Renowned for its diverse culture, religion, attire, cuisines, arts, and many more, India is a country that is globally associated with opulence and reality.
Traditional dress in India not only differs according to state but also according to the different religions, tribes, and communities within the state.
In today’s time of turbulence with everything transforming, the Indian fashion façade has not been left behind and is undergoing a shift too.
Though fashion styles may change, one thing that remains constant is our love for Indian ethnic wear.
Although we have embraced the changing style sensibilities with wide arms yet we have also been successful in keeping our traditional roots intact.
Traditional Dress Of Indian Women?
Sari is popularly believed to be the traditional dress of Indian women, it is a four to nine-yard unstitched garment draped on a blouse.
However, there are many other dresses that according to region and culture, also considered to be part of the traditional dress of India.
We have prepared a list for all the fashion faithful folks that contains the different types of traditional dresses in India. Scroll down to get a clear idea about the traditional outfits and fashion styles of different states.
Jewellery Styles and Traditional Dress in India
1. Gujarat
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The traditional dress of Gujarat is all shades of vibrant and unique in its way.
Women in Gujarat traditionally wear Chaniyo and Choli. Chaniyo is a coloured petticoat that is embroidered with glass pieces and choli is a coloured piece of cloth that covers the upper body.
Women usually adorn themselves in these colourful and embroidered Ghagra or Lehenga Choli and sparkling ornaments for religious festivals such as Navratri.
Dupattas are worn by them as veils and are called Odhni.
Gujarati men may wear a golden chain & ring and along with an embellished turban.
They earlier used to wear Chrono and Kediyu but these days you find them wearing Churidar Pajamas and Kurta, paired with vibrant turbans for formal as well as casual occasions.
SILVER JEWELLERY
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Jewellery and accessories are an integral part of the traditional Gujarati jewellery costume look.
These pieces of jewellery perfectly go with the traditional Gujarati costumes and are heavy, artistic, and intricately crafted.
Women adorn themselves in jewellery like bangles, earrings, necklaces, chains, nose pins, and rings.
In the interior parts, women adorn themselves with tribal metallic/silver jewellery and these have become a rage in today’s modern fashion world.
Add the perfect spice to your outfits
• Kandora: Also known as Kandoro, this piece is usually worn at weddings or festivals. It is a fancy kamar-bandh that is worn around the waist.
• Matha Tikka: This jewellery is worn on the head and has several linked gold chains and motifs.
• Patla Bangles: These are the big bangles that are crafted in Meenakari work. These white bangles are adorned with Kundan, Pearl, and Gemstone work.
• Kundan Butti: These earrings have a unique design and they consist of a chain which passes over the crown of the head.
2. Rajasthan
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Rajasthan has bright coloured outfits in its traditional wear, women are seen wearing ghagra and chili.
Ghagra is a skirt that starts from the waist and goes on till ankle, and has vertical gathers, known as pleats and Choli is a short-sleeved blouse going till midriff, with open back fastened with multiple strings Both ghagra and choli are usually decorated with beautiful mirror and metalwork.
The Rajasthani men are seen in kurta and pyjamas, they also wear a headdress known as ‘turban’ or ‘pakadi’ which is made of cotton.
The headdress is a signature part of the attire and is also worn by young boys.
TRIBAL JEWELLERY
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The Land of Kings, beyond its blue, pink, and gold cities has much more to offer, Tribal Jewellery is one of the main attractions of Rajasthan that continues to mesmerize its viewers.
The credit for this traditional jewellery of rajasthan not losing their charm can primarily be attributed to Rajasthani’s who have held their silver, copper, and brass ornaments close to their hearts.
This persistence and love for their culture lead the world to embrace Rajasthani jewellery.
In Rajasthan, men and women can be seen with colourful necklaces, armlets, anklets, earrings, and rings.
The grandeur of Rajasthani jewellery is a statement for itself, which continues to leave everyone awestruck.
However, beyond the ‘look-good’ factor, Tribal women of Rajasthan like to adorn themselves with lots of silver jewellery, which usually contain a special meaning, often signaling towards their marital status!
Compliment your attire with these beautiful Rajasthani Jewelleries
• Madaliya: These amulets have gods and goddesses engraved and are worn for good luck, peace and health, often passed down from generation to generation. Tied around the neck, it represents the divine power of the wearer.
• Bor or Rakhdi: Circular bell-shaped maang tikka that is worn with a middle parting of the head in the front. It is spherical and bell-like in shape, which makes it different from other maang tikas.
• Sheesh Phool: Often accompanies with Rakhdi, it is a headgear and frames the hairline and it is considered to boost the elegance of the bride’s face
• Ivory Bangles: Worn by Rajasthani married women in tribal areas, these include about 17 bangles on the upper and lower arm and a total of 52 on both arms. They are supposed to have a magical effect that protects against the evil eye.
3. Jammu & Kashmir
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Termed as heaven on earth, Jammu and Kashmir are known for its beautiful snow-covered mountains, mesmerizing valleys, clear rivers, and bright red apples.
In addition to the scenic beauty, the state is also blessed with a rich cultural heritage and this can be seen in the colourful and unique traditional dresses and clothing.
Pheran is the traditional dress of kashmir common to both men and women in Kashmir. It is a long and loose gown that hangs down below the knees.
Men usually pair them with pathani suits, and further complement their attires with skull caps and turbans, depending on their religion.
The Women pair pheran with embroidered salwar or churidars. Pheran usually has zari embroidery on the hemline, collar area, and around pockets.
Hindu women usually wear a narrow sleeve version and are seen covering their heads with a headdress known as Taranga and Muslim women have broad knee-length sleeves and they tie another type of headdress Abaya around their head.
SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMS
The beauty and elegance of their attire are further enhanced by the usage of different types of jewellery.
Their jewellery is worn on top of their clothing attire and includes earrings, anklets, and bangles.
The ornaments are designed with utmost precision and they require skilled craftsmanship.
Various semi-precious gemstones like Emeralds, Sapphires, Agates, and Amethyst are used in these gorgeous pieces.
Add an Aesthetic Appeal to your Ensemble
• Chaunk Phool: Also known as Choti Phool, it is a silver cap or crown that is worn on the head under the veil. Kashmiri women wear this piece like a tiara at the time of their wedding.
• Jiggni and Tikka: These two are head jewellery that is worn on the forehead. They usually are in a triangular or circular shape and are made of gold and silver, with pearl and gold leaf hangings.
• Bala: This is a piece of ear jewellery which is studded with a turquoise stone, and it is attached to a fringe of hanging gold leaves and balls.
• Halaqband: This traditional choker necklace is studded with the mirror pieces, rubies, emeralds, and precious gemstones and it has interlocking sections joined together with the help of a thread.
4. Maharashtra
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The second most populated and third-largest state is famous for its magnificent architecture and rich heritage.
Their splendid culture can be seen in the traditional dress that men and women adorn. For Maharashtrian women, the traditional outfit includes a nine-yard saree, paired with a bright choli.
These sarees are also known as lugda or Naruwari saree and what is unique about them is that they are worn in dhoti style and so they do not require a petticoat.
Whereas for men the traditional outfit is dhoti (also known as dhotar or pheta). The men also wear headdresses called Padagi which are made of cotton, silk, or wool.
The rich culture and heritage are also reflected in the exuberant Maharashtrian traditional jewellery.
Their jewellery is an extension of their royalty. Be it a Paithani saree or the Chandrakor bindi, donning some jewellery is a must, to complete the classic look of a Maharashtrian woman.
The mesmerizing look of Maharashtrian women is not easy to recreate, especially for non-Maharashtrians who aren’t familiar with the culture.
It’s more difficult to choose the correct jewellery to look like a typical Maharashtrian woman and slay in style. But there’s no need to worry, we’ve got you covered with e curated a list of Maharashtra Jewellery for that on-point look.
Rock the Marathi Mulgi Look
• Nath: Adorned by women on their nose at special occasions such as wedding, festival, pooja, or family function.
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Maharashtrian Nath is different from others as it is woven with pearls & studded with pink or white stones in the middle.
• Ambada Veni Phool: The traditional Ambada hairstyle for brides consists of a neatly assembled round bun decorated with a Maharashtrian Veni Phool hairpin.
Typically it is a golden pin adorned with pearls and gemstones. Lac and ruby are used in the making of Veni phool.
• Jodvi: It is a silver toe ring that is worn on the second toe finger. Traditional versions of Jodvi are made from a simple single piece of silver.
However, in some variations, it can also have design patterns engraved onto it. It is given to the bride by the mother-in-law and it symbolises the bride’s entry into a new household.
• Vaaki: Also known as armband or bajuband, it resembles a woven mat and traditionally it was worn on both armlets but with the changing trend, it is worn only on a single armlet these days.
Traditionally it is flat studded with stunning stones in the middle and it is embellished with stones and adorned with floral motifs.
Made in red colour, Vaaki makes for a must-have Maharashtrian jewellery style for every Maharashtrian bride.
Want to explore more such designs that will go perfectly with your Traditional Indian outfits?
Head to: www.zerokaata.com and find some of the best possible designs that will add the perfect flavour to all your ethnic and traditional wears.
Which states jewellery did you like the most? Drop comments and let us know your favourite pick!
[…] Traditional dresses of India not only vary by state but also according to the distinct religions and communities within the state. […]