Discover the vibrant cultural significance of Punjab’s traditional attire, from men’s sherwanis to women’s salwar kameez and Phulkari.
I also live in Punjab. Today, I will talk about the traditional dress of Punjab. Men and women, both Punjabi, feel proud to wear. As a region, Punjab has always boasted a very colourful and vibrant culture, and it is valid to a large extent that Punjabi traditional dress depicts the spirit of the people.
The dresses are not only garments worn by the people of Punjab but are much more significant than that; they are the identity of the people, their cultural assets.
Men’s Traditional Dress
Kurta and Churidar/Pajama
For men of Punjabi descent, a kurta is essential to the wardrobe. It signifies a long tunic that falls to the knees or lower and is worn over a churidar or pyjama.
The kurta may be made of cotton and be very plain and basic for casual or working wear, or it may be made of good fabric and could also be heavily worked with embroidery for formal or festive use.
It is worn with a churidar, narrow-cut trousers bunched at the ankle or pyjamas, which are slightly more casual and comfortable.
Sherwani
As for the formal, men wear a sherwani, a long coat-like garment that runs down to the knees or lower, for formal events like weddings, in terms of the fabric, it is worn over a shirt and trousers, the sherwani is mainly crafted from silk or brocade and has embroidery work.
It is often accompanied by a headgear and a pagri, adding to the formal wear aspect.
Pagri (Turban)
It is also essential to men’s Punjabi dress, especially in the Sikh region. Most people reflect pride in this garment as it denotes honour and respect.
It is worn in formal activities and for everyday use. It is placed on the head and arranged with lots of care; the colour and design may also differ depending on the person wearing the turban’s culture, tradition or preference.
Women’s Traditional Dress
Salwar Kameez
The salwar kameez is the most popular dress for women of Punjabi origin. This set-up comprises a long blouse (kameez), baggy pants (salwar) and a covering stole or veil (dupatta).
This traditional dress can be designed with simple prints to elaborate embroidery work and worn daily and at official parties.
Phulkari
Phulkari is the art of decorating clothes with different colourful flowers in stem stitch, which originates from Punjab.
This kind of needlework uses bright, floral patterns; in most cases, they are used to ornament dupattas and shawls.
Besides being used in the structural framework of the curtains, the phulkari motifs are very elaborate and hold a lot of cultural meaning behind them, as were creations of Punjabi women.
Churidars
Churidars are pants designed to be trailed underneath the kameez to give the woman a slender line look. In most cases, the fabric is stretchable, so one can quickly move, and the clothing fits perfectly. When worn with the salwar kameez, churidars bring beauty to the attire.
Punjabi women still like to use bangles, earrings, necklaces, and maang tikka, like a piece on the forehead. These accessories enhance beauty and culture and are part of our tradition, especially during festivals and weddings.
Accessories
For Women
Punjabi women still like to use bangles, earrings, necklaces, and maang tikka, like a piece on the forehead. These accessories enhance beauty and culture and are part of our traditional wear, especially during festivals and weddings.
For Men
Accessories for men could include a vest or jacket over the kurta or sherwani. In Sikhism, the kirpan is a ceremonial dagger and one of the five articles of faith.
Cultural Significance
Punjab traditional dress is not only worn by the people of Punjab but also represents the history, culture, and arts of Punjab.
Every piece of clothing and accessory must have a story and meaning, making the outfit beautiful and meaningful.
Starting from the salwar kameez’s brightness to the sherwani’s sophistication, the traditional dress of Punjab is alive and kicking the stamp of the cultural fusion that the state is known for.
Punjabis pride themselves in tradition and continue to wear this style with the honour and traditions of their ancestors.
