The year 2017 marks the 71st year of Independent India. Its been 70 long years since India gained Independence from the throes of British Raj and emerged as a Secular, vibrant nation that prides in its heritage and deep cultural connect even today. This year as the nation celebrates its glory, richness and diversity on 15th of August, let us explore our heritage and colorful multiplicity by knowing what kind of attires and fashion different people follow in the different regions that make them unique and yet unite them as one.
Although due to globalization and communication almost everyone looks, acts, dresses and behaves the same across all states, our ethnic wear that comes out especially during festivities definitely is distinct. Here are a few ethnic style that have made a mark across the NORTH, SOUTH, EAST AND WEST regions of India-
NORTH INDIA
Women in the Northern states such as Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh prefer Salwar Kameez and kurtas with various styles of salwars. For instance, The Patiala salwar with Short kurtas is very popular In Punjab while Haryanvi attire consists of kurtas with wide legged palazzos or skirts. Banarasi sarees from Varanasi are also quite symbolical of the rich heritage of North. Uttar Pradesh is famous for Chikankari suits while Another popular work, Patiala suits &Phulkari is also given to us by Punjab.
The states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir, are well known for Jamawar Silk and Pashminas.
NORTH EAST INDIA
The Indian state costumes of the North-East India are very unique. The girls wear Ankle length skirts, jackets and traditional caps. Their costumes bear conspicuous resemblance with that of the other hill-states of the Northeast. Puanchei, the gorgeous attire of Mizo girls looks resplendent at weddings and festivals.It is inspired greatly from the various tribes of North east. The Traditional costume of Assam is called Mekhla Chadar. Costumes of Nagaland mainly include shawls which are an extensively used item of the state.
EAST INDIA
The state of Bihar has given us the very famous Bhagalpuri Silk sarees which are a favorite with women all over India. Who can forget the very famous white sarees with red border that take us to West Bengal almost immediately. These Tant and silk sarees are a representation of our culture globally. Handloom sarees and suits of Kolkata are also quite popular now a days.
CENTRAL INDIA
Sarees are very common in central India. Costumes of Madhya Pradesh show multiplicity in various aspects. The womenfolk of Madhya Pradesh dress themselves in Lehenga and Choli. Also, Bandhani cloth, locally known as Bandhej, is produced on a huge scale in Maundsar, Indore and Ujjain.
The delicate Chanderi Sarees and Maheshwari Sarees produced in Madhya Pradesh are hand-woven and they are quite renowned all over India.
NORTH WEST INDIA
Who can forget the bright mirror work and Chaniya choli of Gujrat while talking of the west? Women love wearing ghagras and lehengas as their festive attire and the bright colors definitely add to the whole vibe! Costumes of Rajasthani inhabitants are colorful, gaudy, bright and elegant. Women prefer lehengas and skirts here. Tie and Dye dupattas and suits are a hallmark of this state.
WEST INDIA
Costumes of South western India are also quite diverse and colorful. Maharashtrian sari is called Nauvari is a nine yard wonder that's draped quite beautifully. It also happens to be the state costume of Goa. Paithani sarees happen to be the treasured creation of West India's textile-industry.
SOUTH WEST INDIA
South west India enjoys a warm climate; hence the Indian state costumes in this region are primarily made of cotton and are light. Cotton Sarees for women from states like Karnataka and Kerala are renowned . Right from regal silk sarees of Bengaluru and Mysore to the very famous Madras costumes, there is something quite exquisite about the clothing down South. The most well known of Kerala's ethnic wear is the Mundu. Although worn mostly by men, There are both formal and casual versions of this clothing as well various versions for women.
SOUTH EAST INDIA
Handloom and Silk industries of South India are flourishing since they have not just local but international demand. Kalamkari sarees, Kurti (tops), salwar-kameez, have become the popular costumes of Andhra Pradesh in South East India. This particular art form is prevalent in Machilipatnam of Andhra Pradesh. Dharmavaram, Gadwal, Ikat and Mangalgiri Sarees of Andhra Pradesh have world wide repute for the production and distribution.
The Kanjivaram or Kanchipuram silks, of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu are popular world over and women there love wearing the gorgeous sarees with fresh jasmine flowers.
South India is definitely the epicenter of all things dazzling and royal.
Be it North, South, East or West, each region of our Amazing India has a lot to offer when it comes to heritage and culture. Our clothes reflect our roots and we are very proud of them. You can shop some of the most exquisite collections of ethnic Indian wear especially this Independence day only at PEACHMODE. Celebrate our independence, celebrate it with Peachmode Independence day special discounts. Happy Independence Day.
