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Costumes of Himachal Pradesh

Costumes of Himachal Pradesh

Plethora of cultures and religion, render the costumes of Himachal Pradesh an awesome diversity. Again the costumes of each community, be it the Hindu Brahmins, the Rajputs, and the tribal people like Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars, Pangawals and Lahaulis. By heritage, the Dhoti-clad Brahmin priest roam around in Kurta , coat, waistcoat, turban, i.e., Pagri, and with a hand towel, placed upon the shoulders and with a valuable copy of Panchang, an astrological
yearbook, carried under the arm, for important consultation. His attire is thus in keeping with the cold atmosphere, and curiously enough with his priestly profession that involves astrological
predictions too.

The Rajputs put in body-hugging churidar pyjamas, a long coat, a starch-stiffened turban with a unique mould, shoes with pointededges. The boasted thick moustaches and a dignified frown in the forehead-region, is symbolic of manliness in Rajput society. Now a days, though not so much in vogue, but previously the Rajputs adhered to the Purdah or veil system for their women. Their wives and daughters used to venture out within the enclosed confines of curtained palanquins.

The costume of the women hailing from the Brahmin and the Rajput clans are quite traditional. These women normally dress themselves in kurtas (shirt-like oriental blouse), salwars, ghaghri(Indian long skirts), choli (blouses or tops with intricate embroidery) and rahide (nice crimson headscarves decked with golden fringes).The farmers and worker classes required to toil, go for kurta, a loincloth and a cap. They cater to long pyjamas, for attending ceremonies, like marriage ceremonies or special occasions, such as festival.

Nevertheless, Western influence is visible on the costumes of the younger generation of Himachal Pradesh these days.

Hand-woven excellence is the hallmark of the costumes of Himachal Pradesh . The native women are famous in weaving headscarves. The utility shoes made from grass, are perfect for keeping the feet warm. The difference in style and the quality of Kurtas, saris and gowns woven by indigenous weavers , serve as the insignia of Himachal handlooms.

Peculiarities in kinds of feminine ornaments are well demonstrated by the bangles and rings produced from horsehair.

These weave-ace people are the dexterous creators of exclusive shawls. These shawls famous for their finesse and smooth texture, as well as fascinating patterns, are assets for any costume-lover. The soothing suppleness of the renowned well- Pashmina shawl is the specialty of the handlooms of Himachal Pradesh. Manufactured from the hair of Pashmina goat, these shawls find their demand worldwide.

Among the favorite types of shawls, `Dhobroo` and `Pattu`, are the leading. The fancy needlework available on these shawls has its source in the Kangra and Chamba schools of paintings.

Thapada is also a broad shawl, embellished with marvelous embroidery. Embroidered blouses and caps gives a glimpse of the praiseworthy taste of the Himachal inhabitants.. The embroidered
caps of the Kulu, Sirmair, Kinnaur and Lahaul are all brands of skilled craft by themselves. The exotic shawls originating from Kulu, Lahaul, celebrate the ages-old Pahadi designs .

Exquisite patchwork, quilts, doll and elephant figures constructed of rags are all native productions, which serve as vital constituents of the gorgeous attire for the bride. The wool products are knitted from Byangi wool. Wool weaving acts as a major vocation in Himachal. The dwellers of Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur are deft in this task who weave ornate draperies for special occasions.

Dyeing and printing of fabrics makes for a traditional craft in the region. The Farahada and the Chhiba group people are the experts in this business. And the resultant is that we come across, abundance of resplendent dyed and printed fabrics and costumes in Himachal Pradesh.
 
To be very precise, the splendid costumes of Himachal Pradesh owes a lot to the impressive craftsmanship of the prolific weaving-talents and the outstanding handlooms of the state.

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