By Hemant SharmaBihar is among the states that are known for preserving their culture really well. And if you’re visiting this state, you’ll be able to notice that right away, but how? Oh, well, just by looking at the traditional dresses that men and women wear down there in every part of Bihar. If you’re new to it, and don’t really know what the traditional dress of Bihar looks like for male and female, then just keep on reading because that’s precisely what we’re about to show you. Here we go then.
Traditional Dress for Men in Bihar
1. Dhoti Mirjai
This is indeed the most classic attire that one would find in Bihar, especially for males. A dhoti? Well, pretty much it’s a piece of cloth that you wrap around the waist and the legs. By the way, the Mirjai? Kind of like a jacket or top, you wear that over the dhoti. And that right there is a plain and simple yet super comfortable traditional attire for men down there in Bihar. For sure, this is when people would wear dhotis for pujas, festivals, or quite literally any important occasion or wedding.
2. Kurta-Pajama/Kurta-Dhoti
Another fantastic “get” for men is the kurta-pajama. A kurta is pretty much this long shirt, and pajama is a comfy light pant. Some guys would exchange a dhoti with that kurta, though. Perfectly comfortable. Wear a kurta-pajama on any day or for big celebrations. It would not matter.
3. Sherwani
For men, you see, the sherwani is meant for the rich (super important), big days, especially when it comes to weddings. It looks something like a luxurious coat that goes over one’s kurta. Just keep in mind though, that Sherwanis are heavy with designs, embroidery, and great colours.
4. Gamchha
Gamchha is almost nothing but a cotton towel. The male users use it while sweating, and sometimes to cover the head, etc., while lying casually somewhere. In the villages, it is mostly worn around the shoulder or neck. In a way though, it has almost become a symbol of some very hard-working people from Bihar.
5. Lungi and Shirt
Lungis (which are really wrap-around skirts) are worn by some Muslim guys with t-shirts or shirts. Super light and comfortable, especially with that scorching heat. It’s quite literally super comfortable attire in Bihar for men.
Traditional Dress for Women in Bihar
1. Saree (Anchal Seedha and Dhoti-Sari Style)
In Bihar, most women just like to go with sarees as the most traditional attire in the state. Like, a typical way of carrying the saree is Seedha Anchal, where that pallu, you know that loose end comes right forward. Some aged ladies have that kind of dhoti-sari style, where the saree is tied kind of like a dhoti. Both styles are amazing such that they let ladies really move about easily. And of course, ladies also wear those bindis on their foreheads and sindoor, that red powder in their hair parting, if they are married, you know.
2. Tussar-Silk Saree (Bhagalpuri Silk)
This Tussar silk saree? Yes, it is totally very exceptional/special in Bihar, which is made out of Tussar silk which is found right near Bhagalpur. It has this shiny kind of goldish effect and is really light to wear. Normally, this saree is meant for lady use in any celebration such as marriage or festival or one of those big occasions.
3. Ghagra Choli/Lehenga Choli
So this outfit consists of a long skirt, a ghagra or lehenga, and a blouse called a choli, it also comes with a scarf, which is called the dupatta. Women and girls wear the attire for festivals or big parties like weddings. It’s colorful in any and all types of shades, embellishments, and a lot of beadwork or sequins.
4. Salwar Kameez
A super common outfit for every day? Oh, well, that’s the salwar-kameez. A salwar is pretty much this loose pant, and a kameez is like a comfy top. It comes with a dupatta, too. It is super easy to wear and looks very graceful.
Traditional Jewelry (for Women)
- Maang Tikka (Tikli): It is worn on the forehead.
- Nath:It is the most popular type of nose ring during marriages.
- Chuda (Karas): These are beautiful red and white bangles that are made for married women.
- Payal: They are beautiful silver anklets that jingle when you walk.
- Bichua: They are adorable toe rings meant for married women.
- Hansuli: It is a huge gold necklace.
- Chandrahar and Panchlari: Costly and very grand full-layer necklaces.
- Kamarband: It is a waist chain with very cute and tiny bells in them.
- Mauris: The best headpieces are made of leaves or mirrors, which, in a way, really look good on brides.