Types of Indian Costume can easily throw a glimpse of a country"s culture and tradition. As every state in India is geographically different from the other, this has given rise to varied kinds of dresses and styles. The word "costume" refers to attires or a distinctive style of dressing of a specific class of people in a particular period. India is famous for its tradition especially on dress. Each culture has its own significance in dress. The way they make it and wear it differs from each other. Traditional Indian clothing dates back more than a thousand years. The evolution of traditional Indian clothing could be traced from the Indus Valley Civilization. Through years and ages of being ruled over by various dynasties, the fashion of the Indian clothing changed accordingly. The major change that took place in the Indian clothes is due to the influence of the Western culture during the rule of British Empire.
Indian Clothing is known for its elegance and traditional wear all over the world. Festive season is the best way for exploring India and its culture, which is unique in every state of India. People of different communities wear different types of dresses in India which has become their identity.
Everywhere the people wear fashionable costumes during secular festivals and holidays. The festivities and other special occasions are the time when one can see maximum Indians donning their ethnic garb.
Indian Costumes for Women
There are so many different types of Indian traditional clothing for women. Though Saree is popularly believed to be the traditional dress for Indian women, there are other dresses that are either region specific or culture specific which are also considered to be part of Indian traditional dresses. Some of the most common and popular types of Indian traditional clothing for women are Salwar Kameez, Sharara, Lehenga and Churidar. On the occasion of any festival or joyful occasions, costume has become integrated with the festivity. The wearing of costumes has become a significant part of holidays and festivals like "Navratri", "Diwali", "Durga Puja", "Eid", etc.
Indian Costumes for Men
Costume denotes those special attires that a person wears to embellish his beauty and glory during social events. Traditional Indian Costumes for Men is often associated with the culture and heritage of India. The most widely worn traditional clothes for men include Sherwani, Dhoti-Kurta, Bandhgala, Kurta-Pyjama, Angrakha, Lungi, etc.
Indian Costumes for Children
Specials costumes are made for children. They are very colourful and fancy. To them, costumes can provide immense pleasure and amusement of role-playing. Children can be decked up in a varied fashion. Fancy dress is one of the most exciting things for young ones. They love to dress apart and resemble their favourite animal, fruit or any cartoon character. All schools host fancy dress competitions once in a while to amuse these little wonders.
Indian Costumes for Head
Pagri, Pag, Turban, Topi, Headgear are the part of daily men"s attire along with Indian traditional wear. These Costumes for Head were specially designed for occasional and ceremonial bases. Headgears signify the social, religious and economical status of a wearer in the society.
In any civilized society, costume is not only a basic necessity, beautiful dresses and accessories also add to the aesthetic appeal and glorify one"s personality and charisma.