Goa is a popular holiday destination in India, full of pristine beaches. Goa was once a Portugal territory, and this is the reason why you will find a mix of many cultures in this state. Even though Goa is often perceived as a party place, the traditions in Goa are still alive. The domiciles of Goa still enjoy their traditions, and they still wear their traditional dresses. If you are interested in knowing about the traditional dresses of Goa, then this is the right page for you. On this page, we have listed some of the most popular traditional dresses of Goa for men and women.
Traditional Dresses of Goa
1. Pano Bhaju
The most popular traditional dress in Goa is Pano Bhaju. This dress is for women, and it is worn either during community celebrations or during festivals. This dress is very similar to the Saree but has a distinctive style. Women wear Pano Bhaju along with jewellery and footwear. The accessories that are worn along with Pano Bhaju depend on the occasion. There are many variations of this dress. It is also believed that Pano Bhaju is influenced by the styles of Central Asia, Persia and China.
2. Nav Vari
The next popular dress in the Goan culture is the Nav Vari. This is yet another traditional dress which is very similar to a saree. It is made of cotton, and the way it is worn is slightly different. Once worn, it looks very similar to a trouser from the bottom. Nav Vari is worn without a petticoat. Women would pair Nav Vari with Jewellery, bangles, neck piece and other accessories. There are many design options available in Nav Vari.
3. Beachwear
Traditionally, Goans wear bright shirts and shorts on the beach. These dresses were made popular by the fishermen of Koli. The beachwear in Goa is made using vibrant colours, and today, many brands have started making beach dresses influenced by the Koli design.
4. Kashti
Another popular traditional dress for women in Goa is Kashti. Kashti is also like a saree, worn with a Kunti Pallu. Kunti Pallu is a distinctive style in which the saree is worn. Kashti is made of loincloth, and women pair it with accessories like Payal, bangles and other minimalistic jewellery. Women prefer wearing sandals along with kashti.
5. Goa Carnival Dress
Carnivals are very common in Goa and are also at a grand scale. The dresses for Carnival are slightly different, and you will see a more infusion of colours in these carnivals. You will see people wearing different props based on the theme of the Carnival, and you will also see tourists following the same dress code. This is one of the happiest times in Goa.
6. Catholic Tradition
After the Portugal invasion, there was an influx of foreign design. This was adopted mainly by the Catholics in Goa. During the marriage ceremonies, you will notice that the Catholic women in Goa wear a white gown, and the men wear a suit which is usually designed in black.
7. For Men
For men, the Pudvem has been the most popular dress as per traditional Goa. The Pudvem is known as a 4-meter-long cloth which is worn like a dhoti. It is worn for all types of events and occasions. It usually has a border of a golden colour or any other colour, depending on the preference. There is also a shorter version of Pudvem, which was very popular. It was known as Pancha, and it was of knee length. With westernization, the preference for men changed. Today, men in Goa prefer wearing T-shirts and shorts or jeans, which is comfortable for them during the humid days.
Conclusion
By going through all this information about the traditional dresses of Goa, you would realize that the culture of Goa is very diverse. Tourists would usually prefer beachwear or T-shirts along with shorts. There are many amazing options available for people when it comes to traditional dresses in Goa. You will also find many variations of these dresses when you are in Goa. So, when you visit Goa next time, do make it a point to try some of these dresses.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.