Being covered by Telangana, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand, the culture and tradition of Odisha are influenced by all. Not only its rich culture, from monuments to the historical past, architecture to dialects, dance forms to vibrant art music, and charming dressing styles, make Odisha a perfect place to explore in the coming holidays. Who else can forget about Ashoka the Great?
Not only limited to the history of the great fighter, but its vibrancy and beautiful culture attract people from all over the world. To appreciate the beauty of Odisha, you will understand how dresses are worn by people living them.
It is enough to know how modernity and tradition meet in a frame of style, culture, elegance and beauty. Imagine you are exploring the state and curious about their traditional dress. Are you having the same dream? So, let’s dive into the following post.
Traditional Dress of Odisha for Men
Dhoti is a common long piece of clothing that is loved not only by the men of Odisha but also by people from different parts of the country. The perfect combination of style, ease of wear and comfort is seen in this traditional outfit. Believe it or not, people love wearing them because they are comfortable and can sit and stand freely after wearing them.
Since it’s a single piece, it will wrap around the waist. The highlighted part is that men in Odisha carry it off using different styles at different places. Not just available in white, there are ample colour options for various occasions, from weddings to small events.
While the kurta is a part of the style statement, especially for the groom. Indian wear includes different kurta styles; even men from Odisha prefer a solid and simple coloured kurta. They usually come in minimal patterns and prints.
Another version of this traditional garment includes the Sambalpuri kurta, which is more vibrant in colour and shorter in length. Because it complements any kind of lower half, men love to wear it. Basically, it is an upgraded version of the boring kurta, which is why it is preferred by men and even boys in Odisha. To complete the look, pyjamas are something that you have to wear on the lower half.
Traditional Dress of Odisha for Women
Women belonging to Odisha are in love with their traditional wears, whether it’s ornament or costume. Sambalpuri Saree is the top on the list of the traditional dress of Odisha for women. People of all ages wear this complete wrap-around saree because of its comfort. Hand-woven ikat is used to design this outfit, while the fabric is coloured with different patterns and prints.
In the saree category, another popular one is the Khandua saree. This traditional dress has a special place in the hearts of the women of Odisha. One of the important reasons behind wearing this saree with so much fun is that it looks attractive and aesthetically pleasing.
The traditional dress for women in Odisha is not limited to the saree. Another famous traditional dress is Uttariyo. It is a major part of the wedding, commonly known as the red dupatta. Since brides wear it, it is an essential accessory that they must carry as it makes them look complete. A wide range of options are available, from simple to solid others have zari and sequins on the border. Designed as a decorative item, this costume has changed a lot over time.
Western Influence on Odisha’s Traditional Dresses
Like other Indian states, the people of Odisha are heavily influenced by western dressing styles. Today every person has started adopting western culture in their thoughts and dress. A kurta worn with jeans is the best example of a fusion of traditional and western cultures. The saree, which was once limited to Odisha’s women, has now become popular all over the world. With the constant changes in the fashion industry, people have become modern and evolved, but still, traditions need to stand the test of time.
Conclusion
Odisha’s rich culture and great history are easily reflected in the traditional dress and daily wear worn by both men and women. Perhaps, most of you believe that Odisha is all about classical dance, instruments and singing, but the ancient culture is something you need to know, even though you’re not a history lover.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.