Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most beautiful states in terms of its natural beauty and its cultural diversity. Even though our country is styling with Western culture, there is a large population who still follow their traditions with their clothes.
Jammu and Kashmir is located in the Northernmost part of India. It is surrounded by China and Pakistan. People here are very rich in culture. People here follow Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism. Languages like Phari, Kashmiri, Urdu, Ladakhi are spoken here. Traditional dress of Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its embroidery work and intricate design. It denotes the cultural richness of the region. Dresses are usually made up of silk, wool, and cotton.
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History
Jammu and Kashmir region was ruled by many kings and rulers in the past because of which its cultural diversity is rich and highly influenced. Earlier it was ruled by Persians and geeks Then came the time of Aryans who also influenced the dresses and culture.
Because of the low temperature climate and high altitude regions, dresses here are mostly thick to protect from cold weather and keep bodies warm.
Traditional Dress of Jammu and Kashmir Men
Pheran
Pheran is the traditional dress of both males and females in Kashmir. It consists of two gowns one over the other and it extends to the feet. Modern variation includes Pheran which extends only upto knees like kurtas.
In the summer, the Pheran used is made up of cotton to absorb sweat and in winters it is made up of wool to capture body heat and keep it warm. This dress is mainly worn by people residing in Kashmir valley and Chenab valley.
It also includes a headwear called Taranga and a Churidar Pajama to cover the lower body. Sometimes shawl is also used in extreme cold climates. Pheran is most common and popular dress of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pathani Suit
Pathani Suit is also called Khan dress and Kabul suit and is worn by men mainly in Srinagar. Muslim men also wear turban along with it also known as skull caps. It mainly consists of a Kurta, Salwar and a vest which is optional. It is worn on both formal and informal occasions such as festivals and marriages. Most of the time Salwar and Kurta are of the same color.
Traditional Dress of Jammu and Kashmir Women
Women of Jammu and Kashmir are best known for their beauty but the use of dresses and ornaments make their beauty more magical.
Pheran
Pherans are long narrow cloths up to their feet worn by both men and women of Kashmir. They are often tied tightly using a piece of cloth on the waist. Hindu women also wear saree and they also wear Taranga on their wedding day.
Taranga
Taranga is the headdress of Kashmiri women which is a brightly colored scarf. It is stitched to a cap and it narrows down at the back. Taranga is an important part of wedding attire among Hindus.
Jewelry
Jewelries like earrings, anklets and bangles are used widely other than in ornamentation in dressing. Golden pendants also called Dehjaroos are women by Hindu women(mangal sutra). It is suspended through gold chains or silk threads. It is the symbol of married status among Kashmiri Pandits.
Dress of Gujjars and Dogras
Gujjars are people who live in the hilly region of Kashmir. Women of the Gujjar community wear dresses similar to the women living in Turkish villages like loose sleeved tunics or a full skirt, with baggy Salwars. They also wear a thick cloth over their face as a curtain, usually as long as their shoulders. Gujjar women tie their hairs using more than one plaits which they hang on the front side.
Dogras are from the mountain valley of Kashmir on the southern side which extends till Punjab’s plains. Their dressing is highly influenced by the Aryans which normally wear the woolen and Pyjamas of loose fitting. They also wear the waist belt called Kamarband. Women wear loose tunic, churidar salwar, dupatta and also a cap. Men wear fitted pajamas and kurtas of long length along with Kamarband and turban. Dogra women wear tunic, churidar salwar and dupatta with a cap on their head. Kamarbands and turban are also used by Dogra elders.
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