Traditional costume serves as a marker of identity among the diverse populations of India.

Each costume boasts its own unique style of dress, reflecting the varied ethnicity, geography, climate, and cultural traditions specific to each region.

This article explores the distinctive traditional costumes from various states across India!

1. Traditional Dress of Punjab

Punjab, a vibrant state in India, is renowned for its colorful and dynamic culture, which is vividly reflected in its traditional clothing. The attire from this region is crucial in showcasing the beauty of Punjab. A significant element in Punjabi dress is the use of phulkari embroidery, a traditional floral work predominantly featured on shawls and Ghagra Choli.

Phulkari, which means flower work, is typically worn by women in rural areas and forms a staple part of their everyday wear. While phulkari is usually simple, during traditional festivals, it is crafted with distinctive embroidery that adds to its charm and festivity.

2. Traditional Dress of Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, traditional attire for men includes a white dhoti, often paired with a clothes and a headdress known as a pheta, which can be made from cotton, silk, or wool. The pheta is a folded cap-like accessory, distinct from the pagadi, another type of headwear resembling a turban, which is now seldom worn. Another garment commonly worn is the Bandi, a type of jacket layered over the clothes.

The dhoti, a staple garment, is crafted from cotton for it's natural comfort and breathability. Typically, it measures between two to three meters and may feature a border design along the selvedge, which can vary in size based on personal preference.

3. Traditional Dress of Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, traditional clothing plays a vital role in representing the region's cultural heritage. Men typically wear lungis, dhotis, while women are often adorned in sarees paired with blouses. These traditional sarees are celebrated in Tamil poetry, such as in the epic Cilappatikaram (Silappadhikaram), and are known for their intricate Zari work that mirrors Tamil Nadu’s rich traditions.

4. Traditional Dress of West Bengal

In West Bengal, the sari, locally known as shari, is a staple garment for women, similar to those worn in Tamil Nadu but with designs that reflect Bengali cultural traditions. In urban areas, both women and men often opt for Western-style clothing. For traditional attire, Bengali men typically wear a Punjabi (a type of kurta) paired with a dhoti, although lungis were commonly worn in the past and have now largely been replaced by dhotis.

5. Traditional Clothing of Gujarat During Navratri

Navratri, Gujarat's most celebrated festival, transforms the state with elaborate decorations, vibrant flowers, and sparkling lights adorning many temples. During this nine-day festival, locals often purchase new clothes and accessories to partake in the festivities, which include nightly dandiya dances.

Men typically wear a Keviya during these dances, a type of short, tight-sleeved jacket with frilled pleats and exquisite embroidery. Accompanying the Keviya are churidar pajamas and a turban, along with a waistband. This ensemble is both striking and can be quite costly.

6. Traditional Dress of Kutch

In Kutch, the traditional costume is both striking and richly adorned. Women commonly wear abhas, a beautifully decorated garment embellished with numerous small glass pieces and often threaded with gold and silver, making it highly popular. Historically, this elegant outfit was typically worn by the royal families or the upper classes and was made from cotton. In medieval times, these garments were primarily worn around the waist but have seen a decline in popularity among the younger generation.

Types of Ethnic Wear for Women with Names

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