When it comes to the dressing style of Gujarat, the first and foremost thing that comes to mind is its unique culture and tradition. Though the western state of India – Gujarat has cultural costumes, they also reflect the changes and modernization. Moreover, the boom in the fashion industry has influenced the culture of Gujarat. People have started adopting western dresses. The weather condition of Gujarat also plays a big role in the clothing of its inhabitants. Apart from enriched outfits, females beautify and adorn themselves with ornaments, stylish accessories, and fancy jewelry.
There are many festivals celebrated throughout Gujarat. The major festival of the state is Navratris. During this festival, Gujarat is well-decorated and designed by the people. Many temples are decorated with flowers and lights. On this occasion, Gujaratis buy new clothing and accessories. Navratri is a 9 days festival and in these entire 9 nights dance is held in several places. This special dance is called Raas Garba that is played with dandiya.
During this folk dance, males put on a small coat namely Keviya. The tight-sleeved coat is designed with frilled pleats. It is embroidered elegantly. There is a Churidar pajama as well worn with a colorful and vibrant turban. The decorated waistband is attractive with white keviya. These dresses are costly as well. People can even get them on rent for a few days. In many places, traditional dress is compulsory to perform a folk dance.
Women beautify themselves with ghagra choli and lehenga choli while performing this dance. These comprise bare-backed blouses that extend to the waist with lehengas and ghagras. There is a veil as well worn by the women that are known as dupatta or odhni.
Ornaments Worn
Beautiful ornaments and jewelry are worn by both men and women. The clothing trends differ as per the geographical area of the state. The clothing pieces, fine thread work, little patches, employ of beats, and astragals are normally found that add something extra to the traditional outfits of Gujarat. This is the innovation of embroidery in Gujarat.
Chrono is the usual costume of Gujarat i.e. worn by the men. It is a cotton-made outfit that is commonly worn in rural areas. The small size of angrakhu or kediyu is pout all over Chrono for covering the upper area of the men’s body. Men also put on a turban or headgear. The head clothe is called a phento which is a layered/covered/thickly piece of cloth.
Women commonly wear chains. The dress comprises a blouse (choli) and a petticoat. There are several glasses pieces are added to the petticoat. Chunri is used to cover the upper area of the body (breast).
Traditional clothing of Kutch
The outfits of Kutch are very adorable, eye-catching, and catchy. A popular costume of Kutch is Abhas, which is worn by women. The wonderfully styled dress is decorated with so many glass pieces. The tastefully designed and decorated Abhas with silver and golden threads are very popular. The decorative cloth pieces and thread works give a new appearance to this dress.
Other Accessories
Time changes everything and this can be seen in ornaments as well. These days, ornaments are getting more aesthetic and stylish. These can be found in a wide variety.
The usual ornaments such as chains, rings, bangles, and earrings are now better than ever. All these ornaments are improved and look stunning. Women wear them on special occasions and events. Western culture has influenced a lot in the ornaments of Gujarat.
Females hang keys all across their waist. Different kinds of jewelry are worn by them like bangles, necklaces, rings, “mangalsutra” and earrings. Mangalsutra has a lot of meaning in the life of married women. Additionally, married women put red power called “Sindoor” in the middle of the upper area of the forehead.
Men wear dhoti, a short or long coat, and headgear. These days, modern and fashionable clothing can also be seen in Gujarati men. Women put on beautiful saris with a blouse and petticoat.
