Traditional Rajasthani dresses for men and women

All about Traditional Rajasthani dresses for men and women

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Rajasthan has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage and their traditional clothing also embodies this vibrancy. The traditional Rajasthani dresses donned by both men and women lend them a unique visual attractiveness. The coy women clad in bright and beautiful ghagra choli and odhni accessorized with heavy jewellery, men donning their colourful turbans and angrakhas and dhoti kurtas define the tradition these people elegantly managed to carry forward that was passed to through the royals.

The traditional Rajasthani attire carries a lot of classic essence and uniqueness. Everything they put on, the bright and fresh hues attire or the intricate accessories, represents their gala life. Even contemporary fashion draws inspiration from traditional clothing with a fusion of modern adaptations.

Let’s dive deeper into the different traditional Rajasthani dresses and what they are called. 

Traditional Rajasthani dresses for women

Ghagras

Rajasthani dress ghagra
image source: Pinterest

It is among the popular Rajasthani dress for ladies that needs no introduction. Ghagras are long skirts that are narrow at the waist and then flared to the ankles. It is a little short in size to provide visibility to the foot ornaments. They come in many prints and colours.

These Rajasthani dresses for women are mostly made in cotton, coloured and designed with Leheria, Bandhej, Chundri and Mothra prints. Distinct materials can also be made use of for ghagras like chiffon, crepe, cotton, and georgette. These are multi-pleated and studded with embroidery, antique borders and Jaipuri Gota-Patti work.

Ghagras or lehengas have become synonymous with weddings in present times, for instance, this lehenga would be the perfect bridal ensemble that showcases Rajasthani influences.

Choli or Kanchli

The Rajasthani dress Ghagra is teamed up with blouses or short Kurtis known as cholis or Kanchils. A blouse is a short- sleeved bodice while a Kurti is long skirt-like apparel that reaches to the waist and is worn over the blouse. This dress of Rajasthan is available in cotton or silk and is embellished with embroidery, mirror-work, beads and sequins, coral and shells.

Odhni or Chunari

rajasthani-odhni
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Odhni or Chunar completes the look of Ghagra Choli as it is worn over the blouse with one end tucked into the skirt and the other end on the shoulders and over the head. It is 2.5 to 3 meters long and 1.5 to 2 meter wide available in a variety of fabrics, printed in different colours and designs. This Rajasthani ladies’ dress is selected as per the colour of the particular skirt that is worn with it. This traditional wear is the crowning glory of every woman of Rajasthan. It varies in different religions and castes. Odhni is also worn as a veil in front of the elders as a token of respect.

Traditional Rajasthani dresses for men

Pagri (Turban)

Rajasthani traditional Turban
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Soaked in the brightness and playfulness of hues like yellows and reds, turban also referred to as Paag, Safa and Pagri is one of the most important parts of men’s attire in the royal state as it symbolizes the pride and honour of Rajasthanis. Everything from the color and fabric to design and shape symbolizes their individuality. The width of a Pagri is 8 inches and length is about eighty feet.

The shades and styles of turbans worn on various occasions vary. When it’s time for any occasion men attire themselves with bright designer multicoloured Pagri, while dull and dark colours are worn during the mournful occasion. Their everyday Pagris are rustic in a single colour. 

Pagri
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Their wearing style varies from region to region and over 1000 types of Pagris are worn by men in Rajasthan. People living in Udaipur tie a flat Pagri over their heads, men in Jodhpur wear Safa having curved bands, while Jaipur people prefer an angular Pagri.

Dhoti and Pajamas

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Dhoti is a traditional outfit worn as a lower with Angrakha or kurta. It is a long piece of cloth tied around the waist and wrapped around the hips and thighs and tucked into the waistband taking it from between the legs. It needs a little practice to wear it properly. The Dhoti reflects the will of the people to live simply.

While a pajama is a loose trouser usually designed in cotton. The elite or the rich people even in pajamas prefer going for other fabrics that are softer like silk. People in Rajasthan usually wear white color, cotton Dhotis or Pajamas regularly. On any occasion or event, Dhoti or Pajamas in silk, with the Zari border or embroidery are preferred.

Angrakha

Angrakhas an integral part of the traditional dress of Rajasthan. It is worn as the protective shield of the men of Rajasthan who are born with a soldier-like spirit. It is a type of robe with an inner panel that covers the chest. 

The two main styles of this attire are the long Angrakha and Kamari Angrakha. The royals prefer wearing flared, ankle-length Angarkha, which is still a trend in the Rajput clan in Rajasthan. While the other communities or the commoners wear knee-length or shorter versions. 

Dailywear Angrakha are short and tied with laces, not buttons. Designer Angrakha comes with Bandhani and mirror work and Gota Patti work in golden tones with geometric circular patterns that can be worn at festivals and religious ceremonies. The Angrakha Kurtis are also the substitutes of shirts and are worn with a sense of style.

Bandhgala

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Traditional Rajasthani dresses for men consist of Bandhgalas. Bandhgala was initially started by the Rajputana Kings and is now worn by even the common people of the state.

It is similar to blazers that cover your torso and can be pinned right up to the neck. It is made of rich fabric and is mostly worn by people during a festival, event, or marriage. One can also enjoy wearing this attire casually on Dhoti-Kurta or Pyjama-Kurta.  

Traditional Rajasthani Jewelry 

While the tribal groups such as Bhil and Meena wear brass and silver jewellery, the royal clan of Rajasthan prefers wearing heavy jewellery styles encrusted with Kundan, Meenakari, Polki, and other precious gemstones. For a royal look, diamond-embellished or gold-toned heavy Rajasthani jewellery looks stunning. 

The famous jewellery styles of Rajasthan that enhance the effect of ethnic clothing. 

For Women 

Rajasthani women with traditional jewellery

Jhumkas: These are the upside down basket shaped earrings. Also called tokri these provide grace to every attire they are adorned with. 

Nath: This is the traditional Nath worn by the women with the traditional dress in Rajasthan.

Bajubandh: This is the armlet! Adorned with intricate work and stone-work, traditional Rajasthani armlets feature jaw-dropping patterns. 

Rakhdi or Borla: These are the traditional spherical maang tikkas worn usually with rajputi attire in Rajasthan. 

Chooda: These are the traditional Rajasthani bangles specifically made of lac.

Aad: It is a choker necklace royal women used to wear with rajputi poshaks. The choker comes with two strings that can be used to tie the necklace at the back of the neck.

Kada: This traditional anklet looks like a kada usually worn by tribal women. 

These different jewellery types are curated with several traditional designs and styles including kundan, minakari, polki, lac, thewa, jadau, ivory, gold and silver. 

You can also check: Popular Types Of Jaipur Jewellery To Wear In Wedding

For Men 

While women have a range of jewellery types to don, men in Rajasthan have limited jewellery to adorn. 

Traditional Rajasthani jewellery of man

Balis: Men wear round-shaped studs on their earlobes and crystal beaded or semi- precious stone necklaces. 

Hansli: Gold or pearl chains are common among the rich, and silver Hansli, a big round bracelet around the neck, is worn by the commoners. 

Patka: High-class families or royal families also wear the Kamarband (waistbands) and Patka. Patka is a beautiful piece of a garment made of cotton worn all around the waist as well as hung over the shoulder. 

Rajasthani Accessories 

Jholas

Embroidered Rajasthani Shoulder Bag
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Rajasthani women look grand in their attire which is complemented uniquely by accessories like jhola. Jholas are the bags made out of colorful fabric that lend a unique look to a woman and accentuates the look of their attire. These come in plenty of choices and are embellished with mirrors or stones that are carried during special occasions.

Traditional Rajasthani Footwear

Mojari or Juttis

Both men and women in Rajasthan wear Juttis or Mojaris. Juttis are basically 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 multi- colored slip-ons are also available which are beautifully crafted with stunning embroidery over velvet or brocade. These are available for every occasion and can be paired with any attire, whether it’s wedding wear or casual wear.

In conclusion, these Rajasthani attires and aesthetics have always managed influence and stay on top of the fashion trend! The traditional Rajasthani dresses of Rajasthan are bound to make heads turn. If you have started fantasizing yourself in one of these attires, go ahead and stun everyone. 

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