By Hemant SharmaIf we talk about one of the most scenic states in India, well, Himachal Pradesh would be in the top ranks; no two ways about that. But once you’re visiting this state, one other thing would stand out to most of you other than just the views, and yes, we’re talking about the cute, colorful and super traditional dresses that male and female wear here. So, let’s talk about just that, shall we?
Cultural Context of Traditional Clothing
As in Himachal Pradesh, there are a large number of people such as Brahmins, Rajputs and numerous tribes, and each community wears pretty different kinds of dress styles. But one thing is the same, almost all of them wear clothes in accordance with chilly/cold weather conditions. Besides that, these clothes are not just for warmth, you know, they instill a sense of religious and traditional pride too, which is also an important part of people’s lives down there in this state.
Traditional Costumes for Men Himachal Pradesh
1. General Traditional Dresses/Outfits
Himachali men typically wear these custom dresses: Like a Kurta, which is a long shirt kind of thing. And churidar pyjamas or salwars, you know those tight or loose pants. Plus, coats or waistcoats, pretty much made from cozy wool or yak skin, are also worn by men here. And for sure a topi, that really cool Himachali cap. Oh, and a shawl, if it is really cold out there.
2. By Community
- Rajput Men: These really wear fancy churidar pyjamas, and on kurta wear a pretty long overcoat, which is a yak leather. For sure, their coats have super cool golden thread designs, well, most of the time. Plus, they also wear bright-colored turbans and those Himachali caps. And yes, having that big moustache is pretty much a proud thing for them, you know.
- Brahmin Men: You’ll usually see them in a pretty simple kurta and pyjamas. And they wear a waistcoat or a super warm overcoat. Plus, priests usually sport an all-white outfit, along with a small towel-like cloth over the shoulder.
3. Tribal Variations
- Gaddi Tribe Men: The Men of the Gaddi Tribe wear an excellent comfortable woolen coat called a Chola and tie it with pretty good woolen ropes around their waists, called Dora. And also, they look super neat with a very grand-shaped cap on their head, shaped like a mountaintop, you know?
- Kinnaur Tribe Men: They wear a comfortable-woollen shirt, called Chamn Kurti, and then they put on a pretty long wool coat叫called Chhuba. And for bottom wear, they go with churidar pyjamas like those called Suthan.
- Kullu Tribe Men: They are very much into a very long woolen pleated coat known as Chola. Plus, they would tie it up with a woolen belt called Dora. Also, these guys are really big on color and cute roundness in the woolen Kulluvi topis.
- Lahauli and Spiti Men: They wear comfortable woolen pieces like pants called Sultan and an upper cloth called Chola. The belts and head wraps are used to keep them warm.
Traditional Costumes for Women Himachal Pradesh
1. General Traditional Dresses/Outfits
Himachali women are indeed known for the way they dress, especially the colorful types. Their attires very much fall under the festive wear category and cover the whole body for warmth, the flattering yet warm long kurtas, ghaghras, skirts, and salwar-kameez. Draped in beautifully woven shawls and dupattas, they protect their head and shoulders, well, most of the time.
2. By Community
- Rajputi Ladies: Theirs are knees-long churidaars and ankle-long displays of color are perfect to wear with ghaghras and cholis. Bangles and headscarves are very essential at the time of big celebrations, just saying!
- Brahmin Ladies: Salwar-kameez with dupatta, or a ghagra-choli, is their usual outfit. Very fancy embroidered dresses and tons of jewelry are what they wear at weddings.
3. Tribal Variations
- Gaddi Tribe Ladies: The ladies of the Gaddi tribe wear a dress fully embellished with colorful hues called Luanchari, which is adorned with beads and frills.
- Kinnaur Tribe Ladies: Kinnauri tribe women wear a comfortable long-sleeved woolen blouse and top in the dry cold with a thick shawl known as Dohru, not forgetting the famous Kinnauri topi.
- Kullu Tribe Ladies: Kullu women wear the Patto, which looks like a shawl, and use silver brooches called Boomini to hold it. They tie it with a Gachchi belt and cover their heads with Dhatu or Thipu.