Traditional Apparels & Accessories

Ikats and brocade silks in Andhra Pradesh are skillfully woven at home under the supervision of master weavers. The wages at the end of the day depends on the quality and richness of the silks woven and the weaver who makes plain silks does not earn much. Pochampalli in Nalgonda district and Chirala in Guntur district are famous for their work in tie-and-dye weaving. This craft involves a detailed and sophisticated process where the warp and the weft are tied and dyed according to a predetermined design. Both cotton and silk fabrics are prepared using this process.

Japi is the traditional bamboo sun shade used to protect oneself from the strong sun rays. Japis are well decorated with a dazzling red background. Artist design many motifs and the common ones are the butterfly in different sizes and crescent moon. Japis are also ornamented with artificial jewels.

Paranda is one of the traditional handicrafts of Punjab. It is a colorful hanging worn by the Punjabi women in their hair. Most of the Punjabi women have long hair, which they plait and then tie a paranda at the end. Parandis are available with a great variety in designs and colors. They are made out of a bunch of silk threads, intricately woven with other skillful works. The craftsmen require a great deal of patience and creativity while producing the parandas. They reflect the natural liveliness and spontaneity of the Punjabi people.

Punjabi juttis represent the traditional footwear of Punjab, which is known worldwide for its exquisite design and intricate pattern. It can be described as a traditional Indian shoe, which some other states like Rajasthan and Haryana also manufacture. However, the name 'jutti’ is typical to Punjab, whereas similar traditional footwear is called khussa or mojri in other states. Juttis are long shoes with a curved end. They are made out of self-lured leather. Gold and silver threads are used to weave embroidery on them.

Of the sixty-two tribes inhabiting Orissa, 12-15 tribes know the art of comb making. A distinct feature of Orissan Tribal Community is that whose who don't make comb, don't have to buy it. They can get it as a gift or in exchange of agricultural surplus from others.

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This garment, somewhere between a coat and a cloak, is eminently suited to the Kashmiri way of life, being loose enough to admit the inevitable brazier of live coals which is carried around in much the same way as a hot water bottle, Men's Pherans are always made of tweed or coarse wool; women's Pherans, somewhat more stylized, are most commonly made of Raffel, which splashes of Ari or hook embroidery at the throat, cuffs and edges. The quality of embroidery and thickness of the Raffel determines the price.

'Pullans', foot-wears like the bed-room slippers, made out of the fibres of 'bhang' are handicraft in the upper reaches of Inner and Outer-Seraj in the Jalori and Bashleo pass regions. The bottom of the footwear is made of the 'bhang' fibre whereas the upper is made of goat hair called 'shell' and bhang fibre. Very colourful designs are prepared for the upper. It is warm footwear and is used inside the room also.

The Chamba 'Rumal' or handkerchief about 2 to 6 feet in length, is an important part of a Chamba bride's trousseau. This handkerchief is also known as 'Kashida'. The embroidery is same on both sides and the threads used are silken and colorful. The cloth used, can be cotton or silk and is usually white or cream in color. The designs are made in running stitches with the space filled in so that the picture appears on both sides of the handkerchief. The designs retain an almost painting kind of an appearance and are an ideal gift from the region.

Crochet lace is another form of craft in the state and Jamnagar is the oldest centers of the crochet lace work. The designs are primarily based on the print motifs like boot, floral, nosegay, almond and date. The colour palette of the crochet is dominated by black and brown with white and has an artistic appeal. The omen make decorative as well as utility crochet lace items.

Delhi and Rajasthan are two main places in India, which are regarded as the home of shellac work. Do check out the brightly coloured dazzling bangles, often studded with glass gems, spirals of base-metal wire, foil and spangles. They make inexpensive but an unusual present for friend's too.