sayesha: Vivid reds, pinks and greens splash across the desert breaking the monotony of the yellow sands
coloured stones and tinsels splash their brilliant hues challenging the flaming sun; silver and brass jewellery tinkle and clink complementing the ancient folk songs drifting across
The garments are loose and flowing clothes and are generally cut out to cover up most of the body. This prevents sunburns resulting from direct exposure to the harsh rays.
The textiles are mainly soft cottons that provide utmost comfort during the summer months.
The women dress in either sarees or ghaghra cholis.
Sarees may be either cotton or silk and are generally embroidered.
Colored stones, tinsels and silken threads are used to create beautiful floral patterns and traditional motifs and enhance the rich look of the saree.
Depending on the economic ampleness of the family the embroidery or zari work may be done with golden and silver threads and semi precious gems may replace the showy colored stones.
Tie and Dye, Bandhani and block printed textiles are the common choice.
rural nooks of the state the women are still given to wearing long or short flowing and frilly skirts. Ghagras for daily use and Lehengas for more formal occasions are the norm. These are matched with blouses such as Kanchli or Kunchuki or Choli depending on the blouse length.
The skirts are tied tightly around the waist and have a flaring width at their base. The Ghagras are generally short extending up to the calf while the Lehengas are longer and reach up to the ankles.
The Odhni is an integral part of the Rajasthani women’s attire and deserves special mention. It is generally a long piece of cloth (generally 3 meters by 2 meters). Though usually teamed up with the Ghagra Choli or Lehengas, it is also worn over a saree on special ceremonious occasions.
One end of it is tucked into the skirt or saree at the waist. It is draped gracefully across like a saree and taken to cover the head in a short veil. Odhni stands as a mark of respect and conformity to one’s traditions and the bridal
Odhni is a piece of exquisitely hand embroidered attire treasured by every woman as long as she lives and used sparingly. The
Muslim women of the state wear burkhas or traditional black veils.
Men’s Attire:
Banda, Bugatari, Pachewara and Khol form the traditional costume of the rural men. A dhoti is a long white cloth skillfully worn around the waist and draped to form gracefully loose breeches.
An Angrakhi or a Jhari is a jacket like garment worn to cover the upper body. The Angrakhi may be short frock styled known as ‘kamari angarakha’ or long knee length garments.
A shawl or Dhabla compliments the men’s attire. Muslim men are given to wear Achkans and Kurtas. The kamarband or patka is a waistband (mostly simply a piece of cloth tied across the waist) that aids in holding a weapon or arm tucked into it.
The headgears of men are special and spectacular. Pencha, Sela, Saafa, Potia and Pagri are all an assortment of headgear sported by the men of the state.
Royal Dressing:
The royals of the state had their own distinctive style of dressing.
The turbans are larger and often have jewels or feathers attached to them to signify their stature.
Modern Tastes:
Modern tastes and dictates of the younger generations are governed by urban and western fashion trends. While the women fall prey to the lures of Salwar suits and western wear, men too seek the casual comfort of Shirts, T Shirts, Trousers and Jeans. The office-going younger lot conforms to the global norms of dressing and corporate etiquette.
Accessories:
The traditional footwear of Rajasthani women deserves special mention. The female folk from affluent families wear specially embroidered and sequined slippers or chappals called jootis or mojaris. The use of golden thread, beads and spangles in these patterned footwear make them showy souvenirs. These are generally made of sheep, camel or goat hide and the designs are created on the velvet casing attached to the leather. These are soft and extremely comfortable to use. Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ramjipura and Jobre are world famous for their intricately and finely designed Jootis.
The bulky jewellery which forms part of the woman’s ensemble is also noteworthy. Some tribes use only brass jewellery but the more affluent families treasure their heirlooms of silver and gold jewellery. The nobles and royals practiced a tradition of handing down their Meenakari and Kundan adornments to the daughter-in-law to keep these coveted prizes in the family. Glass bangles form a part of the married woman’s world and have sentimental and religious significance.
Lac jewellery
