Andhra Pradesh is the eighth-largest state of India, referred to as the food bowl of the South. It is a beautiful blend of vibrant history and comfort. It is known for its rich heritage and culture. The costumes worn here are quite fascinating to know about. Costumes of the state are popular for silk and cotton textiles. Now, we are discussing the traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh.
Men’s traditional costume!
Dhoti and Kurta are the main men’s attire in Andhra Pradesh.
- Dhoti
A Dhoti is a large piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and tucked between the legs. One can wear the length of the Dhoti according to one’s preferences. The Dhoti can be up to the length of the knee or the ankle.
- Kurta or Shirt
Men pair the Dhoti with a Kurta, which is generally created using a light cotton fabric, providing comfort to people.
- Angavastram
Men used to drape a long piece of cloth over their shoulders. The ritual is performed especially during main events, special occasions and ceremonies.
Traditional dresses for women!
- Sarees
Andhra Pradesh’s women love local handloom work. One popular style includes Dharmavaram silk, which is quite popular for weddings, Gadwal cotton, and Venkatagiri, along with silk borders.
- Kalamkari
Kalamkari adds two words: “Kalam” and “Kari”. Here, Kalam refers to paint that artisans use to paint. Artisans print cotton fabrics manually with plant dyes. Mythological stories are also added to the fabrics, which are quite popular in their traditional wear.
- Langa Voni
The girls wear a two-piece that looks like a half Saree. It has a flowing ankle-length skirt. It is worn along with a matching blouse. Young girls wore the attire along with a scarf draped at the top, which is referred to as Voni by them.
Tribal women’s attire!
The state has various tribes, and each tribe has its own unique way of dressing. One of the famous tribes is the Lambadi tribe.
Traditional Dress of Andhra Prades: Lambadi dresses!
Lambadi women wear quite bright, heavy and colourful clothes. They wear dresses in three parts. First, they wear long, ankle-length skirts, second, their blouse, and third, their scarf or Dupatta, which is used to cover their head. The decoration of the dress makes these dresses special compared to the rest of women’s attire. The scarves and skirts have thick borders which are decorated with small mirrors and colourful beads. They accompany these dresses with Bangles and heavy jewellery.
Traditional Dress of Andhra Prades: Jewelry
Jewellery is also a big part of traditional dresses in Andhra Pradesh. Everyone, irrespective of gender, wears accessories, especially pieces of jewellery. Women wear heavy jewellery pieces like necklaces, bangles, and earrings. Vaddanam is a popular jewellery piece among all. Vaddanam is a thick and ornate gold belt which is worn around the waist. The use of the jewellery piece is to keep the Sardigar skirt in place while adding additional beauty to the attire.
Conclusion!
The state attracts a vast number of tourists each year. One interesting thing about the place is its costume, which defines its culture. Men’s traditional dress includes a traditional wrap called a dhoti, while women’s traditional dress includes elegant six-yard sarees. The traditional dress of Andhra Pradesh is no different from that of other southern states of the country.