1. KINNAUR
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Men:
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Chhuba: Thick robe with wool lining.
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Pang Cap: Green velvet-bordered cap.
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Accessories: Kulhari, drat, bansuri tucked into waist rope.
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Women:
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Dohru: Wraparound woolen dress.
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Pattoo: Thick shawl with geometric motifs.
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Gachi: White cloth tied at waist.
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Jewelry: Heavy silver (chanki, khul-kanta).
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Footwear: Pullans made of grass and hemp (Zomba designs).
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Notes: Kinnauri shawls today are based on 1974 designs by the Handloom Corporation. Dress has Tibetan influence.
2. LAHAUL & SPITI
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Men & Women:
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Chhuba: Long robe made from yak wool.
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Layered garments for extreme cold.
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Women:
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Perak: Headdress with turquoise, worn during festivals.
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Silver and coral jewelry.
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Footwear: Heavy fur-lined boots.
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Notes: Distinct Tibetan-Buddhist cultural imprint. Attire is thick, functional, and colorful for harsh winters.
3. KULLU
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Men:
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Chola: Woolen robe tied with black rope.
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Topi: Kullu cap with bright patterned band.
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Women:
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Salwar-kameez, choli, and pattoo.
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Pattoo: Worn over shoulders, woven in bright stripes, leaves, and floral motifs.
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Notes: Kullu shawls once patterned in checks but evolved into unique motifs after separating from Kinnauri influence.
4. CHAMBA
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Men:
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Kurta, cholu, and churidar.
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Pishwaz: Robe-like muslin gown.
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Women:
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Luanchari: Traditional gown worn with a scarf.
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Dupatta: Embroidered and colorful.
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Chamba Rumal: Hand-embroidered square cloth, once gifted in royal courts.
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Jewelry: Nath, chakker, bali, silver bangles.
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Notes: Strong miniature painting tradition; attire seen in paintings and temple sculptures.
5. MANDI
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Men:
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Chola, churidar, waistcoat.
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Women:
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Ghagra, choli, pishwaz, and dupatta.
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Pattoo: Used during winters.
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Cultural Reference: Barasailla stone slabs provide carved depictions of dress in royal memorials.
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Folk song: Mentions a chhori fetching water in a colorful dupatta.
6. SHIMLA
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Men:
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Cholu, woolen coat.
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Chopta / Chhupta: Knee-length gown with v-shaped cut.
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Women:
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Reshta: Long ankle-touching dress.
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Salwar-kameez with woolen pattoo.
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Headgear: Shimla cap, woolen scarves.
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Sadri: Worn over the kurta.
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Notes: University convocation robes include Loia and Pahari cap. Mix of modern and traditional wear.
7. SIRMAUR
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Men:
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Loia: Woolen cloak worn like a blanket.
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Women:
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Salwar-kameez with woolen shawl.
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Notes: Loia is derived from “Lio,” meaning woolen blanket; ceremonial wear in convocation and weddings.
8. KANGRA
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Men:
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Cholu, kurta, pajama, woolen cap.
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Women:
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Luanchari, salwar, choli, and colorful dhatu (head cloth).
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Notes: Rich needlework, known for Kangra painting tradition. Dhatu and rumal are culturally significant.
9. BILASPUR
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Men:
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Kurta, angarkha, chola.
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Women:
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Salwar-kameez, with woolen shawl.
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Folk Song Reference: Mentions girl (chhori) with a pitcher and colorful dupatta.
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Notes: Less ornamentation compared to upper regions; closer to plains-style dress.
10. SOLAN
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Men:
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Kurta, waistcoat, light woolens.
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Women:
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Salwar-kameez, pattoo, dhatu.
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Notes: Western influences; traditional attire seen more during festivals and weddings.
11. HAMIRPUR
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Men:
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Kurta, pajama, and woolen coat in winter.
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Women:
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Salwar-kameez, simple wool shawls.
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Notes: Attire is similar to Una and Bilaspur; more functional than ornamental.
12. UNA
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Men:
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Kurta-pajama, waistcoat.
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Women:
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Salwar-kameez, dupatta.
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Notes: Closely influenced by Punjabi culture. Minimal traditional Himachali dress in regular use.
Other Key Cultural Garments & Utilities
Item | Use |
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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