How to Buy An Indian Cotton Caftan on a Tight Budget
The Indian Cotton Caftans a traditional garment that originated in India and is worn by women on festive occasions. It has wide sleeves, a pleated skirt and an ornate border on the shoulder, often of gold threading. The cotton fabric can be semi-transparent or opaque, with fine embroidery work to create unique designs every time. Cotton caftans can be worn in summer and winter in South India. They can be dressed up or down, and are a comfortable, soft piece of clothing that can also be worn with a variety of different outfits.
Material: Cotton
Measurement: 62″ wide x 78″ long (16 x 20 cm)
Care: Dry Clean Only
The Indian Cotton Caftans is worn by women on festive occasions, especially when it is required to cover their prayer beads. Some women wear a white veil over their faces which is usually made of cotton.
Indian women in Kerala and Tamil Nadu traditionally wear white cotton garments called “Udaya” or “Palapatti” during festivals, such as Onam and Christmas. The petticoat used with these garments is made of handwoven silk. In Assam, West Bengal and Odisha, the garment is referred to as kira or kira-kira (“cotton knot”).
Indian women traditionally wear cotton because of the coolness provided by the fabric. The cotton caftan is typically worn during the hot spells of summer, especially during festivals such as Onam, when it is customary to perform pooja (worship) in the early morning. The garment is preferred for performing pooja because it covers a woman’s body from chest to feet, and thus she can perform this religious ceremony without exposing her body or disturbing her hair style.
Indian Cotton Caftans are traditional wear in southern India, and have been for centuries. The garments function as everyday wear, festive wear and are used for religious purposes. In southern India, women can be seen wearing cotton caftans with their hair braided and wrapped in a thin silk cloth called a thali (known as the “pavadai” in Tamil Nadu). Some women choose to wear jewellery such as gold necklaces with their cotton caftan. Historically, the outfit was worn by married Hindu women. Today, it is worn by all women in southern India regardless of age or marital status.
The Indian Cotton Caftans has wide sleeves and a pleated skirt. The bodice can be semi-transparent or opaque, with fine embroidery work to create unique designs every time. The gold threading on the shoulders can be replaced with silver or zari threading to reflect affordability and suit different occasions.
Cotton caftans can be worn in summer and winter. They can be dressed up or down, and are a comfortable, soft piece of clothing that can also be worn with a variety of different outfits.
Women in southern India wear their cotton caftan to perform the pooja ceremony which is religiosally important in south India. Onam is the most important festival for women in Tamil Nadu where it is customary for them to perform pooja on the first day of Onam, called Onavillai. The cotton caftan is traditionally worn on the first day of Onam by Hindu married women. As a part of the pujas, devotees wash and anoint their clothes, which are then placed on a table with other objects used during pooja. The cotton dress is then folded and washed by another woman in preparation for the next day. Some women wear the Indian Cotton Caftans with a white head scarf called a ‘pavadai’ during Onam.
Indian women in Tamil Nadu and Kerala also wear their cotton caftans to perform pooja during festivals such as Onam and Christmas. The petticoat used with these garments is made of handwoven silk. In Assam, West Bengal and Odisha, the garment is referred to as kira or kira-kira (“cotton knot”).
In some parts of southern India, the cotton caftan is used as a way to support local enterprise. Women in southern India traditionally wear the garment which can be purchased for approximately AUD $25–$30 (INR 1000–1500). Cotton caftans are cheaper and more easily available than silk saree’s and other garments traditionally worn by Indian women.
Indian Cotton Caftans are a traditional dress in southern India and have been for centuries. The garments function as everyday wear, festive wear and are used for religious purposes. In southern India, women can be seen wearing cotton caftans with their hair braided and wrapped in a thin silk cloth called a thali (known as the “pavadai” in Tamil Nadu). Some women choose to wear jewellery such as gold necklaces with their cotton caftan. Historically, the outfit was worn by married Hindu women. Today, it is worn by all women in southern India regardless of age or marital status.
The cotton dress is made of handwoven fabrics. In Odisha and West Bengal, the dress is made of handloom cotton. In Tamil Nadu, handloom fabric is used to make a Indian Cotton Caftans. The clothes are machine-woven in other parts of India.
Cotton caftans are worn during the hot spells of summer, especially during festivals such as Onam, when it is customary to perform pooja (worship) in the early morning.
