India has 28 states which are different in their culture and tradition. The state Uttarakhand is one of them is famous for its unique culture and tradition. Uttarakhand is also famous for its different tribes and communities and their culture, which represent the ethnic groups residing in the state. The treasure of tribal arts and crafts of Uttarakhand, a land of myriad culture and people, is immense and has an astounding range of diversity and beauty.
It is said that, officially, Uttarakhand is the home for around five tribes. The Tribes of Uttarakhand have retained their age-old traditional ways of living. Tribes of Uttarakhand mainly comprise five major groups namely Jaunsari tribe, Tharu tribe, Buksa Tribe, Raji Tribe and Bhotiya tribe along with two famous communities GADHWALI AND KUMAONI. These Tribes and communities use a particular dressing pattern according to their deep-rooted tradition. The tribal costume has its own charm with its traditional textiles and accessories which shine in their highest glory of beauty.
Traditional dress of gadhwali community
In the Garhwal region of this Northern state, women usually wear sari tied in a particular way, the pallu going from the front and knotted on the shoulder, with a waistband made of cloth. This is considered convenient for women, as it makes it easier to carry food and does not interfere with their work on the fields. Earlier, the sari was worn with a full sleeves Angra (blouse) with buttons made from silver, to protect the women from the cold. They also don a headscarf scarf to protect their hair from damage and to carry the harvest. Garhwali men typically wear kurta and pyjama or kurta and churidar, depending on their age. This is the most common attire in the community.
Traditional dress of kumaoni community
The women in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand can usually be found wearing a ghagra along with a kameez (shirt) as a blouse. This closely resembles the attire worn by many Rajasthani women.
Kumaoni women also wear pichoras, a type of garment common during weddings and ceremonies. Traditionally this was dyed and made at home and was yellow. Even today, women don this traditional pichora on their wedding day. In Kumaon region, married women wear big naths made from gold covering their entire cheek, hansuli, black beaded necklace or chareu, bichuye (toe rings) made from silver, and sindoor. These were considered mandatory.
The regular clothes of the men of Kumaon region resemble that of Garhwali. They, too, wear kurta and pyjama along with a turban or topi.
Traditional costumes of Bhotia tribe
Tribe Females of Bhotia tribe mainly wore Honju, Chhua and Pangdin as their traditional garments Costume of Bhotia community shows influence of both Bhotia and Tibetan culture. Bhotia people weave their personal apparels at their home itself. Other Female costume mainly includes ghagra (coloured gathered skirt), ghunghati (white headgear with brocade patch), chuba (long sleeved woollen coat up to ankle).
The traditional outfit of Bhotias men is called a Bakhu (similar to the Tibetan chuba, but sleeveless) which is a loose cloak type garment that is fastened at the neck on one side and near the waist with a silk/cotton belt.
The regular clothes of the men of Kumaon region resemble that of Garhwali. They, too, wear kurta and pyjama along with a turban or topi.
Traditional dress of Jaunsari tribe
The main dress of the women of Jaunsar is Ghagra, Jhaga, and Dantu. Apart from this, Jaunsari women are very fond of jewellery in which gold is silver ornaments. I wear bangles and kadas also called kangad. The most popular necklace and Mangal Sutra, which is worn around the neck is the identity of Suhagin women. Also, the jewel called Pejav is worn in the paro. It is silver. Even today, the women of Jaunsari society wear these traditional costumes and attire, it is known that even today the old tradition is maintained in the Jaunsar Babar region and is appropriately preserving their culture. This tradition always inspires the generations to come.
