The colourful tradition of Rajasthan – the land of kings and queens – has been in evidence in the traditional costumes of the people. Due to overlapping tribes in Rajasthan every type of dressing is unique in its way and thus becomes the part of beautiful ethnicity of the state.
Traditional Attire for Men
- Dhoti: A typical Rajasthani traditional dress , it is a piece of cloth, which is not stitched and is worn draped around the lower abdomen area and between the legs. It is available in many forms such as traditional white dhoti, the vibrant lungi, the formal pancha, etc.
- Kurta Pajama: A popular Gharara style, kurta is a long loose shirt worn with pajama, a loose trouser. This results to it being particularly and commonly used during occasions such as festivals.
- Angrakha: A long and loose clothing that includes overlapping at the front and opens at the front the angrakha is one type of dress that men in Rajasthan used to wear. It is normally Crane decorated with Embroidery and Mirror work.
- Pagri: A major part of dressing up Rajasthani men is the pagri or the turban . It is produced in many designs and patterns and is associated with various themes of social class and tribal affiliation as well as area.
Traditional Attire for Women
- Ghagra Choli: The ghagra choli is Rajasthani traditional dress for women ; this costume has a long fully embroidered skirt, a tight blouse and a cloth scarf called dupatta. It is frequently richly embroidered and comes with mirror work and band Hansen undertaking the tie-dye process.
- Odhani: For the women of Rajasthan the scarf is not just a piece of cloth, it is called odhani. The cloth is commonly used in head and face covering especially in the rural setting.
- Achkhan: Similar in shape to a longer fitted coat, the achkhan can be worn today only formally by women in Rajasthan. There are a lot of people who prefer it when it is worn together with a ghagra and a dupatta.
- Maang Tikka: Worn at the forehead, maang tikka is a usual ornament for women of Rajasthan. It is normally made of gold, silver or precious stones.
Regional Variations
Rajasthan is a culturally diversified place and the costumes followed depends on the area. For instance, women from Jodhpur wear a long delicate ghagra and the short, tight choli while women of Jaipur have a lengthened choli that is closely fitting. The people of Marwar prefer to wear jhola, which is very long at the end, while people of Mewar prefer to wear shorter jhola, which is compact.
In fact, Rajasthani traditional dress is not only a type of clothing but it’s colors reflect the identity, tradition and art of the region. These garments are embellished with themes of embroidering, mirror work and other work on them which illustrates the textile tradition of this region. To be dressed in traditional way people of Rajasthan feel rooted and proud of being Rajasthanis.
