indigenous dresses in fashion By Sarah Aslam

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Return of indigenous dresses in fashion in Sindh

Feature

By Sarah Aslam

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The culture of Pakistan comprises numerous ethnic groups: the Punjabis, Sindhis, Baloch, Pashtuns and Kashmiri, each with their own distinctive way of living, dresses and fashion. This colorful and vivid culture, lifestyle and trend in clothing and fashion is visible as soon as you step into these provinces. Even though the national dress of Pakistan is shalwar kameez, each province has modified the dress depending on the weather conditions, lifestyle, which gives the Pakistani culture a unique identity among all other cultures.

Hyderabad is the second largest city in the Sindh province; and our people in Sindh, share a rich tapestry of culture and heritage that shapes who we are and where we live.

The normal usage items include; clothes made of soosi and khaadi. Among the most popular items in fashion apparel, The Sindhi Ajrak and topi (cap) are the most popular and widely used traditional clothing items and are said to symbolize true Sindhi culture.

Ajrak and topi are considered as a symbol of honor, pride and respect among the Sindhis. The Ajrak and topi come in various beautiful traditional designs which are mostly used to honor a guest on many occasions in educational institutions as well as in the form of a souvenir and also worn in wedding ceremonies and cultural events.

The women wear heavy traditional dresses, characterized by the famed mirror work and hand embroidery also known as “Sindhi bhart”, the original and specific Sindhi bhart being the “Hurmoocho”. These dresses are most popularly used by the women in rural areas but it is slowly making its way throughout the whole country as well as on an international level.  In addition, there are colorful dupattas, known as “Chunri”, which incorporate beautiful colors and designs. Other clothing items include; “Ralhi, which incorporates the appliqué work, which is very much popular and is used as a bed sheet cover, decorating walls etc. Among the jewelry items, the jewelry worn by the Sindhi women is made of heavy Silver whereas its exotic finishing and beautiful designs makes it demanding. Along with kundan jewelry, baanhi and sat surhi duhri gold sets are widely popular among the brides. The village women; however, wear “Aaj ji choori” or ivory bangles.

Similarly, the paranda, known as “Saggi”, in Sindhi, is also a traditional symbol of Pakistani culture, worn by both women of the village as well as the urban women. A paranda is a hair decorating ornament that compliments the traditional eastern wear and acts as a supporting accessory for the traditional clothing.

In the category of footwear, Khussa shoes are the symbol of traditional culture of Sindh, also known as Sindhi juti and mojari, are mostly made using tanned weather. In the past, khussa shoes were worn by multitude and royalty. In contrast with the khussa shows present in other provinces, the Sindhi juti differentiates itself by means of a big flower present on the front part of the shoes. These come in various different design and colors and are mostly worn in traditional functions and many of them have been modified nowadays to be worn along and match the western wear.

This rich cultural heritage in terms of apparel is a way of preserving as well as showcasing the original Sindhi cultural identity which speaks for itself. Also, it is a way to pass the traditions and cultures to the next generation. All these forms of visible cultural elements are a source to keep the cultural heritage alive for the generations to come.