MP or Madhya Pradesh, known for its rich history, historic & holy sites, as well as vibrant culture, is for sure a state to explore. Right? Well, if you are up to it, and you go visit any city, small town, or village in Madhya Pradesh, the first thing you’ll notice is how colorful and unique the traditional dress is down there, which is completely different from the Western wear which you might be used to. Today, we are going to talk about just that, so come with us on this little detour to explore the true beauty of Madhya Pradesh and the traditional dress for both men and women. Alright, here we go now.
Traditional Dresses of Men in Madhya Pradesh
1. Dhoti
The dhoti is a key part of men’s traditional clothing in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the important drapes worn with the kurta. A dhoti is a plain piece of rectangular cloth, about five meters long, which is tucked into the waist and then wound around both legs. This is often white or creamy and made from lightweight cotton fabric, which is good for the local weather. The dhoti is the other meaning for simplicity as it is worn by men down there on a daily basis.
2. Safa (Turban)
Along with the dhoti, men wear the Safa or turban. The turban stands more than a piece for covering the head, it stands as honor and respect. It exists in many colors and styles, and each time it shows some part of local culture and social status of the local. It is worn with great pride, and the way it is wrapped has been passed down through families.
3. Bandi and Mirzai (Jackets)
Men often wear traditional jackets with the dhoti. The jackets come in different styles. For instance, in the Malwa region, the Bandi is worn by men. It is light and sleeveless and aims at being worked in warm weather. It is always well-embroidered or patterned. The mirzai is a longer jacket, more ideally worn in the cooler months of the Bundelkhand region. It is usually made of heavier materials like wool or velvet in black or white. It adds a formal touch to the whole attire.
4. Accessories and Ornaments
Traditional clothing in Madhya Pradesh is not complete without accessories. There are ornaments for the men, which include culturally important silver chains and rings. They also put on Mojaris, which are traditional leather shoes matching the traditional dress.
Traditional Dresses of Women in Madhya Pradesh
1. Lehenga and Choli
One of the most loved traditional outfits in Madhya Pradesh is the Lehenga Choli. The lehenga is a long, often pleated skirt with intricate design patterns, while a choli is a tight top worn with it. It is usually accompanied by an Odhni, a long scarf, worn over the head and the shoulders to grace and cover. The bright colors and detailed decorations show the area’s festive mood, hence giving the outfit its flair for special occasions and gatherings.
2. Sarees: Maheshwari and Chanderi
Madhya Pradesh is famous for its Maheshwari and Chanderi sarees, showing the great skill of local weavers. These are made from fine silk or cotton and are usually decorated with shining borders and elaborative designs. Maheshwari sarees are light and graceful from the town of Maheshwar. Chanderi sarees, from Chanderi, are appreciated in the form of delicate needlework and almost translucent texture.
3. Bandhani Sarees
Another important traditional dress for women here is the Bandhani saree, known for its bright colors and special dyeing technique. What the technique does to the cloth is that it dyes parts of the cloth. The patterns are unusual though. No celebration is complete without a Bandhani sari from MP, known particularly for its bright colors and bold patterns.
4. Accessories and Jewelry
Women in Madhya Pradesh also wear various traditional jewelry items with their outfits. These include necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, often made from silver or other local materials. The sound of the ankle bracelet, called Pajeb, is remarkable while the ornament itself is very stylish. These are not merely jewelry adornments, they hold so much cultural value and are symbolic of either the woman’s marital status or the local roots of this area.
Conclusion
That’s all for now. So next time you are in MP, you’ll likely appreciate the beauty of the traditional dresses more. Or maybe, you are intrigued enough to try them out yourself.
