All that you need to know about Dhotis

To begin with, dhoti is the traditional attire worn by men across India. The dhoti style and its attitude is bearing changes depending on the state or region it is being worn in. The dhoti has many regional names in various parts of the country, such as Mundu in Kerala, Dhotar in Maharashtra, Laacha in Punjabi, and Mardaani Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Dhotis are commonly worn in various parts of India. South Indians mostly wear it during weddings or puja ceremonies. Usually, the new or unwashed cloth is considered during rituals and ceremonies. 

The common word dhoti had originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhauta.’ Although the origin of dhotis cannot be traced back to any particular date, there is evidence of the significant showmen of the Indus valley civilization usually wear a dhoti around their waist. The dhoti spread across India like a wildfire due to its comfort and easy to adapt nature during the dry, hot summers of the country. 

Several leading Politicians of the country marked the dhoti kurta is the traditional wear across the Indian Subcontinent. As the culture was passed on, dhoti remains the traditional attire for several countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. Apart from festivities, dhotis are also worn to acknowledge the marriage ceremony. In South Indian weddings, dhotis are an integral part of the groom’s attire. Pandits and those adorning temples wear dhotis as their traditional outfit. In the rural regions, to date, dhotis are worn daily for the comfort they provide.

The dhoti was initially worn with kurtas, but now men have numerous options to style their way. Generally, a 5-yard long cloth is used to make the dhoti. We see an evident global influence on dhotis as the once available in mostly white and off-white dhotis are now available in numerous vibrant colors. To make the lives of men easier, dhotis are also available in readymade style, which cancels out the need to wrap and tuck in the cloth and instead requires you to pull up the dhoti like you wear your pants. Several westernization and improvisations have also given us ‘dhoti pants’, which have the structure of a dhoti combined with western pants. The innovation has become a huge hit among men and the traditional wear for kids.

Dhotis are suitable for all seasons around the year. The reason being the availability of silk well cotton. Silk dhotis are more suitable for worn during traditional customs and marriages, while cotton dhotis can be worn daily. Regularly men wear a kurta or a shirt along with the dhoti. During ceremonies, they carry along a cloth called angavasthram to cover their upper body. Among farmers, a towel is an essential accessory paired with dhoti.