and comfort.
2. Kurta
From color to style, pattern to design- Kurtas in Uttarakhand’s traditional attire list have a huge variety. And this is not due to the modern era or something, but right from the very beginning. If you talk to the locals, you will get to know that people here are very keen about colors and they love showing off their vibrant attire. So, this is the reason why most of their traditional clothes are shiny and eye-catchy. The same is for Kurtas as well. You will get a huge variety in kurtas to choose from.
3. Ghagra Choli
Ghagra Choli is also a traditional dress of Uttarakhand, worn by Kumaoni women. The attire is also known as their happy dress because mostly you will see people wearing this attire during a festival, occasion, or a fair. Women pair this costume with orni which is a dupatta. Now, the entire dress has a lot of combinations if you look at it in the market. Be it the design, style, print, work, type, material used, or any other aspect. Ghagra Choli and Orni; all of these elements of this attire have a lot of varieties.
4 . Pahari Topi
One of the most common and popular accessories of clothes that people in Uttarakhand wear is the Pahari Topi. This is the attire which is worn by men while they are out of their houses. It is like clothes or footwear to them where they enjoy wearing the Pahari Topi for comfort as well as look. The topi has a colorful base and then there is a particular design on the front side. That too along the small front portion. There are color and material variations in the topi because other than that you will mostly see it in the same design and style.
Traditional attire of Jaunsaris
If you are unaware of this; Jaunsaris are one of the tribes that are present in Uttarakhand. And this tribe marks them one of the elites in the country. This tribe has a distinct style of attire and accessories. From clothes to the jeweleries they wear; everything is quite distinctive and amazing. Their dresses are unique and so are the kadas, necklaces, and earrings. Also, where others wear the Pahari Topi, they have a special traditional cap which is named Digwa.
5. Sarang
This is nothing but a name given to the saree worn by ladies who live towards the area of Pithoragarh. There are designs as per any other saree worn by ladies in the world but this is worn in a different style. Sarang is actually a bit longer than your usual saree and it is firstly wrapped around the waist to cover the bottom part. The pallu is adjusted on the shoulder and then pleats are made on the front side like in other sarees. This is one of the traditional clothes of Uttarakhand worn by Kumaon women.
6. Hansuli
While an unmarried woman can wear whatever she loves or desires; there is a mandatory thing for married females in Uttarakhand. They have to wear silver ornaments all the time which is known as Hansuli. Although, people from different regions have a different story for its origin and popularity. But the one that adds up to everything is that it helps in bringing bliss to the family. But nowadays, Hansuli also comes in a lot of varieties offering women a number of options to choose from.
7. Guluband
Guluband is also an accessory worn by ladies of Uttarakhand and it highly resembles the modern age choker that girls love to wear. But this is a bit more than just a choker, because it is an ornament, you get a lot of varieties or options to choose from. And this is worn by people in many parts of the state. And yet again the origin story of the ornament is not definite. You get different recitations in different places.
8. Traditional attire of Bhotia
The pastoral community of Uttarakhand is known as Bhotia. And they are known to be the Mongoloid ethnicity. They are the ones who reside at higher altitudes which is why most clothes are warm. Most clothes they wear are woven from woolen yarn. Their traditional dresses for women consist of a shirt, skirt, coat, waistcoat, and coat. Talking about their ornaments; they wear earrings, beads, and rings.
9. Attires of Raji Tribe
There are 5 different tribes in the UK that are recognized and Raji are the most underdeveloped of them all. They still live in the woods and they depend on the forest for all their requirements. And Raji tribes also have a few amazing attires to show the world. And their headgears, wrist, and arm bands are quite intuitive.
10. Pichora
The Pichora is a traditional dress that holds cultural significance in Uttarakhand. This attire is primarily worn by women and represents the rich heritage of the region. The Pichora consists of a long, ankle-length skirt typically made from wool or cotton and is often adorned with intricate handwoven patterns. What sets the Pichora apart is its vibrant colors and the use of striking geometric designs. It reflects the natural beauty and the cultural ethos of Uttarakhand. The Pichora is not just a piece of clothing but a representation of the state’s tradition, artistry, and connection to its stunning mountainous landscape.
11. Jhangora
Jhangora is a traditional headgear worn by the Garhwali men of Uttarakhand. This distinctive headpiece is a symbol of cultural identity and represents the region’s rich heritage. The Jhangora is crafted from wool and is characterized by its unique design, with a conical shape and a flat top, often adorned with vibrant colors and patterns. This headgear not only serves as a functional element, providing warmth and protection against the cold mountainous climate, but it also holds deep cultural significance, reflecting the Garhwali people’s strong connection to their roots and their traditional way of life in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
12. Lugada
The Lugada, also known as a Luggar or Luhgra, is a traditional attire worn by the women of Uttarakhand. It consists of a simple, ankle-length skirt and a matching blouse, often made from wool or cotton, offering comfort and warmth in the region’s cool climate. What distinguishes the Lugada is its simplicity and elegance. It typically features earthy tones and subtle patterns, reflecting the local culture and lifestyle. The Lugada is a representation of the state’s rich tradition, the connection to its picturesque landscapes, and the practical yet graceful fashion of the Uttarakhandi women.
Conclusion
So, how many of these have you already tried? And how many of these would you try once in your life? Actually, most of the traditional clothes of Uttarakhand are tweaked according to the new age clothes. But there are still a few that have been preserved like the initial time. And that is not just for men but even for women. Also, when you visit the smaller hill stations or towns in Uttarakhand, you will see that people are still wearing their traditional attire in their day-to-day life.
See Also: Traditional dresses of India | Traditional dresses of Kerala
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 Bihar | Traditional dresses of Mizoram
Traditional dresses of Nagaland | Traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh
