As a diverse and multicultural state, the authentic Pahari culture has been reflected through fashion and food since time immemorial. Their traditional style is representative of their pride and honour in their customs and beliefs. Both tribes and religious communities in Himachal Pradesh have a unique identity in the form of their vibrant clothing. Himachal Pradesh, a state located in northern India, shares a common border with the state of Punjab and both regions have a significant influence on each other's culture, particularly in terms of food, music, and dance.
 

Gaddi Tribe

The Gaddi Tribe of Chamba have a remarkably different style than the other tribes. To protect themselves from the cold, men wrap a long coat made from wool called ‘chola’. Women of this tribe wear a vibrant long dress embellished with beads and frill details called a ‘luanchari’. 

Kinnaur Tribe

Most of their clothing features creative patterns, which is what makes them stand apart from other tribes. Men wear woolen shirts called ‘chamn kurti’ with a long-woolen coat termed ‘chhuba’. Their bottom wear is a ‘suthan’, which is a churidar pyjama made from wool. Women of this tribe wear a long-sleeved woolen blouse, and cover themselves with a woolen shawl known as ‘dohru’. 

Kullu Tribe

The Kullu Tribe belongs to a popular hill station of the same name near the Beas River. Their clothing is also one of the most famous in the state since tourists get photographed wearing it. A long, pleated woolen coat called ‘chola’ is adorned by men, and secured with a ‘dora’ on top of ‘suthan’. Women wear a dress, ‘patto’, that is similar to a shawl, but made with a thicker and heavier weave. 

People in Himachal Pradesh are also classified on the basis of their religion — Brahmins and Rajputs. While their clothing is quite similar and almost indistinguishable, locals can easily point out the difference between the two.

Brahmin Men & Women

Brahmin men wear long kurtas and dhotis with a long overcoat or waistcoat. Priests are found to be dressed in white dresses with a cloth covering their shoulders. Their outfits are enhanced during special occasions like weddings and ceremonies. Women wear ghagra cholis accompanied with long pairs of trousers help them set a statement. The traditional salwar kameez is worn as well with a dupatta to cover their shoulders and head. 

Rajput Men & Women

Rajput men sport a long kurta on top of churidar pyjamas that are more fitted around their ankles. On top, they wear a sleek overcoat made from yak skin with golden thread embroidery. The Rajput women are found wearing traditional dresses of himachal pradesh that are long enough to cover their entire body - right from their neck to feet. This dress is shaped as a kurta, giving it a unique twist. Aside from this, they wear ghagra cholis and the conventional salwar kameez. 

Gaddi Tribe

A common element in the attire for both men and women of the Gaddi is the ‘Dora’, a black string of sheep’s wool. It is wrapped around the waist to tighten coats and dresses. The string is also a sign of respect for Lord Shiva and symbolic of his worshippers.  Men also wear a wool-woven pyjama called ‘suthan’, and cover their heads with a ‘topi’ that is supposed to represent the peak of Mount Everest. Their heads are covered with a frilly dupatta that is sometimes decorated with sequins known as a ‘ghundu’. Jewellery items like jhumkas (earrings), singi (small necklace), clips, chiri (forehead accessory), pari (anklet), and gojru (bracelets) are also worn.

Kinnaur Tribe

A thicker shawl, ‘pattu’ is placed on women’s shoulders, and heavy gold/silver jewellery complements the entire outfit. A ‘Kinnauri topi’ is worn by both men and women to cover their heads. It serves as a sign of respect amongst the locals and is an essential part of their attire. Typically, the cap is light grey in colour with green or red velvet outlining the rounded band.

Kullu Tribe

Silver brooches that are bought from local stores called ‘boomini’ pin together both ends of the dress worn by women and a belt known as ‘gachchi’ is tied around their waist. Finishing touches are added with a ‘dhatu’ or ‘thipu’ being used to cover their heads. Lastly, a long necklace, ‘chandrahar’ is placed on their necks to complete the look and refine it a bit more. Men cover their shoulders with a neutral-coloured blanket known as ‘loi’ or lachho’. Their heads are covered with a colourful ‘Kulluvi topi’ made with wool. 

Brahmins & Rajputs

Bangles, nose rings, toe rings, necklaces, and finger rings are reputed amongst Bhramin women. They use jewellery to make their outfits more distinctive. Brahmin men wear a turban to cover their heads. Priests incorporate small additions like embellished head coverings and an embroidered shawl are incorporated into the dress. Rajput men have a turban tied on top of their heads during winters to cover and protect it. Rajput women wear a large piece of cloth made with yak to cover their head. Their footwear is also made using the same animal’s skin with grass. To accessorize their attire, women wear bangles with their dresses. 

Nowadays, most locals prefer to adorn simplistic outfits like salwar suits for women, and kurta pyjamas, shirts, and pants for men. Their traditional attire is not as common anymore. However, out of respect for their ancestors and culture, they wear it during festivals and fairs. This includes weddings, cultural programs at educational institutions, and other important ceremonies. 

Despite being a popular tourist spot, Himachal Pradesh has succeeded in sustaining centuries worth of ancient traditions. The locals have also been supportive of this as they believe it is important to maintain the sanctity of a place. As years go by, all Pahari locals cover their heads and wear shawls made with yak skin, pashmina, wool, and angora. For them, it is the little things that are representative of their culture.