This region covering Uttar Pradesh has a great cultural background and evidence of this is manifested in the traditional dresses they wear. Wearing was different in different areas of the state, and all of them have their charm and importance.
Traditional Dress for Women
- Saree: Saree represents true Uttar Pradesh traditional dress and can be worn in many styles, different from the others, such as for a workplace. For most women in Uttar Pradesh, there cannot be a bigger delight than adorning her body with the queen of all sarees – the Banarasi sarees that boast of the finest brocading and the finest silk and pure colors. And traditionally, it would be put with zari and gold threads and would be worn on formal occasions.
- Salwar Kameez: A little easier to wear and much more comfortable, salwar kameez involves the tunic shaped kameez along the loose trousers called salwar and a scarf known as dupatta. In the Uttar Pradesh state, the salwar kameez is widely ornamented with the fine Chikan work of embroidery, which was originated at Lucknow.
- Ghagra Choli: There is a variety of Uttar Pradesh traditional dress code associated with farming community and is worn especially during festivals and wedding occasions. Const of a long, loose-fitting skirt (ghagra), a tight-waisted blouse (choli) and a long stole (odhani). The sideward ghagra is normally rich in colors and beautified with beautiful embroidered mirrors and many other attractive ornaments .
Traditional Dress for Men
- Dhoti-Kurta: One that is enduring in style, dhoti-kurta is an easy wear comfortable outfit for men with a functional value. The dhoti is a piece of unstitched cloth, which is worn around the waist, and the kurta is an extended shirt. This dress is more associated to the countryside or peasant, is also used during the national religious festivals.
- Kurta-Pyjama: Unlike the shalwar kameez which is a combination of loose trousers and a woman’s dress, the kurta-pyjama, is a longer shirt with a collar and trousers or pyjama. I realised that it is quite flexible and can be worn for a casual wear as well as for the formal wear.
- Sherwani: A type of formal dress, typically used in weddings and other ceremonies, the sherwani is a close fitting coat with embroidery work. Accompanied by a churidar pajama, and a pagri or turban worn around the head.
Accessories
Uttar Pradesh men and women wear a number of ornaments and jewellery with their ethnic outfits. Women adorn themselves with many beautiful accessories such as necklace, earrings, bangles and anklets. They also use conventional make up like bindi and sindoor also. While flowing beard and moustache is acceptable, a man is allowed to wear a turban, known as the pagri or a cap called the topi.
Uttar Pradesh traditional dress provide an insight of their culture and tradition present in the state. What a way to capture one microcosm of the richness of people’s identity in the region; people of all ages are endearing this piece.
