Festivals are just around the
corner, and across the country people begin shopping enthusiastically. While
food, decorations, and rituals take priority, clothing holds a very special
place in festival preparations. Traditionally, people choose traditional attire
first, at least for the main festival days, and may opt for western wear on
other occasions.
Traditional clothing is not just
about appearance—it represents culture, identity, values, and heritage. Wearing
traditional attire during festivals should not be seen as an option but as a family
tradition passed from one generation to the next. This practice benefits not
only families by strengthening cultural bonds, but also supports artisans and
craftspeople whose livelihoods depend entirely on these traditions.
Excessive use of western wear,
especially during festivals, gradually pushes our traditions into the
background. If this continues, the coming generations may lose awareness of the
significance of traditional costumes, the stories behind them, and the
craftsmanship involved.
Even if you live in a different
state due to studies, work, or other reasons, make an effort to:
Wear the traditional attire of your
native state, or
Respect and adopt the traditional
wear of the state you currently live in
Families should fix certain
rituals—for example, wearing only traditional attire on festival days,
weddings, or religious functions. This reinforces cultural pride and
consistency.
Buying traditional wear directly
helps artisans, many of whom rely solely on weaving, dyeing, embroidery, or
handloom work for survival. Purchasing from state government handloom houses,
cooperatives, or artisan support groups ensures fair wages and preserves
endangered crafts.
Parents should also educate
children about:
How handloom fabric is made
The time, skill, and hard work
involved
The difference between handmade
and machine-made textiles
This awareness builds respect for
artisans and encourages responsible, ethical consumption.
This festive season, choose
traditional wear. Shop handmade. Shop local. Support artisans.
Traditional Wear of Indian States
(Overview)
India’s diversity is beautifully
reflected in its traditional clothing. Each state has its own identity shaped
by climate, culture, history, and craftsmanship.
North India
Punjab: Phulkari work, Patiala
salwar, kurta
Haryana: Ghagra, kurti, dupatta
with bold embroidery
Uttar Pradesh: Banarasi silk
sarees, chikankari kurtas
Rajasthan: Bandhani, ghagra-choli,
pagri, mirror work
Himachal Pradesh: Woolen shawls,
caps, chola-dora
Jammu & Kashmir: Pheran,
pashmina shawls
West India
Gujarat: Chaniya choli, Bandhani,
Patola silk
Maharashtra: Nauvari saree,
Paithani saree, dhoti-kurta
Goa: Kunbi saree (handwoven)
South India
Tamil Nadu: Kanchipuram silk
sarees, veshti
Kerala: Kasavu saree, mundu
Karnataka: Mysore silk, Ilkal
saree
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana:
Pochampally ikat, Gadwal sarees
Puducherry: Handwoven cotton and
silk blends
East India
West Bengal: Tant, Baluchari,
Jamdani sarees
Odisha: Sambalpuri, Bomkai, ikat
textiles
Bihar: Bhagalpuri (Tussar silk)
Jharkhand: Tribal weaves and
natural dyes
Northeast India
Assam: Mekhela chador, Muga silk
Manipur: Phanek, Innaphi
Mizoram: Puan
Nagaland: Naga shawls
Arunachal Pradesh: Handwoven
tribal garments
Meghalaya: Jainsem, dhara
Tripura: Rignai, risa
Sikkim: Bakhu (Kho)
Central India
Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi,
Maheshwari sarees
Chhattisgarh: Kosa silk
Conclusion
Traditional clothing is a living
heritage, not a costume. By choosing traditional wear during festivals, we:
Preserve cultural identity
Support artisans and weavers
Educate future generations
Strengthen family and social
values
Let us make it a conscious
tradition to wear, respect, and promote Indian traditional textiles—not just
during festivals, but as a way of life.
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