Andhra Pradesh, known as the “Kohinoor of India,” boasts a rich tradition of weaving and dyeing, influencing the clothing styles that reflect the state’s cultural heritage. Here’s a detailed look at the traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh for both men and women:
Traditional Dress of Andhra Pradesh for Men
For Lower Body:
- Dhoti:
- A widely worn traditional garment throughout India, the dhoti is a large piece of cloth wrapped around the waist, tucked in at the front according to personal preference.
- Lungi:
- Similar in appearance to the dhoti, the lungi is a large piece of clothing wrapped around the waist.
For Upper Body:
- Kurtas:
- Loose shirts that extend up to the knees, usually made of cotton, but fancier ones may use silk or other luxurious fabrics.
Traditional Dress of Andhra Pradesh for Women
- Langa Voni:
- Worn by girls in the state, it consists of a skirt, blouse, and dupatta.
- Sarees:
- The quintessential traditional attire for Andhra Pradesh women.
- Types of Sarees:
- Pochampally Sarees:
- Handwoven silk or cotton sarees with traditional designs produced in the village of Pochampally.
- Dharmavaram Sarees:
- Heavy bridal sarees from Dharmavaram, known for silk fabric and contrasting pallu and zari brocade borders.
- Uppada Sarees:
- Crafted in the town of Uppada, these cotton sarees feature gold and silver zari patterns woven in ‘Jamdani’ style.
- Gadwal Sarees:
- Made in Gadwal, these sarees are famous for zari borders and pallus with a cotton body, woven in Kupadam style.
- Mangalgiri Sarees:
- Produced in Mangalgiri, these cotton sarees have flattering borders with gold or copper threads, woven on a pit-loom.
- Narayanpet Sarees:
- Crafted in Narayanpet, these lightweight sarees have plain bodies with contrasting pallus adorned with zari work.
- Venkatagiri Sarees:
- Lightweight sarees from Venkatagiri, made with cotton and silk fabrics, featuring ‘Jamdani’ style weaving with bright colors and intricate motifs.
- Pochampally Sarees:
Andhra Pradesh Traditional Dress for Bridegroom
- The groom wears a silk kurta and a full-length dhoti, often in white or cream, with an additional draped cloth over one shoulder.
Andhra Pradesh Traditional Dress for Bridal
- The bride adorns a vibrant red silk Dharmavaram saree, featuring a beautiful pallu adorned with gold-plated work.
These traditional clothing styles encapsulate the vibrant culture of Andhra Pradesh, with a special emphasis on the exquisite sarees that showcase the state’s artistic heritage. Which of these dressing styles do you find most captivating? Share your thoughts in the comments below!