Traditional Dress of Himachal Pradesh - The Cultural Identity of Himachal

₹ 4,000 onwards View Packages
The culture of Himachal Pradesh is rich in diversity and traditions, and thanks to the lofty terrains and challenging reach, it is not yet influenced by the western glitters, largely. There are many communities, many religions, and people from different castes that dwell in harmony in this state. The natives of the Himachal Pradesh are known as 'Pahari'. Their cultures are exhibited in their traditions, rituals and their dresses.

The dress of Himachal pradesh people is very beautiful and vibrant. And it's made according to the harsh weather conditions that linger all year round. Warm and cosy, the handwoven dresses are an attraction for people who visit the state from other parts of the country and world. Right from the Himachali caps to the dresses to the footwear, most of it is weaved manually. The handloom has risen to become the cultural identity of Himachal Pradesh.

Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses of Men

There are mainly two classes in which the community of Himachal Pradesh has been divided: Rajput and Brahmins. The attires are largely identical, but some differences can be noted. Rajput Men wear tight Churidar Pyjamas with kurta and long silk overcoat over it.

The overcoats are designed with yak leather and gold threads which help them keep warm. They wear a turban on their heads which are colour-dyed and starch-stiffened. Himachali topis along with moustaches are considered as a symbol of pride and honour among the Rajputs. Brahmin Men can be seen wearing kurta and pyjama along with a waistcoat or an overcoat and. Priests mostly wear white clothes and a small soft towel-like cloth on their shoulders.

For occasions and festive ceremonies, men wear new kurta pyjamas along with embroidered caps or topis and sometimes shawls.  

Dresses Of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Dresses
Pahari Topi (Source)

Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses of Women

Rajput women wear long kurtas stretching from their neck to their toe. This began following the purdah (veil) system which is no more prevalent in the region. They also wear Ghaghris, Salwar-Kameez and Cholis. Cholis are the shirts which are worn on the upper part with a long skirt and a lot of bangles.

Brahmin women also wear similar clothing like salwar kameez and ghagra choli. For occasions and celebrations like weddings, they wear long pyjamas, traditional ghagra choli woven at homes with intricate embroidery and new rings and bangles. Footwear is designed by grass and animal skin to keep the feet warm.

Dresses Of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Dresses
Source

Traditional Jewelry & Ornaments of Himachali Women

There are many ornaments and jewelry that are worn by both Brahmin and Rajput women: Chakk (silver domed and worn on the top of head), Chanderhar (necklace or pendant worn in weddings), Chiri (similar to maangtika), Toke (wristbands), Pari (foot necklace), Jhumka (earrings), etc.

Pashmina Shawl

It is a kind of Shawl that is made from the hair of Pashmina goat. These shawls are demanded all over the world throughout the year. The special trait of this shawl is that it is very light weighted and soft but still keeps warm in harsh and cold winter. They are sold in different colour shades with intricate embroideries and delicate designs which make them very costly at times. To the Pashmina fibre, some soft silk is also added to make it feel smoother and shine brighter.
Dresses Of Himachal Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh Dresses
Source

Himachali Caps and Shawls from Kullu

The best souvenir to take home when you visit Himachal are the caps of Kullu. The traditional but stylish and trendy headwear is worn by most people in Himachal and is sold to many tourists as well. It is circular in shape with some beautiful design facing the front weaved in wool or cotton and sometimes velvet.

They get the name from the source Kullu, a place in Himachal but are now available across the state. Kullu is also popular for its shawls which come in many designs and shades. They are designed geometrically and often on the boundaries. Some designs are inspired by plants and animals which are woven on the base of lighter colours like white, grey, lime or off-white. They are made from lamb wool, pashmina fibres, Angora or Yak wool. The costs depend on the availability of the wool.

Tribal Himachali Dresses

There are many tribes that exist in Himachal Pradesh in regions like Kinnaur, Lahaul, Spiti and few areas of Manali. Kinnaur is a beautiful valley in the northeastern part of Himachal Pradesh, and dresses are Kinnaur are quite popular all over the country. Some popular items are Dohru, stall, and Bushehri topi.

Women can be seen wearing bulky silver ornaments, especially in functions and events like marriages and religious gatherings. Tribal people from Lahaul- Spiti district also wear attractive garments in eloquent colours. Traditional attire for men in Manali includes 'Sultan' (on the lower part of the body) and 'Chola' (on upper part) with a belt called 'Dora'. Women wear long shawl called 'Pattoo' and Dhatu' or 'Thipu' on their heads.

The tribal clothing of himachal pradesh are mostly hand woven and are therefore so popular. People of Himachal Pradesh are fond of wearing traditional and ethnic costumes. They feel pride in it and want to protect and safeguard their ethnicity and diversity which has made its mark across the world. Alongside Brahmins and Rajputs, there are many tribes which dwell in the hilly state. Some of them are Gaddis, Gujjars, Kinnars, lahaulis and Pangawals. Their ethnic costumes are also similar to Rajputs and Brahmins.

Dresses Of Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh Dresses
Kinnauri Woman (Source)

The western influence is not yet prominent but has become visible in the young generations. Shirts and Jeans among males and tops and skirts among females are worn by the younger people of the state.  Ethnic attire is preferred during rituals and ceremonies, The dresses and attires which are worn are not only derived from their rich culture but also help them to tackle rough weather conditions of the Himalayas. And this brilliant creativity has now turned into a prospering handloom business exporting products around the world.

This post was published by Vishwas Jain

Share this post on social media

FAQs on Himachal Pradesh

What is the name of traditional dress of Shimla?

Pattoo

What should I wear in Himachal Pradesh?

One may choose to wear a combination of woolen clothes like sweaters, scarves and socks or even jackets in addition to thick tee shirts and lowers.

Why do people in Himachal Pradesh wear woolen clothes?

The varying altitude and rugged terrain leads to in drastic change in temperature in this region. Due to rainfall in upper altitudes the temperature here drops. Woolens are the best clothing in himachal pradesh. 

Himachal Pradesh Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Related Articles

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Top Historical Places in Himachal Pradesh

Transport

Transport

3 Airports in Himachal Pradesh - Because Mountains Are Calling You!

Family Holidays

Family Holidays

Unexplored Places In Himachal Pradesh

Travelogue

Travelogue

A Private Screening of the Dhauladhars #TWC

Travelogue

Travelogue

First Himalayan Trek: Chanderkhani Pass : Wanderlust #TWC

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

12 Delicious and Traditional Food of Himachal Pradesh!

News

News

What does Yellow Weather Mean for Himachal Pradesh and Your Travel Plans?

Road Trips

Road Trips

Travel Warning - Flash Floods In Himachal After Cloudburst

News

News

Cloudburst in Himachal, Roads to Kinnaur Blocked

News

News

Travel Warning: Highways Blocked in Himachal Pradesh Due To Landslides

News

News

Cultivating Marijuana in Himachal Might Just Get Legal - Read More to Find Out

Adventure

Adventure

This Exotic Village Hidden In The Himalayas Should Be Your Next Stop!

Experiences

Experiences

Co-Working Living Space in the Hills that is Worth Ditching the Cubicles For!

Social

Social

21.4 km Pangi Ropeway Coming Up in Himachal Over Saach Pass

Adventure

Adventure

Take The Off-Beaten Path To Gushaini In Himachal For A Rustic Getaway

News

News

Eight Districts of Himachal Pradesh Put on Orange Alert!

News

News

Love Aaj Kal's Climax Scene Was Shot in This Quaint Village of Himachal

News

News

This Stunning Zostel in Bir Billing Is Just 10 Hours Away From Delhi!

News

News

Himachal Pradesh Alerted of Heavy Rain and Snowfall by the Meteorological Department

Travelogue

Travelogue

Winter Roadtrip In Spiti Valley With The Doi Host!

Experiences

Experiences

Top 12 Cafes to Chill in Himachal!

Travelogue

Travelogue

Auden's Col Trek #TWC

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Best Festivals of Himachal Pradesh

Hill Stations

Hill Stations

Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh For A Cool Himalayan Getaway

Adventure

Adventure

National Parks in Himachal Pradesh

Mystical Rivers of Himachal Pradesh

Adventure

Adventure

Paragliding in Himachal Pradesh

Adventure

Adventure

Offbeat Places in Himachal That Are Waiting to Be Explored

Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Charming Lakes in Himachal Pradesh for Every Traveller to Visit

Adventure

Adventure

Trekking in Himachal Pradesh For A Magical Getaway

Comments on this post

Browse Hotel Collections

View Packages