Costumes of Rajasthan has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage and the vibrancy is reflected in their traditional clothing. Rajasthan’s traditional dress worn by both men and women gives them a special visual appeal. The coy women wearing bright and beautiful ghagra choli and odhni with heavy jewelry, men wearing colorful turbans and angrakhas and dhoti kurtas describe their identity All they put on reflects their gala life, the vibrant and fresh hues outfit or the elaborate accessories they put on.
The Rajasthani couture holds a lot of beauty and classical nature. With a combination of modern styles, even contemporary fashion draws influence from traditional clothing. The traditional Rajasthan women’s clothing consists of Ghagras, Cholis, Kurtis or Kanchlis, Odhni or Chunars and lots of accessories, while the traditional men’s clothing consists mainly of Bandhgalas, Pagri, Dhotis, Pyjamas, Angarkha, and Patka. Let’s take a look at the typical traditional Rajasthani outfit.
Traditional Dress of Rajasthan for Men
The Pagri, also known as the turban, Angarkha, Dhoti, Kamarbandh, or Patka (waistband) is an integral part of the attire of a male Rajasthani.
Pagri: The turban, or Pagri, is an significant costume item. The turban style with its color and the way it is worn holds a status of special significance for the people of Rajasthan as it is symbolic of the caste and area to which a individual belongs. Costumes of Rajasthan turbans come in different shapes, sizes, and colours. In addition, specific turbans are available for particular occasions, such as well. Pagris shape and size differ according to area. Udaipur pagris are square, and Jodhpur men wear a curved bend safa. Residents in Jaipur prefer the angular Pagri.
Angarkha: Angarkha, which can be translated loosely as ‘Body Protector’ is a fabric made mainly of cotton. When there are celebratory occasions and festivities in the area, people can be seen wearing common tie and dye method printed Angarkhas. Costumes of Rajasthan The two main forms of Rajasthanis traditional Angarkhas are, ‘Kamari Angarkha’ and ‘Long Angarkha.’ Whereas the former sort is cut like a frock, reaching till the waist the latter is longer and goes past the knees.
Dhoti: Dhotis is used for covering the lower body portion. A dhoti is a piece of cloth measuring 4 m by 1 m and taking quite a bit of practice for proper wearing. Costumes of Rajasthan The Dhotis are used as standard wears that appear to be white in colour. But people do wear silk Dhotis with zari border on special occasions.
Patka: Patka was a dress worn by upper class citizens and royal families made from cotton fabric that was around 1.5 m by 1 m in length. It was traditionally carried on the shoulders or worn around the waist during medieval times to tuck in the arms Costumes of Rajasthan.
The conventional fashion style has also undergone a sea-change with changing times. The Rajasthani man is sometimes seen dressing up in the urban garb of pants and a shirt, or often putting together in an elegant mix of urban and traditional clothes Costumes of Rajasthan.
Traditional Dress of Rajasthan for Women
The traditional dress of Rajasthan for females includes Ghaghra-Choli and Odhni.
Ghagra: Many women wear the Ghagra, a long skirt that reaches up to the knee with a narrow waist that increases in width and flares towards the middle. In the Ghaghra the width and number of pleats is said to symbolize a person’s property Costumes of Rajasthan.
Odhni: The Odhni is a speciality on Rajasthan’s traditional dress. It is a long piece of cloth whose one corner of the Odhni is tucked in the top, while the other end over the head and right shoulder is taken over. Colors and motifs found on the Odhnis are unique to caste, costume style, and occasion. Odhnis is both worn by Hindu and Muslim people. Costumes of Rajasthan An Odhni with a yellow backdrop and a central red lotus motif called a ‘Pila’ is a traditional parent’s gift to their daughter at a son’s birth.
Today the Rajasthani women’s traditional clothing is almost in a state of flux. The women opt for new textiles, patterns and accessories.
Royal Traditional Dress of Rajasthan
Rajasthan ‘s royal traditional dress represents the aristocratic hierarchy ‘s Royal taste. The rich and luxurious robes produced for the royalty were made under the careful attention of special departments in charge of royal costume. Costumes of Rajasthan The kings of Rajput often dressed in the most colorful and formal of their season.
Footwear of Rajasthan
The shoes are known as ‘Jootis’ or ‘Mojaris’ from the skin of sheep, goat or camel. To both men and women, the shoes are made on brocade or velvet with delicate embroidery, pegged to the shoe’s outer surface.
Accessories of Rajasthan
Rajasthan’s jewelleries are unique in design and embellished with emeralds, diamonds, and other precious stones. A thick bracelet worn around the neck is common among men, earrings, paired with gold chain or a pearl necklace or silver ‘Hansli.’ We used to wear brass jewellery earlier, but use silver or white metal ornaments instead Costumes of Rajasthan.
