Traditional Dresses of Punjab

The Turban has remained an integral part of the Punjabi attire for Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus. The culture associated with turban has also evolved with time and though Hindus and Muslims have given it up, Sikhs are very proud of their traditional turban. The turban is held in high regard by the Sikh men who are forbidden to cut their hair. The traditional dress of Punjabi men is a sarong called ‘tehmat’ or a baggy ‘Pyjama’ coupled with a straight-cut ‘Kurta’. The Punjabi shoes called ‘jootis’ have retained their charm for centuries. Muktsar and Patiala are renowned for their exceptional ‘jootis’. The rural Punjabi men are often seen clad in vibrant sweaters which are knit by the women of the house.

All Punjabi women wear a ‘Salwar Kameez’. The ‘Salwar’ is the bottom wear while the ‘kurta’ is a fitted or loose long shirt-like garment. The ensemble is completed with a ‘duppatta’ which is a rectangular scarf. The ‘Phulkari’ work is very popular in all parts of India. The Punjabi women are skilled in this type of dense embroidery done with colorful silk thread on coarse cotton or ‘Khaddar’ fabric.