TRADITIONAL WEAR OF RAJASTHAN…

1.Women’s traditional dress.

Traditional attire for Rajasthani women is ghagra, choli (also called kanchli or kurti)
and odhni. The ghagra is a full-length, embroidered and pleated skirt, which comes in
a variety of colours, prints and fabrics, such as silk, cotton, georgette and crêpe. Of all
the various prints, the laharia, bandhej, tie ‘n dye, chundri and mothra are the most
widely worn. To impart royal elegance, antique borders and Jaipuri gota-patti work
are incorporated to the ghagra. The kanchli, choli or kurti are the upper-body wear.
These are colourful and intricately designed and shaped as per the specific body
measurements an ethnic touch. For, they are embellished with mirror-work, beads
and sequins, coral and shells, and creative-cut work.

2.Women’s traditional accessories

Elaborate necklaces, like Jadau sets, aad (chokers) and Raani Har (long necklaces to the
belly button) are worn around the neck, especially by women from affluent families.The
women of tribal groups such as Bhil, Meena or Garasia prefer wearing brass, silver or
white metal ornaments. Kaanbali or surliya (earrings), nathani (nosepins), bajubandh
(armlets), rakhdi or borla (maang tikkas), tagdi or kardhani (belly chains or waist), payal
(anklets), bangadi (bangles), bichuwa (toe rings) and finger rings are also worn to
complete the ensemble.

3.Men’s traditional dress

The traditional outfit for Rajasthani men is dhoti and angarkha, or pyjama-kurta. The dhoti is a
long piece of cloth tied around the waist and wrapped around like a loin-cloth between the
legs. It is paired with angarkha, a type of robe characterized by an inner panel that covers the
chest. The angarkha is usually worn by the wealthy class. However, some tribal and pastoral
communities have adopted it, reserving it for special occasions. The length and flare of this
garment varies. The royal Rajput clan prefers wearing flared, ankle-length angarkha, while other
communities and tribal groups wear knee-length or shorter versions. For everyday use, men
wear angarkhi (or, puthia), which is short and tied with laces, not buttons.

4.Footwear for men and women

Both men and women in Rajasthan wear jootis or mojaris. They are leather shoes made
up of sheep, camel or goat skin, complete with intricate embroidery and
embellishments. While traditional footwear is usually black or brown, nowadays much
more fashionable multi-coloured slip-ons are also available.