Table of Contents
How many of you have actually thought of exploring Goa beyond its beaches and parties? Most of us just perceive Goa as the happening party location. Obviously a big chunk of Goa is about the beach and beach parties. But what I am trying to say is, it is not only about that. In fact Goa does have a rich culture and history. Furthermore to understand the culture better you need to know a little about the traditional dress of Goa.
It is possible to know a lot about a particular state from the kind of clothes they wear. Similarly from the traditional clothes of Goa you can understand a lot about the culture of the state. In this article I will mention what is the traditional dress of Goa. It will be an interesting read for you if you are interested in delving deeper into the tradition of Goa. So keep on reading to know everything about the traditional clothing of Goa.
Traditional Dress of Goa
Pano Bhaju
This is a famous dress of Goa and a populartraditional dress of Goa too. Pano Bhaju is an outfit worn by the women of Goa during festivals or celebrations. It is also an outfit that is worn while dancing in Goa. This is a typical 9 yards long piece of cloth and worn like a saree. However there are multiple styles of this saree and they are influenced from Persian, Chinese and Central Asian styles. Along with that various accessories are also paired with it. It is overall a very elegant traditional dress in Goa.
Traditional Dress of Catholics in Goa
After the Portuguese invasion in 1510, Goa had to go through a lot of changes. The people of Goa adapted to various styles and incorporated new fashion sense. Most of the people residing in Goa liked the style of the Portuguese. They somehow incorporated those styles in their way of clothing. Even today the Catholics of Goa wear the same style of dress obviously with some changes and modifications. Furthermore this kind of styling is most prevalent for their wedding ceremonies. The white gown with embellished work on it for women is an extension of that style. Even for the men the suits in various colours bring in a lot of vibrancy to the whole look. This traditional dress of Goa reflects how the style of Portuguese has been adopted by the people here.
Kashti
The Kashti dress of Goa is again a popular traditional dress of Goa. It is nothing but a saree worn with Kunti Pallu that is tied knot along with pleats. This popular form of Saree is made of loincloth and is available in vibrant colours. Furthermore you can notice that the people of Goa are extremely interested in vibrant colours. The Kashti Saree is just one such example. Along with Kashti, light jewellery like bangles and payals are also worn. Overall it gives a very vibrant and elegant look. Even for a minimal look some women prefer only wearing a sandal with Kashti. In that way also the Kashti looks very gorgeous and vibrant.
Read More: TRADITIONAL DRESS OF SIKKIM, WHAT IS THE TRADITIONAL DRESS OF SIKKIM
Nav Vari
This is again a very popular traditional dress of Goa and it is called in various names too. It is a type of saree or a type of Goan Saree. This saree is known as Nauvari, Kacha, Lugade, Kasta Sari and Sakachcha in different states as well. In Goa however this saree is worn with attractive jewelleries to further amp up the look. Furthermore when worn in the most traditional and authentic way the bottom section almost looks like a trouser. Mostly woven in cotton this saree is worn without a petticoat. The saree is also known for its length which is much longer than usual length of saree found anywhere else.
Valkal
This traditional dress of Goa is worn by many tribes in Goa. Popular among tribes like Zalmi, Kunbi, Gauda, Velip and Dhangar this dress is made of loincloth. All these tribes in Goa wear Valkal. But what makes it distinct is the kind of accessories they wear with it. Furthermore this outfit is more popular among the foreigners who visit Goa. And also the foreigners find this outfit to be extremely fashionable.
Kunbi Saree
Primarily worn by the Kunbi tribe in Goa, this is a traditional dress of Goa. This is again a saree, and it must be surprising to know that Goa has so many varieties in saree. Furthermore this saree is mostly very simplistic in its outlook. It further promotes the rich culture of the state. Mostly made with coarse silk or cotton material, this outfit is designed for the climate of Goa. This saree is also available in vibrant earthy colors and has a plain look to it. Also this outfit reflects the rustic charm of the location.
Feni Suit
The feni suit is yet another traditional dress of Goa that reflects its vibrant and joyful way of life. It is basically a knee length kurta worn with a matching pajama. Mostly worn during festivals, this is available in various vibrant shades. With beautiful embroidery done on it the outfit looks even more lively. Often you will find a feni suit with mirror work as well, which makes it look even more festive appropriate. Furthermore this outfit is a big part of the Goan dance forms and celebrations. The people of Goa wear Feni Suits with a sense of pride. It also further promotes the cultural heritage, belongingness and the celebrations of a coastal region.
Kupya
Particularly worn by the Gauda tribe in Goa, this is a headgear. The Gauda community has a separate and significant presence in Goa. Kupya is basically a conical shaped headgear made of palm leaves or coconut leaves. Furthermore the leaves are woven intricately to give them the shape. The purpose of wearing Kupya is also to get protection from heavy rainfall and scorching sun. For a coastal area extreme weather conditions are not a matter of surprise. And Kupya perfectly fits into the purpose too. Also further Kupya shows a deep connection of Gauda tribe with their land or agriculture. This head gear is not just a part of dressing for them. Further it is their sense of pride and example of their rich heritage and culture.
The Goa Carnival Dresses
It must be surprising to know but it’s a fact that the carnival dresses worn in Goa are actually the traditional dress of Goa. Here people love flaunting the vibrant and colourful shades. And that is very well reflected through their dresses as well. With various colourful attires and props this is one of the most vibrant traditional clothes of Goa
Beach Wears in Goa
Has anyone ever noticed why floral motifs are always considered apt for beach wear? There is actually a special reason behind it. In Goa, the fishermen of Koli actually first introduced this idea. These fishermen wanted to make a separate style statement for them. They opted for colourful vibrant shirts and paired them with shorts. The main purpose was to stand out in the crowd. Also these kinds of vibrant prints and shade quickly get attention. Furthermore with time this became a style statement. The people in Goa were impressed with the style. And later big brands took up the idea as well. They tried making dresses with such styles and it got popular. Now beachwear is something that everyone loves wearing.
Wrapping Up!
Like any other state, the traditional dress of Goa also speaks a lot about its culture. The vibrant and colourful traditional dress in Goa surely grabs a lot of eyeballs. Also the famous dress of Goa at present is popular even outside Goa. So I guess now you can understand a lot more about the culture of Goa from the traditional dress of Goa.
Furthermore these traditional dress in Goa are popular and tourists favourite too. So next time when you visit Goa make sure you explore some traditional dress in Goa. When Goa has such a huge variety of traditional outfits I don’t think you should be missing out on them in any way. So are you intrigued enough to try any of the traditional dress of Goa. And when are you planning to visit Goa? I hope this article on the traditional dress of Goa was helpful for you in understanding about the culture of the place.
