By Hemant SharmaAmong the most popular states in the country, sure enough, Uttar Pradesh is one, and that too for many different reasons like rich culture, history, religious significance, and whatnot. And if you’re visiting this particular state, it’ll be pretty obvious that you’re in UP, and that’s just because the traditional dresses people wear in this state pretty much give it off. Though let’s say you haven’t gotten that introduction with Uttar Pradesh’s traditional dresses, then just keep on reading because we’re about to take a closer look at these traditional dresses for male and female. Here we go.
Traditional Dress for Women in UP
1. Saree
A saree, can you believe it, is the most gorgeous piece of cloth that ranges anywhere from 5 to 9 meters, which you wrap around yourself and drape over one shoulder! It is worn with a blouse called a choli and a petticoat, as they say, the perfect combo of the saree look.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Banarasi sari is most famous throughout the world, for one reason or the other! Do you know it originates from Varanasi, or Banaras as they say? It is made with pure silk with heavy gold or silver zari embroidery. Definitely, Banarasi sarees are an exceptional choice for brides, and they adorn the brides during major festivals like Diwali, Eid, weddings, etc.
2. Salwar Kameez
You will adore this two-piece outfit consisting of a top or kameez and an accompanying pants or salwar, often complemented by a dupatta. Actually, this outfit is very famous for the comfort factor, both in villages and cities!
Salwar kameez, for sure, gets altogether different treatment in UP with some cool embroidery like chikankari. You see, Lucknow is super famous for that! These outfits are so good that you can wear them every day, and most definitely utilise the more stylish versions during the festivals or some big events like that.
3. Lehenga or Ghagra Choli
Now, this is such a festive dress, you know, usually, this is an outfit to be worn for weddings or cultural functions. You have this really long skirt called a lehenga or ghagra, which is paired with a short blouse called a choli and a dupatta. Of course, these are really fancy and glitzy, covered with beads, mirrors, sequins, zari, and embroidery.
Now, in the villages, the lehengas and ghagras have pure village colours and prints, but the city ones are pretty much designer-made for bridal fashion.
4. Accessories
Here are some very nice little things to be used as accessories:
- Maang Tikka or Paasa is an awesomely beautiful ornament worn on the forehead, especially by brides.
- And wearing a nose ring or pin-very traditional and symbolises marital status, in fact.
- Yes, bangles, anklets, and toe rings can be worn daily or during rituals.
- Bindis and sindoor are married women’s greatest signs.
- And juttis, well, you will like them. Super-cool embroidered flat shoes worn during festivals.
Traditional Dress for Men in UP
1. Kurta Pajama
This is a long, loose shirt with loose or fitted pants, almost comfort personified! If you really wear it every day, it’s probably cotton. But for all those occasions, its got to be fancy silk. You can keep it plain or go for crazy embroidery or prints. But either way, be sure, this is a favourite with the youth as well as elders for a religious or family occasion!
2. Sherwani
It is a long coat worn over a kurta and churidar pants, thus quite the royal look! This has to be an extra special pick for grooms at weddings. Intricately embroidered, adorned with designer buttons, sometimes paired with an exquisite silk dupatta, you know, sometimes totally rich! A pagdi, a traditional Indian turban, is often worn as a pair.
3. Dhoti Kurta
Dhoti Kurta? Well, it’s something more rectangular than other cloth pieces, just wear it around your waist and your legs, pretty simple! This goes with a basic cotton kurta, and you see, it’s still available anywhere in the village or temples. It’s super simple, not fancy whatsoever, and fits perfectly with the hot weather of UP.
4. Headgear and Accessories
You wear a pagdi or topi, just a cloth tied around the head. Either way, it can be cool in protecting against heat or fancying up your look. Then, you may wear a scarf or gamcha, which are considered extra special for weddings or times of religious visits.