Jammu Kashmir is known all over the world for its
stunning natural beauty and picturesque vistas. Bound by the majestic Himalayas
the landscape here is extremely charming and breath taking. With tall snow-capped
peaks, mesmerising valleys, lush open fields and the clear river flowing
through it truly feels like a piece of paradise on earth. Jammu, Kashmir and
Ladakh have always been a dream destination for every traveller. Due to the
presence of several Buddhist monasteries along with the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi
and Amarnath Cave, the region has attracted tourists from different parts of
the world.
Traditional Accessories
The beauty and elegance of the
clothing and presentation of the local women of Kashmir is further enhanced by
the usage of different types of accessories. Their jewellery collection
includes earrings, anklets and bangles which are worn on top of their clothing
attire. Silver jewellery is a popular type of accessory among the women here
and they wear silver bracelets, neck pieces, bejewelled chains to make their
look even more beautiful. Certain special pieces of jewellery symbolize the
marital status of the women.
Men
Men are generally seen wearing a thick woollen robe known as Goucha which is
tied and fastened at the neck area and the waist with the help of a colourful
sash like piece of cloth known as Skerag. The sash also serves the purpose of
allowing men to carry some articles essential to them. This type of clothing is
very distinct from the rest of the India and other regions which makes sure
that the tradition and beliefs of the people here are well kept.
Women
Women wear a similar looking woollen robe which is known as Kuntop that
allows them to be warm during the winter months. Coupled with this they carry a
colourful shawl on their backs inside which some women carry their babies while
walking. During winter time women also wear goatskin clothes even till present
day.
Accessories
One of the most common pieces of accessory among women is the Perak which are
also worn by the local men as well. The rank of the owner is depicted through
these hats and a way of showcasing their stand in society. It is a very
traditional accessory piece which after the death of the owner is passed on to
the next generation as heritage. The hairstyle of women here are worn in the
form of 2 pigtails on either sides of their head. Their shoes are called Papu
which is fashioned out of woven yak hair or wool and is also sometimes
decorated using yak leather. Due to the modernization the men have in some way
or the other abandoned their traditional sense of fashion whereas the women
here have stuck to their traditional roots and remains predominant of colourful
dresses.
Culture of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh
J
& K
Along with the scenic beauty this region is also blessed with a rich cultural heritage which is an amalgamation of philosophies from Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhism. Their culture is very distinct and differ from region to region which only makes the whole experience even more thrilling. The culture of Kashmir displays a diverse blend of cultures from South Asia, Persia as well as Northern South Asia. The language spoken by Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims is Koshur.
Along with the scenic beauty this region is also blessed with a rich cultural heritage which is an amalgamation of philosophies from Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhism. Their culture is very distinct and differ from region to region which only makes the whole experience even more thrilling. The culture of Kashmir displays a diverse blend of cultures from South Asia, Persia as well as Northern South Asia. The language spoken by Kashmiri Hindus and Muslims is Koshur.
Ladakh
Also known as ‘Little Tibet’ due to major Buddhist influences this cold dry
desert didn’t see the face of modernisation till the 1970s. this has managed in
the safekeeping of their rich cultural heritage. The original inhabitants of
Ladakh are called the Dards (indo Aryan race) from Indus. The region is
dominated by Buddhists with a very small percentage of Hindus, Muslims and
Christians. From beliefs to physical appearances, the people of Ladakh are
dissimilar with the rest of India in every aspect.
Traditional Dress of Jammu and Kashmir
It is not an unknown fact that the people of Kashmir
are naturally beautiful in every aspect making a visit in Kashmir one of a kind. What elevates their beauty is their
colourful and unique traditional dresses and clothing. One of the most common pieces
of clothing worn by both men as well as women. There are many other interesting
things to know about the traditional clothes of the people of Jammu and
Kashmir. Here is what they wear:
Men
This is one of the most common pieces of clothing for Hindu as well as Muslim
men here. this is a long and loose gown that goes down to as low as below the
knees. Men also wear a skull cap along with a close - fitting Salwar for Muslims and a Churidar Payjama which is worn mostly by the pandits here. in the
region of Srinagar men prefer wearing Pathani suit which is also referred to as
Khan dress.
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Head
Gear for Men
Traditional Kashmiri turbans are worn
among Muslim men on special occasions whereas skull caps are a common piece of
head gear among the peasants of Karakuli. The well off and people of royal
lineage wear Pashmina shawls along with lace free shoes known as Gurgabis.
Women
Pheran is also worn by the female population here and are characterized
traditionally due to the presence of broad sleeves that goes down till the
knees. These clothing are decorated with zari embroideries around the neck and
pockets in intricate and fine floral designs. One of the best features of these
Pherans are that they have broad pockets. The long sleeves are also adorned
with brocade patterns. These Pherans are wrapped tightly by a creased cloth in
the form of a Pashmina shawl or lungi.
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Head
Gear for Women
The traditional head gears for women are made out of wool and are very thick in texture to keep them warm in extreme winter climate. The head gear looks very distinctive from the Taranga which is red in color and tie them around their forehead in the form of a turban and decorate it with silver pins and trinkets to keep it tightly in place. This red headgear is known traditionally as Kasaba and Abaya which is a regular and an important part of their attire. Unmarried Muslim girls war skull caps that are adorned with gold thread embroidery and various whimsical trinkets, amulets and pendants.
The traditional head gears for women are made out of wool and are very thick in texture to keep them warm in extreme winter climate. The head gear looks very distinctive from the Taranga which is red in color and tie them around their forehead in the form of a turban and decorate it with silver pins and trinkets to keep it tightly in place. This red headgear is known traditionally as Kasaba and Abaya which is a regular and an important part of their attire. Unmarried Muslim girls war skull caps that are adorned with gold thread embroidery and various whimsical trinkets, amulets and pendants.
Traditional Accessories
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Traditional Dress of Ladakh
The traditional clothing of the people of Ladakh are
mostly fashioned in a way to deal with the high-altitude temperature conditions
which are made out of primarily the raw materials available there like yak wool
etc.
Men
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Women
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Accessories
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The people of Traditional Dress of Himachal Pradesh more often than not wear woollens as its best suited to the climate. Scarves and shawls are ever-present with the women while the men can be found in a variety of types of Kurtas and the typical Himachal cap. The Raj put males comprise starch stiffened Kutras and body-hugging ‘Churidaars’. The females of this group apparel themselves little conventionally costumes like kurtas Salwars, Ghaghra
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