Traditional Dress of Madhya Pradesh – Costumes For Men & Women

Not a lot of people in India truly know what people in Madhya Pradesh traditionally wear to represent their culture. But it is not like they wear something out of the ordinary; their dresses are pretty much the same as other neighboring states, but with a tribal touch. So, let’s get on with the proper introduction of the traditional dress of Madhya Pradesh. And yes, we’ll talk about both men and women, and how they beautifully dress up for different occasions or events. If you’re intrigued about that right now, just keep on reading because MP’s culture is pretty vibrant and it shows through the way people dress there.

Traditional Dress of Men in Madhya Pradesh

1. Dhoti

The dhoti is the simplest garment that has been on the males the longest. One could say it is a long white cotton cloth that is properly wrapped around the waist and the legs. Since the fabric is of a light and breathable nature, the dhoti is an ideal wear for the scorching summer days. It’s just a go-to option for men, especially in villages.

2. Saluka

The saluka is short-sleeved, collarless, made of cotton, and is the perfect match for the dhoti. It’s very simple, airy, and was made only for the sake of comfort. As a result, the dhoti and saluka are two pieces of clothing that not only maintain the old but also make sense from a practical point of view.

3. Mirzai and Bandi

In areas such as Malwa and Bundelkhand, which experience cold weather, the male folk add another layer of clothing to their apparel that goes by the name of the mirzai or bandi. The mirzai is basically a long jacket that fastens around the chest and serves both the purposes of warmth and movement. The bandi, being a brief jacket ending at the waist, is generally spotted in a single colour such as white or black.

4. Safa or Chanderi Pagdi

Every outfit is missing a piece if it doesn’t have a safa or pagdi, a turban that is considered the symbol of honor and respect. Especially, that’s the case in MP. These are usually made out of vibrant-color fabrics like orange, pink, or red, and are tied in various styles from different regions. It is especially the Chanderi pagdis that are popular for their classy texture and ancient prints.

Traditional Dress of Women in Madhya Pradesh

1. Lehenga-Choli with Odhni

By far the most common storybook costume is a lehenga (skirt) and choli (blouse), along with an odhni (or lugra). A lehenga is basically a flared skirt which is worn along with a tight-fitting choli, and an odhni is used to cover the head and the shoulders. In a lot of places, ladies who are married cover their heads as a mark of their respect. No matter from which locality an odhni has been draped, it always signifies respect for the ancient customs.

2. Sarees

• Maheshwari Saree: These silk sarees from Maheshwar are light in weight, classy, and have zari borders which enhance their beauty. Due to their distinctive reversible border, the zari border decorated sarees of Maheshwar can be used from either side. This one is like a royal saree.
• Chanderi Saree: Chanderi sarees are crafted from silk and pure cotton that has a lustrous finish and silky texture. In most cases, the designs of the sarees comprise natural elements like peacocks and flowers, along with geometrical figures. Good fit for formal events or special occasions.
• Bandhani or Bandhej Saree: Bandhani sarees, which are typical of Indore, Ujjain, and Mandsaur, are made of vibrant colors such as red, yellow, and green. Every pattern, such as Ekdali or Mothra, is unique in itself, and it’s just a cultural thing.

3. Jewellery and Accessories

Ornaments are one of the main factors that go a long way to giving a complete traditional look. How? Well, a typical female from the state of Madhya Pradesh will deck herself with either silver or metal pieces of jewellery such as bangles, necklaces, and nose rings. In the tribal communities, apart from beautifying the body, the ornaments also indicate the social and marital status of the wearer. Pajeb (kind of a silver anklet with small bells) is the most popular item of the folk, which, very often, comes as a family heritage.