Dresses and Jewelry Traditions Across the Different States of India

India is a diverse country with abundant culture and traditional at its core. The tradition in the country is visible in many forms; art, cuisine, and the sense of fashion. With different regions of the country, the taste of food, the sense of clothing and culture change at its best. One excellent example of it would be the multiple ways of draping Sarees in India. Furthermore, various states of India are famous for a specific type of fashion and jewelry which are rooted culturally. While the south side is renowned for Kanchipuram silk and Nalli saree, Surat is famous for its diamonds and jewelry. Similarly, Kolkata’s PC jewelry has a name in the country for its new design in jewels. Here is an article talking about traditional clothing and jewels across the country in no particular order.

1.Assam

Clothes

One might be surprised by the number of traditional clothes and jewelry Assam has. We think they are rightly called ‘Rangoli Bihu’ since it is a traditionally rich state. Though when we say silk, people generally think of Tamil Nadu or Chennai, but fewer people know about Assam’s silk. The Muga Silk Sari is the rarest form silk of Assam with the most unique designs. The prosperous work is done with a golden thread that tends to leave people speechless. Mekhela Chadar Silk is another gift from Assam, which is worn traditionally. Assam also gave us Dhoti Gamosa for men. Dhoti is simple, while Gamosa is a small rectangle cloth with a red border which is worn as a sign of respect.

Jewelry

One of the traditional jewelry of Assam would be Gamkharu, a handmade bracelet. The large size bracelet is made of silver with gold polish on it. It has a clasp and is wearable with both western and traditional outfits. Jonbiri is another handmade jewelry made in the shape of half moon. The jewelry is said to be inspired by musical instruments. Worn by elderly ladies of Assam’s tradition Thuriya are unique and special earrings. They are made in floral patterns with gemstone studded in it. The last piece of jewelry we write about would be Loka Paro inspired by pigeons.

2.Jammu & Kashmir

Clothes

The beautiful state of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its scenic beauty. The men of the land wear Pathani Suit which now is a part of men’s fashion all over the country. They are known to be sophisticated formal wear for men. The unisex Pheran is worn as a tunic by men and women of the state to protect themselves from cold weather. Women there wear a distinguished cap called Taranga. The caps have embroidery on it and are fancy, but also worn by brides on their wedding day. But, the fashion symbol is Pashmina shawl, which is made of Pashmina cloth, which is quite expensive and known for the warmth.

Jewelry

The Kashmiri women have a tradition of wear really long chains in the ear during their wedding called Dejhor. They are special earnings that are not fixed in ear lobes but inside the ear and are still counted as earpieces. Apart from these, the women of the state love to wear silver jewels, which are heavy and tend to fill the face.

3. West Bengal

Clothes

The city of sweets, Durga Pooja, and literature. Have you guessed it yet? West Bengal. The west Bengal men wear Dhoti-Kurta, but the dhoti is differently wrapped. Bengal is rich in women’s fashion. Tant saree are cotton sarees women wear to workplaces. The cotton saree is an excellent example of Indian heritage. Kantha means old cloth, but there is nothing old about the Kantha sarees. The fancy sarees are heavily worked and embroidered. However, the real example of craftsmanship in Bengal would be shown through Baluchari. The Baluchari designs are challenging to craft, but they reflect the culture of the state well in the designs.

Jewelry

The golden bracelets of Bengal are famous as they are broader than usual, they are called Chur.  And Ratan Chur is the ornament for hands with which cover the fingers and back of the hand. The matha tikka in Bengal is called Tikli, it is used by brides as headgear. The famous Jhumka earning comes from Bengal as well, like the Paati Haar worn by Bengali brides or ladies during festivals.

4. Uttar Pradesh

 Clothes

Uttar Pradesh gave us the wedding fashion trend for men; Sherwani. Lucknow is known for its shewari work of zari and embroidery which most grooms wear on their wedding day in Indian culture. For women, the famous Banarasi saree comes from Uttar Pradesh as well. The Banarasi Brocade is a reflection of royalty and Indian heritage. The vibrant colors and golden work on the saree are unique in their own way. Uttar Pradesh also gave us Chikankari work. The simple and elegant work on light colors which have a soothing feel to it.

Jewelry

Most of Uttar Pradesh Jewelry is a reflection of aristocrats. The Guloband necklaces are huge pieces made of gold and other embellishments and precious stones. The ornament covers the entire neck and famously was worn by Aishwarya Rai in Jodhaa Akbar. Paunji is another reflection of royalty. The bracelet is made of gold to represent family status in Uttar Pradesh. The Nath which brides wear in Indian weddings is also a gift of the state. The nose ring is massive and sometimes has a little hanging to it. Lucknow also gave us Paasa, a type of maang tikka which is worn on the side and not in front.

5. Andhra Pradesh

Clothes

Andhra Pradesh is famous for its beaches and traditional wears. Men’s traditional wear is Pancha, a type of dhoti that is worn with pleats on one side and the other side is free. It is the conventional way of wearing dhoti in Andhra. Women of Andhra wear Pochampally silk saree, Mangalagiri Saree, and Gadwal Saree. Gadwal Saree is perfect festive wear with designs inspired by mythology and nature. Mangalagiri has an interesting story connected to it. It is said that Lord Vishnu blessed a weaver who wove those rare silks into a Mangalgiti Saree. The cotton saree has remarkable shades, designs, and zari work. Pochampally silk is hand woven ikat design sarees which are renowned for its lightweight.

Jewelry

Hyderabad and Pearls go hand in hand. The Hyderabadi pearls are famous as they come from freshwater. Paizebs are famous anklets of Andhra which are made of kundan chains embedded with uncut diamonds and trinkets attached to the bottom.

6. Gujarat

Clothes

The vibrant state of Gujarat isn’t just famous for the verity of food or diamonds, but a lot of distinguished fashion as well. During the festival of Navratri, men are often seen wearing Chrono and Kediyu, the traditional outfit for Garba night. The Kediyu is a heavily embroidered top which is paired with a churidar or Chrono. Kediyu is also paired with Kafni Pajama, which is a loose bottom and looks like a Dhoti. The two-piece attire is known to be worn during the dance nights as movements are restricted in the outfit. Similar to this, females wear Chaniya Choli. The vibrant colors in Chaniya Choli add more light and color to the festival. Panetar is a Saree worn by Gujrati brides. The magnificent white and red saree has heavy work on it and is draped the traditional Gujarati way. Another royal looking saree from Gujarat is, Patola Saree. The saree is woven in silk with double ikat and is one of the most authentic Gujarati looking attires. The Parsi families of Gujarat have their own fashion trends. Tanchoi Silk is worn by Parsi women and is one of the royal outfits made with the use of golden and silver threads and royal themes.

Jewelry

We have Gujarat to thank for Kandora, Matha Tikka, and Patla Bangles. Kandora is fancy Kamarband which is worn on one side of the saree where is swings. One must have seen most Indian brides wearing the Matha tikka.  The golden chains are worn on the head with embellishments embedded in it like rubies. Patla Bangles are more extensive and broader than regular bangles and have the famous Kundan work or pearls on it.

7. Odisha

Clothes

Another land of temples and prayers, Odisha. The Odisha men traditionally wear Dhoti-kurta and a gamcha, which is a piece of cloth worn around the neck. The women are known to wear Ikat Saree. Ikat sarees are exclusive as they are made with dyed thread which is weaved together to create artistic designs. The entire process unprecedented and special. Sambalpuri sarees are handmade sarees whose embroidery or prints are made of tie-and-dye threads, but the masterpieces are the Bomkai Saree of Ganjam district. The cotton sarees are one of the oldest sarees in trend, and each piece is unique in craftsmanship.

Jewelry

Odisha is famous for its silver work called Tarakasi. The silver jewelry is made of Cuttack, a rare skill that is intricate and distinct.

8. Kerala

Clothes

Kerala is the city of gods and their temples. This culturally rich state will, of course, have tons of traditions. The men here wear Mundu, which is a type of lungi only worn differently with vests or shirts. Women are seen to wear Kasavu Saree on occasion of Onam. Beautiful white or offwhite saree with golden borders and work.

Jewelry

Kerala jewelry is mostly inspired by coins, gods, and nature. Starting with the Kolusu, the anklets females wear on festivals or weddings. They are silver made anklets that are worn with the idea to mark the women’s presence with the small Gungru or trinkets that make the sound when women walk. The popular Kasumala is an elegant necklace made with gold coins. And the Pallaka Mala is nature inspired jewelry, mostly leaves and is embedded with emeralds and rubies.

9. Maharashtra

Clothes

When we say Maharashtra, the first thing that comes to mind is Bollywood, which shouldn’t be the only takeaway. The state is rich in Marathi culture and gives us so much traditional wear. The men’s traditional wear is a simple kurta-dhoti and Pheta. Pheta is a turban in Marathi, which completes the attire. While men are sorted with traditional wear, the Marathi women have multiple ethnic wears. Starting with royal-looking Paithani Saree which has a large border and pallu. Made from daintiest silk saree comes in vibrant colors and combinations with various designs. Lugade is the traditional nine-yard saree worn Marathi style typically; the dhoti style. The Narayan Peth sarees, famous in the Solapur region are the real treasure. The zari work with colorful themes and embellishments make the saree stand out.

Jewelry

While talking about jewels, the Guchhedar Nath, the Kolhapuri Saaj, Thushi, Mundavalya, and Bangadi are easy pins. Starting with the famous and unique Nath, which makes it so easy to identity Maharashtrian women. Women wear Nath when celebrating a festival or marriage. The jewel has a distinct shape, like a cashew nut. The Kolhapuri Saaj is quite famous amongst Indian women. Made of the gold necklace is different and hence easy to identify. Tushi symbolizes prosperity in Maharashtrian culture. The gold made necklace is heavy and is worn like a choker. Mundavalya is a unisex pearls headgear worn by the bride and groom during the wedding. And lastly, Bangadi, the green bangles of glass are worn by women in the Marathi culture as a symbol of being a married woman.

10. Rajasthan

Clothes

For a taste of royalty, one can always count on Rajasthan. The forts, palaces, and the Rajasthani tradition can do that to you. But the fashion trend from Rajasthan that might interest one as well. The men are noticed to wear simple Angrakha with a Dhoti. Angrakha is a type of Kurta which is worn like a jacket and not from above. But there are several trends for women. The crispy look of Kota Doria Saree and the softness of the material are remarkable, but what makes it more interesting is the effervescent square-shaped design. The Bandhej Saree is a traditional saree made of tie-and-dye technique.  With various patterns and colors, the saree has its own identity. Lehariya means the waves of the ocean, which is why the saree comes in blue color with zig-zag lines pattern on it.

Jewelry

Haath Phool is another bridal gear that the Indian tradition has picked from Rajasthan. The accessory is used to decorate the bride’s hands from fingers to the back of the palm. They are generally made of gold and precious stones. Another precious ornament would be Karanphool Jhumka, which is designed in flower shape as the name suggests. The earnings are precious as valuable stones like rubies and emeralds are used while making them. Borla is another fancy traditional jewel from the state, which is much like matha tikka. The pendant of Borla is spherical in shape, which makes it unique.

11. Karnataka

Clothes

Most famous for IT city Bangalore and Karnataka is a state rich in traditional jewelry and of course the Silk. Mysore silks are what women of the state prefer to wear on every occasion. Mysore silk sarees are vibrant and beautiful and is known to attract a lot of international attention.

Jewelry

Starting with the specialty of weddings Netri Chutti, the maang tikka which is so intricate and well crafted, the bride wears the ornament as a headgear. Haaran is a long chain with the design inspired by nature. Generally, the pendant is at the end of the string has either peacock, lotus design or a goddess. Like a bracelet, an armlet is worn on the arm. Tholu Bandhi is a famous armlet of Karnataka, which has different patterns. Tholu Bandhi is worn by brides. Another famous jewelry of Karnataka would be Pacha Kempina Ungaru. The traditional ring encrusted with precious stones but mostly emeralds and ruby.

12. Tamil Nadu

Clothes

When we talk of silk, cotton, and jewelry together, we know we are talking about the city of temples, Tamil Nadu. Where men wear famous Lungi, and women Kanchipuram silk sari and Madurai cotton. The aristocrats of the state wore the Kanchipuram sarees. Now the brides wear this clothing which is made of woven golden threads in various designs like mango butti, temple designs, etc. The lash of these sarees makes them royal looking. Madurai cotton comes from the city of Madurai. The raw cotton cloth is woven into sarees which are soft but give a crisp look. These sarees are generally worn formally to work by women.

Jewelry

Like temple design on the sarees, Tamil Nadu has temple jewelry whose designs are inspired by art and sculpture encrusted with rubies and emeralds. Ottiyanam is a golden belt that is worn with Sarees in Tamil Nadu. This piece of jewelry is made of gold and is inspired by goddess Lakshmi, who wears a similar kind of ornament in her appearance. Pullaku is a special type of nose ring worn by Brahmin brides. Unlike more nose rings, Pallaku is worn in the center of the nose.

The different regions and states of our motherland have a lot to offer individually. If it is in terms of fashion, it might be in terms of food, the culture, or something else altogether. Most of these mentioned traditional trends catch on from time to time. One of the latest examples of that would be, Deepika Padukone wearing a Kanchipuram saree in her reception when she stuck to the roots of her culture. Bollywood actors and actresses often are witnessed doing the same, where they embrace traditional clothes of different cultures. Be it Kangana in one of the silk sarees or Salman Khan celebrating the Hindu festivals.

India is a multicultural country, and everyone should embrace all cultures and respect them at the same time. Another example of breaking the boundaries and making the country proud by showcasing our trends globally would be Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Recently, she was seen wearing a pink saree to Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner’s wedding, and we couldn’t keep our eyes off her. PeeCee didn’t shy away from being what she is as she embraced her traditional wear at such a huge event. Often, she is seen doing at various global events. PeeCee has broken the stereotype while working in Hollywood and at the same time embraced her culture and displayed it with elegance. While Priyanka has established herself in Hollywood, the other actresses are on their way to make their individual marks in Hollywood.