Punjab, a region known for its vibrant culture and rich legacy, is home to an exquisite collection of traditional clothing that pays homage to the area’s turbulent past and unmistakable ethnic identity. The grandeur and beauty of the individuals who live here are reflected in the traditional clothing of Punjab. In this post, let’s examine the distinctive traditional clothing that both men and women within Punjab wear, emphasizing its distinguishing qualities and importance.
Traditional Dress of Punjab for Male
Kurta-Pajama: For Punjabi males, the Kurta-Pajama is the standard outfit. A long, loose-fitting blouse (Kurt) and a cosy pair of loose-fitting pants (pajamas) make up this outfit. It is often made of silk or cotton cloth and embellished with fine needlework. The simplicity and usefulness of Punjabi culture are reflected in the Kurta-Pajama, which offers style as well as comfort.
Turban-Pagri: For Punjabi males, pagri or the turban is an essential component of traditional dress. It stands for respect, bravery, and honour. A lengthy cloth that is typically coloured brightly, like blue, red, or orange, is used to carefully tie the turban. It gives a Punjabi man’s entire look a regal touch while also displaying his pride and history.
Waistcoat (Nehru Jacket): Punjabi men frequently wear a waistcoat, referred to as the Nehru jacket, to complement their traditional clothing. This well-fitted sleeveless coat is typically made of embroidered and silk textiles. The Nehru jacket looks a hint of refinement, making it appropriate for festivals and formal occasions.
Tehmat: A lungi in the Punjabi style known as tamba or tehmat has folds at the front. Usually paired with a kurta, it is worn by male Bhangra dancers. This represents a single of the Punjabi dancing outfits.
Traditional Dress of Punjab for Female
Salwar Kameez: Women in Punjab traditionally dress in salwar kameez. It is made up of a long tunic-style top (kameez), baggy pants (salwar), and an identical scarf (dupatta). A salwar kameez’s vivid hues and elaborate patterns showcase the vivacity and joie de vivre of Punjabi culture. It is appropriate for daily wear because it provides women with both elegance and comfort.
Phulkari: Phulkari, which translates to “flower work,” is a classic needlework style strongly connected to Punjab. Phulkari embroidery, which contains colourful threadwork in complex patterns of birds, flowers, and geometrical motifs, is a popular choice among Punjabi women to embellish their Salwar Kameez or dupattas. Phulkari is a prized art form because it gives traditional clothing a colourful and striking touch.
Chooda and Kaleere: Traditionally, Chooda, an ivory bangle set, is worn by Punjabi brides. These bangles, which are worn on both arms, stand for abundance and fertility. Punjabi brides furthermore don Kaleere, a collection of umbrella-shaped decorations fastened to the Chooda. Friends and family traditionally shake the bride’s kaleere throughout wedding rituals; if any of this fall over an unmarried girl, it signifies that she will soon find her life spouse.
Punjabi Ghagra: The Punjabi ghagra, which forms part of a four-piece ensemble originally from Punjab but is currently worn throughout Haryana and portions of Himachal Pradesh, represents one of the few customary clothes which has been modernized. This clothing is typically worn during the Punjabi folk dance known as “Giddha,” which is done by women who spin around in hypnotic colours while singing traditional melodies inspired by the region.
The Jama: During the Mughal era, men in the Punjab region wore a lengthy piece called the Jama. This is worn with a turban over the head to depict monarchy and the majesty of the monarchs. It is snug from the torso and flares out like a skirt at the knee or ankle. Although it was initially a dress for males, ladies also wore it with form-fitting pajamas. Its long sleeves and tie below the armpits, which allow for ease of movement, make it another cosy piece of traditional Punjabi clothing.
Patiala Salwar: This loose, pleated trouser has its origins in Patiala, a city within Punjab, and was originally worn by males before becoming popular among women. For ladies, it is typically worn with a Kurti and chunni that has a draping pattern on the back. It still adheres to the tradition with which it was first launched despite incorporating many contemporary patterns. One of the simplest and cosiest outfits, it is donned by Punjabi ladies with grace and elegance.
Accessories
Jutti: The Vivacious Shoes of the Punjabis
Since 400 years ago, the Jutti, also known as the Punjabi Jutti, has served as a symbol of royalty. It is usually embroidered on leather using genuine gold or silver threads. The fact that there is no left or right-side differentiation and that it may be worn on any foot of choice is one of the distinctive qualities of this handcrafted footwear.
Conclusion
The vibrant, elegant, and deeply ingrained traditions of the Punjabi culture are showcased in the traditional clothing worn by both men and women. Every outfit, whether it is the elegant Salwar Kameez adorned with Phulkari embroidery worn by ladies or the Kurta-Pajama and turban worn by men, symbolizes the rich values, history, and aesthetics of Punjab. These ancient outfits are still appreciated and honoured today, maintaining the cultural legacy.
Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.
