Uttar Pradesh is the biggest state in India. This state shows a massive diversity in religion, style, culture and clothing. The traditional dress of Uttar Pradesh symbolizes its rich history and unique identity. It is a home to multiple ethnic populations. Their clothing defines their native resemblance. Here is some of the traditional dress worn by both men and women in Uttar Pradesh
Traditional Dress of Men in UP
1. Dhoti Kurta
People living in the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh prefer wearing a clean and comfortable dhoti or kurta. As the climate in these regions is hot and humid, wearing a dhoti kurta helps beat the scorching sun’s heat. It comprises a Dhoti or lungi worn in a traditional style and tucked at the lower back. The kurta is simple and mostly white.
2. Kurta Pajama
It is one of the most worn traditional attires in many cities in Uttar Pradesh. Kurtas are generally made of cotton, silk, or chiffon and come in a variety of different colours. This attire is paired with a pajama, which is loose and baggy pants. Designer kurtas are worn during grand occasions like marriage and festivals.
3. Sherwani
Sherwani is a stylish traditional dress that grooms prefer during their weddings. It is a finely made sherwani of velvet silk paired with matching pajamas. These pajamas are a solid fit on the knees and are adorned with a rich-looking Dupatta. Sherwanis differ in price in different locations. The cost mostly depends on its alluring designs and royal patterns.
4. Topi or Pagadi
Pagadi are symbols of respect, pride, and royalty. But in many rural areas, a topi is worn to cover the head from heat rays. It helps the local people work efficiently in their fields for long durations. It comes in vibrant colours and patterns. The fabric used is pure cotton or crepe. Pagadis are often worn during festive occasions due to their royal look.
5. Angarkha
Angarkha is a traditional men’s dress in Uttar Pradesh. It consists of a long tunic that overlaps a long panel tied to the waist.
Traditional Dress of Women in Uttar Pradesh
1. Mukaish Lehenga Choli
Lehenga Choli is the traditional dress of women in Uttar Pradesh. It consists of a long, colourful, flowy skirt with beautiful embellishments. On the other hand, the Choli is a small blouse designed with different vibrant threads. It is adorned with a small piece of fabric known as a dupatta, which is wrapped around the neck.
2. Salwar Kameez
Salwar Kameez is not restricted to a particular state. The majority of the Indian population has adopted this style. Womens in Uttar Pradesh prefer cotton salwar kameez. Apart from cotton, there are Lucknowi kurtas made of cotton material with chikankari embroidery prints. Many young girls prefer wearing a BandhaniDhuppata, a long cotton or silk scarf, using the rich tie-and-dye method. Chikankari-style kurtis are found in the state of Lucknow.
3. Sarees
Unlike the Salwar Kameez, which has found an important place in the lives of many Indians, Sarees enhance the beauty of women when worn with matching ornaments. However, sarees have rich patterns, designs and styles. These differ according to state. Banarasi Silk Saree and Chikankari Saree are the top famous in Uttar Pradesh. Banarasi sarees are made of pure Banarasi silk. The saree is very expensive due to the adorable zari works on it. At the same time, Chikankari sarees are simple yet elegant-looking cotton ones. It has intricate chikankari embroidery designs carved all over it.
Traditional Jewelleries and Footwear
Hair and head accessories are vital parts of traditional dress worn by women in Uttar Pradesh. Mang tikkas are small head-hanging jewellery that enhance the look of any ethnic attire. They are mostly worn on traditional attires like sarees and salwar kameez. Juttis are unisex footwear worn by both men and women. They are suitable for weddings and festive occasions.
Conclusion
The traditional dress of men and women in Uttar Pradesh resembles the rest of the Indian States. But their dressing style’s beauty, simplicity and elegance make it a beautiful artwork. Today, some traditional dresses are becoming extinct due to modernization, but we can see people flaunting their traditional attire during classical folk dances.
