The mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh in Northern India is multi-regional, multicultural, and multilingual like most other Indian states. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Himachal is blessed with some of the most spectacular landscapes. The culture of Himachal Pradesh is extremely rich, reflected in the local people’s day-to-day lives.
Noted for their colorful dresses and distinguished physical features, the people of Himachal Pradesh exhibit a warm and friendly nature, and their ‘untouched’ simplicity constitutes an integral part of the beautiful culture of Himachal Pradesh.
Around 90% of the population of Himachal Pradesh comprises Hindus. However, in some areas, the majority of the Buddhist population is due to the proximity of Himachal Pradesh to Tibet. The main Hindu communities of Himachal are the Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis, and Kolis. The state also boasts of a large tribal population comprising tribes like Gaddis, Kinnauris, Gujjars, Pangawals, and Lahaul. Agriculture is the main form of livelihood in the state, though many Himachal Pradesh people earn a living by rearing goats, sheep, and other cattle.
The culture of Himachal Pradesh is also evident in the languages spoken in the state. Though Hindi is the state language, Pahari is among the main languages spoken. It deviates from Sanskrit, and many people speak Prakrit in Himachal. In addition, many tribal dialects are spoken in Himachal Pradesh, including Chambyali, Pangwali, Lahaul, Kinnauri, and others.
The typical houses in Himachal Pradesh are constructed of clay bricks, with roofs being made of slate. In traditional village houses, the lowest floor is used for household cattle, the middle is used for storing grain, and the top floor forms the living area.
Hinduism is the main religion in Himachal Pradesh. The region is nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, which is the abode of the Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Also, there are numerous temples of Shiva and Parvati all around the state.
Music and Dance form a very important part of the art and culture of Himachal Pradesh. Both these art forms revolve mainly around religion in Himachal Pradesh. Some popular dance forms in the state include Losar Shona Chuksam, Dangi, Gee Dance and Burah Dance, Natti, Kharait, Ujagjama, Chadhgebrikar, and Shunto.
Another exciting aspect of the culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh is the endless succession of fairs and festivals celebrated in the region. The main festivals of Himachal are Holi, Dussehra, and Diwali, but numerous local festivals are celebrated with great pomp and grandeur.
Himachal Pradesh is also widely renowned for the beautiful handicraft items produced here. The carpets, leather works, shawls, paintings, metalware, woodwork, and paintings of the land are all evocative of the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh. The much-sought-after ‘Pashmina Shawl’ is one of the most beautiful handicraft products of the state, which tourists can buy during their Himachal Pradesh tour.
Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses – The Cultural Identity of Himachal
The traditional dresses of Himachal Pradesh depict the rich cultural heritage of the state. The ethnic dresses and traditional costumes of Himachal Pradesh are an honor for locals, and they mostly wear them during celebrations or functions. The traditional costumes of Himachal Pradesh are mostly handwoven, including headgear, trousers, dresses, shawls, and Kurta. The local footwear is also mostly hand-woven. These artistically woven costumes are known for their vibrant colors.
Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses of Men
In Himachal Pradesh, the community is divided into two parts – Brahmins and Rajputs. The costumes and dresses are mostly identical among them. However, there are minor differences in the way the Himachal Pradesh dresses up.
Rajput Men
The Rajput men of Himachal Pradesh wear Churidar Pajamas with Long Kurtas. Over Kurta, they wear an overcoat, which is made up of Yak wool. In the highest altitude places of Himachal Pradesh, Yak is very common, and clothing is made from Yak wool. These regions experience harsh climatic conditions, and clothes made from Yak wool are best for these places to keep them warm. The men cover their heads with a turban and a long cloth. The turbans are mostly colorful and vibrant. Rajput men grow their mustaches as a sign of pride for them.
Brahmin Men
The Brahmin men wear a long Kurta over a dhoti compared to the Churidar Pajama worn by Rajputs. Brahmin men also wear a long coat or waistcoat over the kurta. They also tie a turban on their head to cover their head. However, the Brahmin priests wear white-colored dresses often and carry a cloth like a towel over their shoulders. However, they wear Kurta, pajama, Himachali caps, or turbans at special occasions or festivities and wrap an elegant shawl around themselves as part of the dress.
Traditional Himachal Pradesh Dresses of Women
Like men, women of both castes wear almost identical dresses with minimal differences. In earlier times, women used to cover their faces, and the purdah system (veil system) prevailed, which was later abolished. There are a few variations in women’s dresses in the different communities of Himachal Pradesh.
Rajputs Women
This group of Himachali women covers themselves from the neck to their feet. They wear long dresses, including Kurta on the upper part of the body, and skirts like dresses or salwar at the bottom. They also wear Ghagra and Choli or blouses. During the functions and celebrations, they wear a lot of accessories such as bangles, necklaces, and jewelry on their head. The other traditional dress of women in Himachal is Salwar Kameez. They wear a cloth over their head to cover their head. The women wear footwear made up of Yak skin and some specific grass, which keeps their feet warm in the cold climatic conditions.
Brahmin Women
Like Rajput women, Brahmin women wear Ghagra and Choli or a blouse over their bottom, which may be a long skirt or trousers. They also wear a Salwar Kameez with a dupatta. The Himachal Pradesh clothes they wear during celebrations and festivities are special and embroidered. They mainly wear hand-embroidered clothes that depict the art of the region. On occasions, they wear jewelry that enhances the glory of traditional costumes.
Traditional Jewelry & Ornaments of Himachali Women
The jewelry is an essential part of a dress for Himachali women, including Rajputs and Brahmin women. They are worn during special occasions, including family functions, weddings, child birth, festivities, and any event. Here are some of the famous ornaments and jewelry of women of Himachal Pradesh:
- Chaakk – A silver domed-like ornament they wear on the top of their head.
- Chiri – This is a forehead ornament, which is similar to Maangtika.
- Jhumka – This is a type of jewelry that women wear in their ears and is a popular type of ornament across the state.
- Chander Har – This is a type of necklace or a pendant put on during special occasions.
- Toke – Similar to bangles, Toke is much like a band worn around the wrist and is never or rarely removed.
- Pari – An accessory worn around the foot ankle like a tiny foot necklace or ‘payal.’
Traditional Clothing of Himachal Pradesh
The traditional clothes of Himachal comprise headgear and shawls, along with draping and clothing. These clothing are special, enhancing their look and protecting them from the chilly weather. Some of the famous traditional clothing of Himachal Pradesh that locals regularly wear occasionally.
- Pashmina Shawl – This is a distinctive kind of shawl made from the wool of the Pashmina goat. These shawls are very much in demand and among the most expensive clothing. People wear this exquisite item on special occasions to save themselves from the cold weather.
- Caps and topis – The caps and topis of Himachal Pradesh are circular among locals. This is an item of famous traditional clothing which men and women wear during occasions and festivities. The caps of Himachal are thick or stiff and are designed to look attractive, especially on the front side of the cap. They are made of various materials, such as woolen for winters and cotton for summers. The Himachali people also wear velvet material caps, mainly for special occasions. The style of the topi differs from region to region. The most famous among them is Kullu Topi. People tend to put flowers in the topi on the front side to enhance the caps’ beauty and attire.
- Kullu Shawls – This is one of the most popular shawls in Himachal Pradesh, and it can be found in all tourist places. These shawls are known for their design and vibrant colors. These shawls are made up of wool from different animals, including lamb, yak, and Angora. Handwoven garments and handlooms of Himachal Pradesh are popular all over the world.
Tribal Himachali Dresses
There are numerous tribes in Himachal Pradesh, and among them, some of the popular are Pangawalas, Kinnauris, Gaddis, and Gujjars. Tribal Himachal is spread throughout the entire state, and some famous regions where tribal Himachal lived are Lahaul, Spiti Valley, and Kullu Valley. The traditional tribal dresses of Himachal are widespread across the country, especially topi, jewelry, and shawls.
The tribal women of Himachal Pradesh can be seen ornamented in bulky silver jewelry, and they also wear ornaments even on their dresses. They mostly dressed in this attire at functions. The tribes of Kullu, Lahaul, Spiti, and Kinnaur Valleys dressed in the same way with heavy ornaments and bright colors. They also cover their heads with a big, attractive cloth known as Thipu, Patoo, or Dhatu.
The tribe members of Himachal can be seen wearing shirt-type cloth on the upper part of the body, also known as Chola. They Chola over a Sultan, which is similar to trousers. They tie it up with a fat belt called ‘Dora.’ These belts are especially handwoven and are attractive.
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