Bihar state is in the eastern part of India. This state has a culturally, traditionally and historically high profile. The Bihar traditional dress holds as much value in the state as the culture that the costume represents is indeed a beautiful part of Bihar. Men and women also have different dress codes, clothing that has been made from fabrics that are produced in their community together with artistic work that depicts their culture and beliefs.
Men clothing of Bihar
Generally, Bihar traditional dress for males is a wrap around waist material or an apron like garment accompanied by a cap or hat.
- Dhoti:
Dhoti is simple underclothes – commonly woven from cotton or silk or other costly fibers and held up with a narrow waistband. This is an icon of sophistication. Worn during festivals and ceremonies the dhoti is normally accompanied by formal wear such as a kurta or a sherwani.
- Kurta:
The kurta is a type of men’s formal costume that is widely worn in Bihar, basically a knee-length tunic made of cotton, silk or wool known as kurta. They range from simple to the elaborate type maintainable by the wearer’s lifestyle and body type.
- Sherwani:
Sherwanis are worn during weddings, other special occasions or ceremonies. It usually displays delicate work of filigree anywhere about the garment and is usually made of expensive material. Combining with pyjamas the sherwani also enhances the style of the entire outfit.
- Pagri (Turban):
The pagri is a type of scarf that is wrapped around the head of men most especially to signify pride and honor. The style may range depending on the community and occasion to as much as the design. It is more generally an ornamented space and symbol of social class.
- Chadar:
Men may also use chadar or shawl as a side dress or a warmer during the winter period. It may be worn on the shoulders or around the neck, plus an accessory to the outfit.
- Footwear:
On the other hand, traditional footwear used by the men folk is jutti or mojari which also has embroidery work.
Female Clothing of Bihar
Bihar traditional dress for women has also different significance.
- Saree:
Saree is the most familiar traditional dress for women of Bihar. It can be made from various fabrics: silk, cotton and georgette with so many designs and patterns. Some traditional biharis sarees which are very popular are the Bhagalpuri silk saree which is known for its good color and beautiful pattern.
- Blouse (Choli):
The saree is more often accompanied by Choli, which is a fitted blouse up to now. There are even variations as for design and fabric and the most important sub-clamping is the wearer’s choice.
- Lehariya and Bandhani:
Other exclusive varieties of sarees being produced in Bihar are the Lehariya and the Bandhani. The gifs are bright colored sarees and are usually worn during festive seasons.
- Odhni:
Some women wear an odhni across the head or over the shoulder during various occasions, usually religious or cultural events. It also has the social aspect of providing the extra spice and class to their worn outfits.
- Jewelry:
Bihari women generally wear gold and silver jewelry. They usually have some cultural meaning whatever ornament they wear. What is worn is also normal and beautiful and it includes things like nath (nose ring), mangalsutra, and bangles.
- Footwear:
They generally prefer wearing Tuluva Juttis , slippers or traditional formal shoes which are most of the times beautifully embellished to suit their dresses, whereas women wear sarees or other fashionable dresses and prefer Jutti or sandals.
Conclusion
The traditional outfits that people of Bihar men and women wear not only depict but also symbolize their rich cultural ethnic background of Bihar. Each Bihar traditional dress has its meaning in festivals, marriage, and other occasions, or it is just a regular-use item. The importance of these customs is evident in the sense that the future generation embraces the lively deeds of ancestors.
