Of-India.com

Punjab is one of India’s most prosperous states. The five rivers Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej and Jhelum flowing through the state, give it the name “Punjab” which means “Land of five rivers”. The endless mustard fields, the colorful charm of the rustics and the religious glory of the famous Golden Temple make it unique from other states of India. Its distinct blend of urban and rural flavors is manifested in its clothing, food, customs and so on.

Women in Punjab dress themselves in “Salwar” topped by a “Kameez” with a shawl known as “Chunni” or “Duppatta”. Salwar is like pants that can be wide and baggy or narrow. It is worn at the waist and is held up by a cloth string or an elastic band. The upper part which is known as “Kameez” is usually cut straight and flat. The neckline, sleeves and bottom edge of the “Kameez” is decked with embroidery work or lace. Along with this vibrant dress, the Punjabi women adorn themselves in attractive jewelleries such as necklace, bangles, rings, earrings, nose-pins, toe-rings and anklets. “Kada”, steel bangle is worn by most of Sikh men and women. Punjabi men dress themselves in a long & loose shirt known as “Kurta” teamed with the loose baggy salwar known as “Pyjamas” or a long length of fabric, wrapped around the waist known as “Loongi” or “Tehmat”. The whole appearance is completed with traditional Punjabi shoes, called “Juttis”, worn by men.

Baisakhi is the important festival of Punjab. All the people of Punjab celebrates this festival by wearing vibrant dresses. At the time of such grand festival, men and women participate in “Bhangra” and “Gidda” dances, respectively. They wear special traditional “Bhangra” and “Gidda” attires. These attires are mostly worn by the rustics. The colorful hues of these dresses reflect the zestful and enthusiastic life of Punjabi folk.

Bhangra dress comes with “Turla” or “Torla” that is a fan like shape decked on the top of the colorful turban known as “Pug”, “Kurta”, “Loongi”, “Jugi” a waistcoat and scarves known as “Rammal” worn on the fingers . Along with this gorgeous outfit, they adore themselves in necklace known as “Kaintha”.Bright hues such as red, yellow and green Bhangra dress are usually worn at the time of Baisakhi.

Women wear colorful attire with heavy jewelleries at the time of “Gidda” dance. The traditional “Gidda” dress includes “Duppatta”, “Kameez”, “Salwar” . This traditional dress is complemented with dazzling jewelleries such as “Tikka” jewellery, worn on the forehead, long hanging earrings or “Jhumka”, “Paranda” that is braid tassle, “Suggi-Phul” worn on head, a long gold necklace known as “Raani-Haar”, “Haar Hamela” gems studded golden necklace, “Baazu Band” and anklets known as “Pazaibs”. These vibrant traditional dresses give an elegant appeal to both men and women.