Posts Tagged ‘kurta’

Maharashtra, an integral part of the country where Mumbai the financial capital is situated. It is also one of the largest and most populous states of India. It demonstrates an assortment of costumes to suit the purpose of any occasion and the weather conditions of that state. The climate here is moderately tropical and dry. Hence, cotton is the most preferred textile types as the same gives a feeling of comfort to any native of Maharashtra throughout the year.

A nine-yard long sari, called as ‘Nauvari’ is the traditional costume of women in Maharashtra. It is so draped that it does not require a petticoat or a slip to be worn beneath, as required in other style of saris.

The nine-yard sari has a historical attachment to it. It is said that during the Maratha rule, women were assigned with the vital responsibility of helping their male partners, during wars. Nauvari was then innovated by them to facilitate easy movement.

The fabric is usually cotton, as aforesaid to suit the climate of the state. However, for special occasion, silk tops the choice list. Paithani saris is the treasured creation of Maharashtra’s textile industry. It seems these Paithani saris were the imperial choice. The Peshwas in the 18th century, harbored fascination for this priced garment.

The bright colored Paithani saris are very popular as the bridal costume in Maharashtra. The body of the royal Paithani saris is woven in silk. Pure jari made of gold and silver threads are interwoven to give this rich silk textured sari the ornamented get-up.
Dhoti either with a shirt or kurta is the traditional wear of men in Maharashtra.
However the scene in urban / metro cities of Maharashtra is totally different. Here the costumes exhibit themselves in their variety best.

People of different region dress differently and it is more to do with the climate of that region. Many times one can tell by looking at the clothes, the region to which a person belongs.

Men

Trousers and Shirts are the most common in cities throughout the country. Kurtas or shirts are common too. However they are worn in different combinations in different regions.

In Northern, Eastern and Central India Dhoti- Kurta, Kurta -Pajama and Kurta – Chooridar are popular. In Kashmir, to protect them from cold a long woolen kurta called Phiran is worn.

In the Southern part of India Lungi – Kurta or Lungi – Shirt is commonly worn. It is also known as Veshti or Mundu.

A dhoti / pajama is worn as lower garment and angharka as upper garment in Rajasthan. Similarly in Gujarat a short frilled white angharka is worn on top of white pajamas or dhotis and sometimes a jacket too is worn over the angharka.

One would also see in several regions of India, men wearing Turbans or Caps to cover their heads. Of course the type and styling of tying the turbans differ from region to region.

Women

The clothes of women in India wear are very colorful thereby adding their beauty.

Sari is the most common – however the way it is draped differs state to state .One can identify the woman to the state she belongs to from the way the sari is draped or tied. The weave & the cloth design too various from one region to another. Few of the traditional clothes worn in different states of India are:

Kashmir – Salwar Phirar

Haryana – Ghapra Kurta

Gujarat – Lehenga Choli

Rajasthan – Ghaghra Katchli

Kerala – Mundu Blouse

Assam – Mekhla Chadar

India too is feeling the effects of outside influences, yet its distinctive costume traditions have and are being appreciated world-wide. Still styles of ancient years continue to influence Indian fashion till date.