One of the most well-liked states in southern India is Tamil Nadu. It is well-known for its wonderful temples and vibrant culture. The traditional dress of Tamil Nadu represents the state’s rich cultural diversity. The dress material is made from the finest fabrics such as silk, crepe silk, georgette, cotton, chiffon, pattola silk, organza, and micro silk. Let’s get started and learn more about the traditional dress of Tamilnadu for men and women.
Traditional Dress of Tamil Nadu for Women
1. Pavadais
Pavadais is a unique traditional cloth that young girls in Tamil Nadu wear. It’s a long skirt worn with a shawl, and a blouse. They have simple patterns and designs and are made of cotton. Pavadais are worn on special occasions and at family gatherings. They are the epitome of grace, comfort, simplicity, innocence, and purity.
2. Kanchipuram Sarees
For women all across the country, sarees are a symbol of beauty. However, regional variations exist in style, color, and design. The sarees can reach a maximum length of five to six yards. Kanchipuram sarees are also known as Kanjivaram sarees.
One of Tamil Nadu’s most famous specialities is Kanchipuram sarees. These are traditional sarees that are handwoven using specific threads and designs. This gorgeous saree design and patterns showcase exceptional craftsmanship.
Kanchipuram sarees are expensive and typically worn at formal events like weddings and festivals. Married women are represented by the Madisar saree, an iconic draping saree. Women wear these sarees as traditional dress of Tamil Nadu on auspicious occasions.
3. Salwar Kameez
In Tamil Nadu, salwar kameez are an integral part of everyday wear. The outfit consists of a long-top tunic and a loose-fitting kameez pajama. The matching dupatta completes this look. It functions well in both formal and informal situations.
4. Mundus
Mundu is a skirt-like dress that is knotted and wrapped around the waist. It is also a traditional dress of Tamil Nadu for women worn during festivities and celebrations. These are usually paired well with a blouse and shawl. They are colourful and vibrant and have simple patterns, symbolising a rich cultural meaning. In some regions, these dresses are also known as lungis.
Traditional Dress of Tamil Nadu for Men
1. Veshti (Lungis)
Every South Indian man wears the famous traditional clothing known as veshti. However, the colours and designs are unique from those found in India’s northern states. The Veshtis, are worn with shirts of any colour from white or cream with golden borders in south India. A short kurta can also be worn with it. Cotton is the primary fabric used to ensure comfort. It is worn for various festive occasions and as casual clothing.
2. Angavastra
In Tamilian culture, angavastra plays a significant role in marriages and poojas. It is a long piece of fabric that is similar to a lungi. On festive occasions, the shoulders are covered with an angvastra. It is made of cotton or silk fabric and is available in a variety of hues and designs. It offers great respect to those who wear it and is a symbol of elegance and grace. Recently, people have started to cover one shoulder side with angavastra on shirts. There are some modifications in the traditional dress of Tamil Nadu but people still respect their culture and follow it with their heart.
3. Silky shirts
Men from Tamil Nadu love wearing silk shirts. The sleeves of these short shirts can be either long or short. They feel smooth on the skin and are lightweight. They are also composed of high-quality silk and come in a wide variety of color combinations. Their fabric is also unique. Tamil Nadu’s silk shirts are not found in other Indian states.
Traditional accessories Worn by Tamilian women
The addition of exquisitely polished jewelry completes the traditional dress of Tamil Nadu. Jewels crafted from pure gold, silver, or other precious metals are highly sought after by Tamilians. Pearls, diamonds, and other valuable stones are used to adorn these metals. These are some of their customary jewelry pieces.
1. Vanki
In Tamil Nadu, dancers and brides wear the distinctive armlet known as Vanki. This armlet is made of pure gold or silver and has pricey gemstones and motifs inside it. Vanki represents feminine strength and jewelry that has been handed down through the generations.
2. The Mangamalai
Tamilians have been wearing mangamalai, a mango mala, for ages. It is made up of pure gold designs that have been mango-plated. The necklace has a mango-shaped pendant at the bottom and black beads. Mangamalai is a representation of wealth, charm, happiness, and royalty.
3. Oddiyanam
It is a belt-like broad ornament worn around the waist. It is made of pure gold with a detailed design in the shape of gods, flowers, and other geometric patterns. It is a must-wear jewelry for a bride during a wedding.
4. Thalaisaamaan
This piece of jewelry is worn by brides on their heads. It has a central pendant and chains that extend across the hair. This headpiece adds elegance to the overall dress of the bride.
5. Jadanagam
This beautiful jewelry is designed to enhance the beauty of braided hair. It is similar to a serpent and made of gold, rubies, and emeralds.
6. Kaasu Malai
This is not like any standard necklace. It is made of gold coins strung together and has images of gods engraved on them. This neckpiece symbolizes prosperity and rich heritage.
7. Muthu Malai
This special necklace is made of pearls. And is often layered with gold jewelry for a more refined and elegant look.
8. Nethi Chutti
It is jewelry worn on the forehead to enhance the beauty of the bride’s face. It has quite a detailed work of gems and gold.
9. Valayal
These bangles are made of gold or glass. They are worn in stacks and are an essential part of the culture.
All these jewelries make the traditional dress of Tamil Nadu more adorable and elegant. Some of these are also popular in other parts of India.
Read More about traditional dress of Kerala here.
Conclusion
The traditional dress of Tamil Nadu has a strong connection to the state’s history. They represent the cultural values and way of life. Both men and women find the traditional dress very attractive. All the dresses have been here for 150 years but the most popular one is entirely handwoven without the use of specialized machinery, is Kanchipuram, a highly graded silk made from Kanchipuram silks only. You will find several other wonderful dresses, jewelry and traditional things in Tamil Nadu. Visit now!
