While traveling to India, one can expect to encounter the depth in cultural variance in many forms. Be it
the food, language, traditions, and/or even dressing. And while every other state in the country has its
own set of dress sense and style, there are few traditional attires that are common.
These traditional outfits not only define the local wardrobe,
but also forms the age-old legacy of the country. They
reflect the colors, culture, ethics, and finesse of Indian wear.
Here is a list of few traditional attires you must try when
volunteer traveling in India:
SAARIThe dress that symbolizes a
typical Indian women, Saari is
the most commonly worn
unstitched piece of cloth that
goes with a petticoat and short-
sleeve blouse. Considering the
diversity of culture in India, Saari
is worn in many different ways in
different parts of the country.
SALWAR KAMEEZ
The second most commonly
worn dress by the women in
India, Salwar-Kameez is pair of
loose pajamas that comes with a
drawstring to hold it together
over the waist. It goes with a
long dress on the top with same
or different color/texture. It is
widely popular amongst Indian
women due to the comfort and
ease of wearing
LEHENGA CHOLI
A popular dress worn in the
states of Rajasthan and Gujarat,
Lehenga Choli is a set of long
pleated skirt and short fitted
blouse. Lehengas are also a very
popular and common dress for
brides in most of the Hindu
weddings.
CHURIDAAR KURTIJust another form of a regular
Salwar-Kameez, Churidaar Kurti
is a piece of dress which is loose
up to the knees and fits perfect
to the calf below. It is mostly
worn by ladies in the Northern
states of the country.
DHOTIA Dhoti is the oldest traditional
dress for men in India that is
been worn from ages. It is the
epitome of a peculiar Indian
man’s outfit, which is basically a
white colored unstitched piece
of cloth that is wrapped around
the waist and between the legs
in such a way that provide a look
of a pant rather than a skirt. It
generally goes with a Kurta on
the top.
PHIRANA traditional outfit from the
beautiful valley of Kashmir,
Phiran is long piece of cloth that
is akin to a cloak and covers the
body till the knee portion. It’s
loose fitting and woolen stitching
makes it a very comfortable and
warm dress that is in accordance
to the climatic conditions of
Kashmir.
KURTAThe second most common
traditional dress for men in
India, Kurta is a long and loose
piece of shirt that stretches till
just above the knee level. Very
thin in material, Kurta is a very
comfortable attire and can be
seen worn by most of the
politicians (male) and elderly
people in India. It generally goes
with pajamas below.
SHERWANIThe traditional outfit of an Indian
groom, especially in Hindu
community, Sherwani is a long
coat dress that stretches up to
below the knee level and is
heavy due to lot of embroidery
work done over it. It is buttoned
till the collar and goes along with
either a designer Dhoti or
Pajama below.
Indian traditional dresses reflects a great
blend of subtlety, aristocracy, and
glamour. While, the comfort fitting lets
you carry it with ease, its simple
texturing looks great on anyone; no
matter what physical features they have.
This is one thing you must try while
volunteer traveling in India.
THANK YOUFor more details visit us at:
www.volunteeringindia.com