District-wise Traditional Dresses of Himachal Pradesh

By | July 24, 2025

1. KINNAUR

  • Men:

    • Chhuba: Thick robe with wool lining.

    • Pang Cap: Green velvet-bordered cap.

    • Accessories: Kulhari, drat, bansuri tucked into waist rope.

  • Women:

    • Dohru: Wraparound woolen dress.

    • Pattoo: Thick shawl with geometric motifs.

    • Gachi: White cloth tied at waist.

    • Jewelry: Heavy silver (chanki, khul-kanta).

  • Footwear: Pullans made of grass and hemp (Zomba designs).

  • Notes: Kinnauri shawls today are based on 1974 designs by the Handloom Corporation. Dress has Tibetan influence.


2. LAHAUL & SPITI

  • Men & Women:

    • Chhuba: Long robe made from yak wool.

    • Layered garments for extreme cold.

  • Women:

    • Perak: Headdress with turquoise, worn during festivals.

    • Silver and coral jewelry.

  • Footwear: Heavy fur-lined boots.

  • Notes: Distinct Tibetan-Buddhist cultural imprint. Attire is thick, functional, and colorful for harsh winters.


3. KULLU

  • Men:

    • Chola: Woolen robe tied with black rope.

    • Topi: Kullu cap with bright patterned band.

  • Women:

    • Salwar-kameez, choli, and pattoo.

    • Pattoo: Worn over shoulders, woven in bright stripes, leaves, and floral motifs.

  • Notes: Kullu shawls once patterned in checks but evolved into unique motifs after separating from Kinnauri influence.


4. CHAMBA

  • Men:

    • Kurta, cholu, and churidar.

    • Pishwaz: Robe-like muslin gown.

  • Women:

    • Luanchari: Traditional gown worn with a scarf.

    • Dupatta: Embroidered and colorful.

    • Chamba Rumal: Hand-embroidered square cloth, once gifted in royal courts.

  • Jewelry: Nath, chakker, bali, silver bangles.

  • Notes: Strong miniature painting tradition; attire seen in paintings and temple sculptures.


5. MANDI

  • Men:

    • Chola, churidar, waistcoat.

  • Women:

    • Ghagra, choli, pishwaz, and dupatta.

    • Pattoo: Used during winters.

  • Cultural Reference: Barasailla stone slabs provide carved depictions of dress in royal memorials.

  • Folk song: Mentions a chhori fetching water in a colorful dupatta.


6. SHIMLA

  • Men:

    • Cholu, woolen coat.

    • Chopta / Chhupta: Knee-length gown with v-shaped cut.

  • Women:

    • Reshta: Long ankle-touching dress.

    • Salwar-kameez with woolen pattoo.

  • Headgear: Shimla cap, woolen scarves.

  • Sadri: Worn over the kurta.

  • Notes: University convocation robes include Loia and Pahari cap. Mix of modern and traditional wear.


7. SIRMAUR

  • Men:

    • Loia: Woolen cloak worn like a blanket.

  • Women:

    • Salwar-kameez with woolen shawl.

  • Notes: Loia is derived from “Lio,” meaning woolen blanket; ceremonial wear in convocation and weddings.


8. KANGRA

  • Men:

    • Cholu, kurta, pajama, woolen cap.

  • Women:

    • Luanchari, salwar, choli, and colorful dhatu (head cloth).

  • Notes: Rich needlework, known for Kangra painting tradition. Dhatu and rumal are culturally significant.


9. BILASPUR

  • Men:

    • Kurta, angarkha, chola.

  • Women:

    • Salwar-kameez, with woolen shawl.

  • Folk Song Reference: Mentions girl (chhori) with a pitcher and colorful dupatta.

  • Notes: Less ornamentation compared to upper regions; closer to plains-style dress.


10. SOLAN

  • Men:

    • Kurta, waistcoat, light woolens.

  • Women:

    • Salwar-kameez, pattoo, dhatu.

  • Notes: Western influences; traditional attire seen more during festivals and weddings.


11. HAMIRPUR

  • Men:

    • Kurta, pajama, and woolen coat in winter.

  • Women:

    • Salwar-kameez, simple wool shawls.

  • Notes: Attire is similar to Una and Bilaspur; more functional than ornamental.


12. UNA

  • Men:

    • Kurta-pajama, waistcoat.

  • Women:

    • Salwar-kameez, dupatta.

  • Notes: Closely influenced by Punjabi culture. Minimal traditional Himachali dress in regular use.


Other Key Cultural Garments & Utilities

Item Use
Pattu A must-have woolen blanket-like wrap for warmth and ceremonial wear
Pullans Grass footwear designed for ice and snow-covered terrain
Namda Beaten wool rug used as bedding or seating
Gachi Belt of white cloth worn over women’s garments
Chamba Rumal Embroidered square cloths used in rituals and now preserved in museums

Read also: Folk Songs of Himachal Pradesh

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