Fashion is a ever-changing trend from one style to another. From wearing colorful lehenga choli to indo-western there are so many of them. Yet, one thing that always stays on trend is cultural dresses. In this blog we’ll talk about the traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh is a state famous for many things. From leather goods, tasty sweets to religious places. It is a state in North where people of diverse background lives peacefully. Because of this diversity, its traditional dress differs from other Indian states.
But before we jump to read about the traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh for men and women, let’s know more about Uttar Pradesh.
Let’s dive in,
Diverse State: Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is known as the heart of India when it comes to culture and tradition. It is a state filled with history and traditions. This state is home to famous tourist attractions like the wonders of the World – The Tajmahal, the oldest temple in Ayodhya – Ram Mandir, the oldest civilization – Varanasi, and much more. It is also the birthplace of Lord Parshuram, Lord Ra,m and Lord Krishna.
The state is also famous for its delicious cuisines like galouti kebab, petha, pedal, chaat, kachori, samos, and much more. It is also a place of classical music, dan,ce, and celebration of lively festivals. Its famous dances include Charkula, Raslila, Kat,hak, and Khyal.
If we talk about famous handicrafts, include Lucknow’s chikankari embroidery, Varanasi’s Zardosi, Banarsi brocade, and block printing. The state is a blend of beautiful ancient traditions.
Moving on, let’s learn about the traditional dresses of Uttar Pradesh for men and women.
Traditional Dress of Uttar Pradesh for Men
Here are some of the traditional dresses worn by men in Uttar Pradesh:
1. Dhoti Kurta
Dhoti Kurta is the most preferred dress in the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. A kurta is like a long shirt which is simple and mostly white. While dhoti is a piece of cloth worn around the waist and the legs mimicking the shape of the trousers. These are clean and comfortable dressings suitable for hot and humid regions. They are mainly made of cotton or silk. These fabrics can soak sweat and let the air pass thoroughly, keeping the body cool even under scorching sun’s heat.
2. Kurta Pajama
Kurta Pajama is the most worn traditional dress in Uttar Pradesh. The kurtas are generally made of cotton, silk, or chiffon available in plain, printed, or threaded fabric in different colors. Kurtas are paired with pajamas. These are made of the same fabric and have a loose and baggy style. One can wear a designer kurta, or pajama on special occasions like marriage and festivals.
3. Sherwani
Sherwani is a traditional dress embellished with stones, golden threads, shiny fabric, and other things. This traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh is mostly worn by grooms during their weddings. Sherwanis are either paired with matching pajamas or different depending on one’s choice. The pajamas are fit and the whole attire is completed with a royal-looking dupatta. As per the location, the price of sherwani is different and also depends on its designs and patterns.
4. Topi or Pagadi
Topi and pagadi are used to represent pride, honor, respect, and one’s family, name, and fame. A topi is worn in many rural places to protect the head from the heat and is ideal for long periods of time. The topi’s fabric is either crepe or pure cotton, and it comes in a variety of designs and patterns. On the other hand, pagadi is worn for a more elegant look during major occasions.
5. Angrakha
Angarakha is another traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh. It is a long tunic with one side overlapping with the other and tied by a thread to the waist. Angrakha was a popular outfit among royal courts and rural areas worn by men. This dress was a loved outfit and was worn during cultural programs, weddings, and folk performances. One can wear it with a dhoti or churidars.
Traditional Dress of Uttar Pradesh for Women
Here are some of the traditional dresses worn by women in Uttar Pradesh:
1. Lehenga Choli
Lehenga Choli is a traditional dress for women in Uttar Pradesh. It is a long, colorful skirt with beautiful patterns, prints, embriodery, and other decorations. The choli is a small blouse of the same color and patterns designed using a unique style. To complete the look, women wore a dupatta wrapped around their chest, back, and waist.
2. Salwar Kameez
Another traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh is Salwar Kameez. However, this outfit is not worn in any one state. It has been adopted by a majority of the Indian population because they’re comfortable and easy to carry. They can be made of different fabrics from cotton to silk. However, in Uttar Pradesh young girls prefer wearing chikankari embroidery prints (handmade threadwork of Lucknow). Along with salwar kameez women also wear a dupatta to complete the look and further accessorize it with jewellery.
3. Sarees
A saree is 4.5 to 9 yards of cloth embellished with pattern, print, embroidery, and different designs. Sarees not only enhance women’s beauty but also uplift the elegance making them look timeless. The look is further enhanced by matching ornaments. However, the style of draping saree is different from one state to another. The most famous sarees in Uttar Pradesh are Banarasi silk and Chikankari saree, both are considered exclusive. They’re very expensive due to the adorable zari works on them.
Traditional Jewellery for Men and Women in Uttar Pradesh
For Women:
Nose Ring: It is also known as Nath. It is an ornament worn on the nose during special occasions or weddings.
Payal and Bichua: They’re also known as anklets and Toe Rings. They’re made of silver and worn by married women.
Chuda and Bangles: These are made of colorful glasses, gold, or lac. Mostly worn by a majority of women.
Jhumkas: These are called earrings. They’re usually bell-shaped and worn to often complement traditional outfits.
For Men:
Kalgi: It is a jeweled ornament worn on turbans during weddings or festive occasions by men.
Kada: It is a solid engraved bracelet made of silver or gold.
Chain or Pendant: It is a unisex ornament made of gold or silver.
To Wrap Up
The traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh for men and women resembles other states of India as well. But the way to carry these outfits differs, the elegance and the ornaments worn with it. All these outfits are now available everywhere but due to modernization, they’re worn occasionally only. We hope now you know what are the traditional dresses for men and women in Uttar Pradesh.
