Traditional Attire – Asia – India (Part 3 – Western and Southern India)
India is a country renowned for diverse cultures, cuisines, attires, languages, religions, architecture, arts, sports and many more.
The country of India is divided into 29 states. Each state has its unique attire which symbolizes the cultural etiquette of that region. There are varied dresses of both men and women stitched and embroidered with vivid textures and diverse motifs.
The article will cover Part 3 of Traditional attires of Western and Southern India covering the States of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.
The State of Kerala
Kerala is famous for its coastal areas with beaches and backwaters. The mountains are lined up with spice, tea, and coffee plantations. Wildlife is also prominent in Kerala with several national parks and sanctuaries. The traditional attire of men is mundu worn as the lower part generally white in color and a cotton or silk shawl as the upper part of a shirt or kurta. The traditional attire of women is a white saree with a golden border, colloquially known as Mundum Neriyathum.
The State of Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh combines the divinity of Hindu temples and nature's beauty with its beaches and valleys. The traditional attire of men is kurta combined with dhoti or lungi. The traditional attire of women is sarees, especially silk handloom and Kalamkari designs famous for depicting Hindu mythological figures and stories.
The State of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is dominated by many Hindu pilgrimage sites flanked by precisely sculptured Hindu temples. It has fabulous beaches and historical forts. The traditional attire of men is dhoti or lungi Veshti, kurta, and accompanied by a cotton or silk shawl called Angavastra. The traditional attire of women is sarees, the famous ones being Kanchipuram sarees.
The State of Telangana
Telangana hosts some of the most beautiful monuments and minarets with unique sculptural designs and architecture. The traditional attire of men is dhoti called the Pancha and a shirt. The traditional attire of women is sarees or salwar kameez.
The State of Gujarat
Gujarat is famous for its textile industries and holy pilgrimage sites. The traditional attire of men is dhotis or churidar pajamas for the lower part and kurtas for the upper part accompanied by colorful turbans as the headgear. The traditional attire of women is Ghagra Choli with a veil covering their head.
The State of Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of the most popular states in India. It is the home of Bollywood, the film industry of India. The state is a home for the prominent actors and actresses of Bollywood. Additionally, it is adorned with marvelous beaches and artistic temples. The traditional attire of men is a dhoti and short-sleeved shirt accompanied by a headgear called Pagdi. The traditional attire of women is knee-length sarees called Lugda. The saree is worn like a dhoti and in the choli style.
The State of Goa
Goa is well known for its wide array of beaches and is an international tourist destination, especially crowded during Christmas and New Year. It was an original Portuguese colony hence there are several churches. The traditional attire of men is majorly shorts and beach shirts. The traditional attire of women is a saree called Nav Vari. They sometimes also wear a blouse for the upper part and a sarong or a wrap-around for the lower part.
I love the look and luzury of the Indian attire. It’s so beautiful. I’d love to experience wearing one. The design of the Maharashtra attire is so fashionable. It’s so modern.
Thank you. Please visit India, you will love the diversity.
This is very interesting. My daughter went on a trip to India recently (Gujarat and elsewhere) to study sustainability practices in fashion. She brought back many samples of fabrics from the companies and artisans she visited.
Oh is it, quite interesting.
The GOA is nice. So simple. I think its practical as it will also be comfy to wear. Comfort is a big factor on attires.
Agreed. They are a music and fun loving people too.
What beautiful dresses! I have only traveled to the North of India and I remember how beautiful the sarees were there as well.
Oh wow, that is great.
So beautiful. Thank you for sharing your culture <3
My pleasure.
Such beautiful dresses..! I would really love to experience wearing sarees or dresses like these someday
If you come to India, I will teach you 🙂
So many beautiful traditional attire. I have to look back on the 1st part to chose whats the best.
Thank you. Will be a pleasure.
What a beautiful traditional attire. I didn’t kn that there were different types of India’s traditional attire.
Thank you. India has a varied culture.
All of those look amazing and beautiful! I love the look of the traditional dresses from Maharashtra.
Thank you Angela. I am glad you liked my article.
There is so much beauty in this culture, especially in the dress. I love it!
Thank you, happy for reading my article.
Being from Northern India, it’s always nice to learn more about other parts of my country.
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Oh is it. Great to know that. I am from Eastern Part.
I love Indian traditional clothing, both for men and women. They are silky and sparkling all over.
Very happy to know that. Thank you.
Such beautiful clothing! And I didn’t realise there were so many differences between the west and south of India!
India has multiple dresses, languages, food and culture. Glad you liked it.
All of these pieces are so elegant! I have enjoyed learning more about them.
Thank you Danielle, glad you liked it.
All of these traditional attires look amazing! So elegant and beautiful 🙂
Laura
https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/
Thank you, India is actually diverse when it comes to languages, food and dresses.
Wow I didn’t know the differences of these traditional attires before but your post just lures me to understand more about them. Beautiful pics! 🙂
Thank you.
I like this post and I always love to travel and thanks for this information’s because I also visit this place such a lovely place and i took tour package from lotus india Holiday and they provide such an outstanding facility at a reasonable price.
Thanks for the information