By Hemant SharmaIn the northern part of the country, Uttarakhand has to be one of the most scenic states in the country, like those mountain views and landscapes are just stunning. And in the last few decades or so, the overall tourist numbers have increased quite a bit here for that very reason. Though there are so many other people who just don’t go visit this state for the views, they also want to experience the unique culture and traditions here. The first sight you get of their culture is the way people dress in Uttarakhand, and today, we are here to take a good look at the traditional dresses of Uttarakhand for male and female. So, let’s just get to that right away.
Garhwali Traditional Dress
For Women
The distinctive kind of sari from the Garhwal region is so cool for women. It is unlike any other in that the way the sari is draped is in a very unique manner. The loose end of the sari, known as pallu, is brought to the front and tied around the waist. That makes it so easy for women to work in, like in the fields. But during the winter months, for warmth, they wear a full-sleeve blouse called Angra, along with other warm clothes, like sweaters and shawls. They also wear a headscarf, which is super cool for protecting their hair from dust and also for carrying stuff.
Garhwali women love wearing silver jewellery. And here are some common ones you’ll see them wearing quite often:
- Hansuli: A silver necklace worn tightly around the neck.
- Guloband: A choker-like necklace with gold or silver decorations.
- Bulaq: A big gold nose ring worn by newly married women.
- Chareu: A black beaded necklace.
- Payal: These are just those common silver anklets.
- Bichuye: Toe rings.
During weddings, the bride wears a red ghaghra (long skirt) with all this jewellery.
For Men
Garhwali men mostly wear a kurta and pyjama or a kurta with churidar. You see, the older men would wear a pagdi or turban, while the younger men wear topis, caps. And, of course, in the super cold areas, they would pull on these woollen jackets and sweaters to stay warm. At weddings, the groom will, for sure, wear a yellow kurta and dhoti.
Kumaoni Traditional Dress
For Women
Kumaoni women wear a ghaghra, you know, a long skirt-blouse or kameez and dupatta. For weddings and special occasions, they wear a super pretty cloth called a Pichora or Rangwali, something to that effect. Like, Pichora is typically made in yellow or orange colours and all stylish with gold or silver lace, you know. Pretty much, brides wear it for weddings and other pretty big traditional stuff. Married Kumaoni women are to look like with a big gold nath, nose ring covering the cheek, plus Hansuli, Chareu, toe rings, and sindoor.
For Men
The Kumaoni men wear kurta-pyjamas, similar to Garhwali men, say. The kurta-pyjama are usually complemented with topis or turbans. But what makes it interesting is that Kumaoni men wear jewellery also, say, necklaces or bracelets, which is kind of cool for this region.
Tribal Costumes of Uttarakhand
Jaunsari Tribe
Jaunsari are a tribe that believes it is descended from the Pandavas! They wear a rainbow of colourful clothes with so much jewellery. Jaunsari men wear earrings, bracelets called ‘Kadas’, and necklaces, and a cool woollen cap called a Digwa. Women wear ghagras, woollen churidar and a scarf known as Dhantu. And when it comes to some other special occasion or big event or anything like that, well, Jaunsari Tribe women like to wear a long woollen coat called Lohiya or Thalka, which is also pretty stylish looking.
Bhotia Tribe
So, the Bhotia tribe occupies the higher parts of the highest mountains from the very coldest areas. All their clothes are cozy, made from something dense such as heavy wool, so that they can endure severe cold. Like, woollen skirts, shirts, waistcoats, and coats, most often adorn Bhotia women, and almost all are tagged along with heavy silver and gold jewels, like nose rings and earrings. Bhotia men wear woollen trousers and a long loose gown and tie a belt made of wool called patta around their waist, which just looks kinda stylish, to be honest. They wear stylishly pretty woollen caps too.
Raji Tribe
So, the Raji tribe is some of the tough tribes in Uttarakhand, you know. They live deep in forests and wear clothes quite basic enough for outdoor life, etc.