India is a cultural country and considering distinctive states and different religions; the lifestyle, the culture, the traditions, the delicious cuisines, the traditional attires vary accordingly.Traditional wears of any state flaunt the deeply rooted culture related to them.The clothing of Uttarakhand is as vibrant as it is varied in accordance with chilly climate. The traditional dresses of cultural state present a unique combination of simplicity and richness along with style, designs and different colours and portray the lifestyle, tradition and culture of ethnic communities (Gharwalis and the Kumaonis).
Traditional Dresses of Women
The most well-known ethnic wear of women is Ghagra- choli (long skirt and blouse) and Odhani. This beautiful dress is worn by both Gharwalis and Kumaonis women. Rangwali Picchora is also a traditional wear which is worn by the bride and married women during many occasions like puja, festivals, and wedding. The bridal dress of Uttrakhand includes Ghagra lehnga and choli with Rangwali Picchora (Odhani with silver or gold tatting).They also wore Angra (a long jacket) to protect them from cold.
Some of the ethnic groups of Uttarakhand state also wear a mantle-type dress Sarong tightened with a blouse. Due to the cold climate, most women prefer to wear Saanfa, a long scarf to cover their heads. Symbolic of holy union of marriage, Muslim veils or Rangwalis,
are another asset of traditional costumes, available in different colours, red, orange yellow. Female also love to wear sarees. Women in Bhotia region wear a dress called Angni which is a short skirt with long sleeves paired with Lehenga and white scarf and Pagra (broad cloth belt) on the waist. In the winter season, they carry shawls to protect themselves from cold weather.
Young girls wear salwar which is quite similar to pyjamas but narrow at the anklets and kameez (a knee length loose shirt).
Traditional Dress of Men
Men in Uttrakhand likes to wear simple outfits.The traditional wear of men involves Dhoti-kurta, lungi (a lower garment) with kurta, a round cap or a turban or headgear which is a part of their traditional outfit. Knee length coats, button coats, Kurta-pajamas and Sadri (a long jacket) are also worn by men in the hilly region.
Traditional jewellery
It is a jewellery which enhances the look of traditional costumes. Men wear gold chain or ring. Women of Uttarakhand like to wear traditional jewellery which showcases their beautiful culture. Tehri Nath or Nathuli is a big nose ring which is worn by bride and women of this state. Married women carry a black beaded necklace known as Chareu. Hansuli is an another ornament which is adorned by women. It a kind of necklace designed in Gold and silver. Hansuli made in gold is preferred by rich people where as poor people can’t afford gold so they settle up silver Hansuli. Nose-studs known as keels, toe ring (Bicchuas) and bangles made up of gold, silver, plastic is worn on arms.
Young generation including boys and girl in Dehradun and Manali in the influence of western culture can now be seen wearing shirts, trousers, jeans, jackets.