By Hemant SharmaMost people have just the very common reason to visit Karnataka state, and that is to just admire and appreciate the historical monuments and cultural heritage, other than the scenic views that this state has. But it is actually the culture part that stays with the visitors for a longer while and they’re able to appreciate it even more seeing how the locals are preserving their culture. And one of the most common ways to do that is by just wearing traditional dresses, even on a day-to-day basis, and in Karnataka, you’ll be able to notice that very clearly. So, let’s talk about what are the traditional dresses of Karnataka for male and female are, shall we? Here we go, then.
Traditional Dress of Karnataka For Men
Well, it is not like just one or two traditional outfits that men wear in Karnataka, there is a whole variety of clothes here, and let’s talk about just that. Here:
- Panche (or Dhoti): The first one is Panche, or just dhoti. It’s a long piece of cloth, usually white, tied around the waist. You knot it pretty neatly, and it’s so widely worn for temples and weddings.
- Lungi: Then we have the lungi. This thing is probably the most comfortable cloth, you know, either checkered or plain in colors. And it’s found pretty much all over the homes and villages, no matter what.
- Kurta or Angi:Another one, kurta, or, as they call it, Angi, is a long shirt that reaches up to the knees. Yes, this is one shirt you wear over Panche or Lungi.
- Angavastram: Then you have Angavastram, which is the cloth to be thrown over one’s shoulder. It does get pretty big in both poojas and traditional days and just looks too cool.
- Mysore Peta: And the Mysore Petait, or Peta, is this super fancy hat. You wear it on your head for weddings or big festivals, you know. And it pretty much shows off respect.
- Kupya and Chele (Kodagu style): And over there in Coorg, men/boys wear this really cool black coat, Kupya. Something to go with it is this really bright red or golden sash, Chele.
- Vastra & Mande Tuni: Moreover, there are Vastra and Mande Tuni, these headscarves Coorgi men have for ceremonies, you know.
Modern Adaptations
Well, sure enough, these days, tons of guys modernize their traditional stuff and look really cool doing it. Some will wear a kurta with jeans. Or they throw on a Panche and a normal shirt on cultural days or weddings, and that’s the way to go, at least for the younger men.
Traditional Dress of Karnataka For Women
Sarees (The Main Traditional Dress)
Sarees are those large traditional garments for women in Karnataka, and sure enough, they’re the main traditional dress of the women in this state, simply because they are spectacular!
- For example, the Mysore silk saree. Made with smooth silk and shiny gold metallic thread, and oh, how shiny and smooth it is and very pretty, we can tell you THAT! It is pretty much the ultimate wedding or pomp occasion saree.
- Then there are Ilkal sarees, coming from a small town called Ilkal, of bright colors and neat borders, with very thick pallu too, which is just the end part.
- And Kanchipuram sarees are all about heavy gold designs on rich fabric. Though it travels to Karnataka all the way from Tamil Nadu, indeed, it is loved here.
- Then there is a saree called the Kasuti Embroidered Saree. It is stitched by hand with really cool motifs of temples, birds, and flowers, not-knotted.
- And the Giri Kumkum Saree is this bold red saree that brides use for marriage/weddings, you know! And its color is similar to that red powder called kumkum married women apply.
- In Coorg, sarees are draped coolly. With pleats in the back, the pallu is draped over the shoulder from behind.
- The Lambani Dress is worn by Lambani tribe women. Really brilliant colors, bright stuff, covered in mirrors, coins, and embroidery.
- Lastly, there is Guledgudda Khana, an interesting fabric for blouses and sarees, popularly used in North Karnataka.
Accessories
Well, just like literally any other part of the country, there are some really amazing accessories or jewellery that the women of Karnataka like to style their outfit or traditional dress with. Here:
- Gold bangles
- Maang tikka (headpiece)
- Nose ring
- Heavy necklaces
- Anklets
And just so you know, they also style their hair with flowers like jasmine during special occasions.