What makes Jammu and Kashmir`s costumes and attires different from
the rest of India is because of the blend of three distinct cultural
backgrounds. Filled with greener pastures the dressing in the region of
Kashmir becomes more colourful with exquisite embroidered work that
accompanies their clothes, especially the shawls and Pherans, which are
embroidered with intricate patterns of multihued threadwork. Up above in
Ladakh , the dressing sense is having a trans-Himalayan influence in
it. One can check the true colours of this barren cold desert in the
festive seasons when the ceremonial attires just astound the spectators.
Kashmiri Muslims used to wear the pheran, a long loose gown hanging
down below the knees, a white turban tied on a skull cap, a
close-fitting shalwar and lace less shoes called gurgabi. A white piece
of material is hung on their shoulders like a stole. Hindu men wear
churidar pyjama instead of shalwar. The less affluent Muslims wear skull
caps, which looks cute and does not carry any shawl.
About 90% of the population of Himachal Pradesh is Hindus. There main
communities are Brahmins, Rajputs, Kannets, Rathis and Kolis. The tribal
population of the state comprise of the Gaddis, Kinnars, Gujjars,
Pangawals and Lahaulis. The Gaddis are the traditional shepherds who
migrate from the alpine pastures to the lower regions during the
winters. The Kinnars are the inhabitants of the Kinnaur region and
practiced polyandry and polygamy. The Gujjars are nomads who rear
buffalo herds. The Pangawals of the Pangi region of the Chamba district
areboth low and high caste Hindus. The Lahaulis of Lahaul and Spiti region are mainly Buddhists.
