West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Sikkim and the North Eastern States comprises East India. Let us check out the tarditional dresses of women in East India

Traditional Dress of West Bengal

Dresses of women of West Bengal display the state's multi-ethnic way of life. From the use of traditional fabrics, designs and motifs to the combination of western attires and styles within the cultural domain of the state, the traditional dresses of West Bengal display fine works of sophistication and creativity. Saree is the traditional dress of women in West Bengal. In West Bengal, sarees are primarily woven in cotton and silk. The traditional weavers or "tantis" of West Bengal are reputed all over because of the quality of fabric spun and their fine thread work. Different varieties of sarees are woven in the various districts of West Bengal like Malda, Murshidabad, Nadia, Birbhum, Bankura and Hooghly. Bengal silk is famous for its sophisticated quality and texture. The only difference is in the way of wearing it. The Bengali style of wearing a saree has no pleats and is elegantly draped around the body and the pallu has a bunch of keys (for married ladies) that falls over the shoulder. The traditional saree is of cotton but for formal occasions, they prefer to wear silk sarees. Baluchari, Jamdani are famous traditional sarees of West Bengal.

Traditional Dress of Orissa

Women in Orissa wear the Oriya Sari, a simple drape which seems to be the base for all the other Eastern Saris. It is often draped with a five yard cotton ikat cloth. Traditionally the women of Orissa dress in sarees of blue, red and magenta and other deep colours, with ikat patterning. Orissa is recognized for its handlooms, especially the Orissa saris . In Odissi dance, the traditional dance of the state, the sari and jewellery are highly showcased in the attire and the dances drape the Orissa saris were in a specific manner for the costume. These sarees have eye catching designs and colors in the titles, banners and borders above, and different patterns, animals, etc repeated over the length of the saris. These beautiful saris are made within the state. In Orissa there are many different motifs and designs woven in cotton and silk to create the distinctive saris of Orissa like Bomkai, Sambalpuri which are also famous in the international markets.

Traditional Dress of Bihar

The state of Bihar has inculcated traditional old values to the core. It is known for its hand woven textiles in the field of costume. The village crowd of Bihar adheres to the traditional pattern of dresses and jewellery. The costume of the women folk of Bihar is chosen carefully in keeping with tradition. Saree remains the traditional dress of women in Bihar.

Traditional Dress of Sikkim

The original inhabitants of Sikkim are said to be Lepchas. The female Lepcha wear a two piece dress. The bhutias are the people of Tibetan origin who migrated to Sikkim. The ladies dress consists of a silken "Honju" which is a full sleeve blouse and a loose gown type garment. The ladies are very fond of heavy jewelry made of pure gold. The traditional clothes of the Lepchas are woven in exquisite colour combinations.

North East Region Traditional Dress