Traditional dress for girls in Punjab

Punjab also known as the land of five rivers (since it is the only state through which five important rivers namely the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, Chenab and Jhelum) is a swaddle of the lavish green wheat fields, the beautiful countryside, villages filled with fields of yellow mustard flowers, the enchanting nourishing rivers and what not. Punjab is India’s most fertile and beautiful state. 

Punjab is one of India’s largest states and has also played an important part in India’s development. The Punjabi culture has spread far and wide across the globe since many Punjabis have travelled and settled abroad, amalgamating with different cultures along with proclaiming a message of both love and acceptance. The state is very harmonious with different religions flourishing alongside each other, celebrating life and enjoying a good taste in both food and drink. 

The Punjabi culture is an extremely vibrant culture that is full of colors and fun. And so is the traditional dress for girls. The Punjabi suit is the traditional dress for girls and women in the Punjab region. It comprises of a kurta or kameez and a straight cut salwar.  It has undoubtedly become the traditional dress for girls in India with its own variations. 

During the olden times, people preferred wearing cotton clothing. The tops or the kameez for both genders reached to the knees. A scarf was worn over the kameez which was draped over the left shoulder and under the right. Furthermore, a large sheet was draped over one shoulder which would hang loose towards the knees. Both sexes wore a dhoti around the waist. Modern Punjabi dress has retained this outfit but has evolved a lot with time.  Here are a few different types of traditional dress for girls in India:

 

1. The Punjabi Suthan 

The Punjabi suthan is worn in 2 different types: either loose to above the ankles or tight around the ankles or loose to the knees and tight to the ankles. The suthan is a unisex garment but it is worn particularly with the Punjabi suthan suit whereby it is worn by women with a kurti or kurta. It is also a part of the Punjabi Ghaghara outfit. It is still preferred and worn in the regional places of Punjab. 

 

2. Kurta

The kurta is a short shirt, with sleeves extending from the shoulders, to the middle of the body and consists of slashes on the left and the right sides. There is no difference in the traditional kurta. It is the same as the modern Punjabi kurta and is worn by women in the Punjab region as do men. The kurta draws inspiration from both the Jama and the Punjabi angarkha. 

It can be worn with a plethora of outfits such as salwar, suthan, tehmat, lungi, dhoti, Punjabi ghagra. These days jeans and kurta are the new and the favouraite trend of the women. Here are a few types of favouraite kurta trends which can be worn both as an Indian and as a western wear. 

 

 

3. Dupatta

The Punjabi dupattas are extremely famous globally especially the heavy Phulkari work dupatta. Every woman wishes to own at least one Punjabi style Phulkari dupatta. The dupatta complements well with the neutrals and will never go out of trend. 

 

4. Salwar  Suit

Salwar suit is no longer just the traditional dress for girls of Punjab instead it can be referred as the national dress of the country. It is so comfortable to wear yet so stylish. Also these days it has imbibed so many western trends making it even more trending and a must have for every woman.