Gujarat is a state in western India that is known for its rich and varied culture, history, and cuisine. One of the most distinctive aspects of Gujarati culture is its traditional dress, which reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the people and their regions. In this article, we will explore the different types of Gujarati Traditional Dress for men and women, their origins, styles, and significance.

Chorno and Kediyu: The Gujarati Traditional Dress For Men

The most common traditional dress of Gujarati men is the chorno and kediyu. 

The chorno is a type of cotton pants that are loose and comfortable, worn mostly by men in rural areas. The chorno either has a string to tie at the waist or an elastic band. The kediyu is a frock-like kurta with frills that is worn over the chorno to cover the upper body. The kediyu is also called angrakhu, and it may have embroidery or other designs on it. The kediyu and chorno are usually white or light-colored for everyday wear, but they may also be colorful or festive for special occasions.

Another Gujarati Traditional Dress for men is the dhoti and kurta. 

The dhoti is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the lower body and tucked between the legs. The kurta is a long shirt that covers the torso. The dhoti and kurta are also worn by men in other parts of India, but they may have regional variations in style and color. The dhoti and kurta are often worn by Gujarati men for formal or religious events.

A typical accessory that Gujarati men wear with their Gujarati Traditional Dress is the phento, which is a headwear or a turban. The phento consists of a layered cloth wrapped around the head, and it may have different colors or patterns depending on the region or community. The phento is worn especially by men in rural areas, as it protects them from the sun and dust.

Chaniya Choli and Saree: The Gujarati Traditional Dress oF Women

The most popular traditional dress of Gujarati women is the chaniya choli or ghagra choli. This is a three-piece outfit that consists of a chaniya, a choli, and a chunni. The chaniya is a skirt-like garment that is worn around the waist and reaches the ankles. The chaniya is usually colorful and decorated with mirrors, beads, sequins, embroidery, or other embellishments. The choli is a short blouse that covers the chest and back, and it may have sleeves or be sleeveless. The choli is also designed with various patterns and motifs, and it may have hooks or ties at the back or front. The chunni is a long piece of cloth that is draped over the shoulder and head, and it may have borders or fringes at the ends. The chunni is used to cover the head or face as a sign of respect or modesty.

The chaniya choli is worn by Gujarati women for various occasions, such as festivals, weddings, dances, or daily wear. The chaniya choli is especially associated with garba, which is a traditional dance form of Gujarat that involves circular movements and clapping. During garba, women wear colorful and vibrant chaniya cholis that match their energy and enthusiasm.

Sharee

Another traditional dress of Gujarati women is the saree, which is a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the body in various ways. The saree is worn by women all over India, but it has some unique features in Gujarat. One of them is the way the saree is draped, which is called the seedha pallu style. In this style, the end of the saree (called pallu) is brought over the right shoulder from behind and tucked at the waist in front. This creates a pleated effect on the front of the saree, which showcases its design and color.

The saree is also distinguished by its fabric and pattern in Gujarat. One of the most famous types of sarees in Gujarat is the patola saree, which is made from silk and dyed with natural colors using a complex technique called ikat. The patola saree has intricate geometric designs that are symmetrical on both sides of the fabric. The patola saree is considered very valuable and auspicious, and it is often worn by brides or given as gifts.

Conclusion

The Gujarati Traditional Dress is a reflection of its rich and diverse culture, history, and geography. The traditional dress of Gujarat is not only a way of dressing, but also a way of expressing one’s identity, community, and values. The traditional dress of Gujarat is also a source of pride and joy for the people, as they celebrate their heritage and traditions with colors, patterns, and designs. The traditional dress of Gujarat is a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage that deserves to be appreciated and preserved.