Mahatmaji in his dhoti referred to later.
Prompting for this week’s Sunday Story came from a casual talk on several themes in my evening walk in our colony (Jeevan Bima Nagar, Chennai) a coupe of days back when an engineer of repute of my age known as TREE NATESAN- as he has distributed saplings in lakhs to many villages, schools, colleges etc in his passion to develop GREEN INDIA! I am in the habit of wearing dhoti right from my college days during 1957 to 1961. I took to pants only when I joined a school of repute in Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur as a teacher in 1962.
Me in my dhoti at my office being honored by a towel by a good friend of mine Mr.ARK
Our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi , a Bar-at Law-beautifully writes about to his switching over to dhoti in his autobiography!
M K Gandhi as a Lawyer;
Later Mahatma Gandhi: just before he breathed his last:
He was travelling in his normal attire in pant and shirt in the course of his enlisting the support of our people from all parts of the country for freedom struggle. As he was walking in Tamilnadu’, one day he saw the farmers toiling on the earth, tilling the soil in an half naked dhoti or towel, Gandhi felt that while countrymen are in such attire, it is not fair to wear Pants, shirts, coats and ties and decided to give up and take to DHOTI!! That he maintained till his last breath on 30th January 1948! as is seen in the picture immediately above.
Dhoti is the traditional attire for men across India. It is often misinterpreted with Lungi or Loongi, but is a different attire. The styles and attitude bearing the dhoti changes depending on the state or province. It has marked its presence in various functions and proceedings. It has many regional names in different Indian states like Mundu in Kerala, Dhotar in Maharshtra, Laacha in Punjabi and Mardaani in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
It was a word that had originated from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhauta. It was also marked as the traditional wear by several leading Indian politicians across the Indian subcontinent. It was and till this day is considered as part of the traditional attire for several countries like Srilanka, Bangladesh and Maldives. Initially it was worn only with a kurta. The dhoti was also considered to be an attire that commanded respect and dignity.
This garment is basically available in an off white or cream color. The material for this fabric can be either cotton or silk. In most regions of the south, it is mostly made using a gold border. This makes it appear richer and more sophisticated. In most cases 5 yard long strips of cloth are used to make this garment. Approximately five knots are used to wrap this garment in the southern lands. The style of wearing differs in every land. In other parts of India it is mostly worn in a pant style and not the skirt style of the south regions. A part of the dhoti is tucked behind which makes it look like a pant.
Over a period of time, people in India have been influenced by the western wear and traditions. A lot of western culture has been imbibed by the people of India. This has made it a wear that is followed mostly at home. People no longer wear it to the office or parties. It has become more like a traditional wear or home regular wear.
Contrasting Border Art Silk Dhoti in Orange
That being said, one cannot ignore the fact that it has evolved in its styling as well. Of course, people across India still believe that dhoti, when folded to knee length, shows disrespect. So, they do not fold it up to that length. Also, the various colors in which they are now available are also because of global influence.
Innovation
A lot of innovation has passed the world of dhoti. What was a traditional wear is still dominant in various circles of society, however, several improvisations and westernization has given the world dhoti pants’ that have the structure of dhoti combined with western pants. This is a beautiful innovation that is completely unisex in nature. One can see the brilliance of design and tasteful colors combined to bring out the essence of these pants. This innovation has become a solid hit with the people of India, and in particular the younger generation.
Here is one new innovation named VELCRO by a leading dhoti manufacturers of Tamilnadu with a packet for CELL PHONE on the one side and a purse in the other!!!Additional feature is that it has an elastic strip that will keep the dhoti attached firm on the waist!
My son from US who was here a fortnight back was fascinated and got one!
Occasion
Normally, they are worn during a festival or to acknowledge the marriage ceremony. In most south Indian weddings, dhoti is an important part of men’s wear. Most politicians wear this as it has become their formal wear. As a mark of simplicity great leaders like KAMARAJ, Kakkan and others were wearing dhoties-made of kaadhi. Today;s Tamilnadu politicians wear dhothies!
Pandits and those adorning the temples wear dhotis as their regular wear. In most rural and urban regions, males enjoy the relaxation that one gets with the dhoti in the comforts of their home.
Suitability
This clothing is suited for almost all seasons. The reason being that they are available in both silk and cotton. The silk varieties are basically embraced in the traditional customs and marriages, while the cotton ones are worn as daily wear.
Dhoti wearing one style -normal in Tamilnadu
Another style panchakachcham
Global Influence
It has influenced the global culture in many ways. People across the globe are wearing the traditional dhoti in the pant style and have made it a modern day style statement.
Accessorizing
With dhoti, men wear a kurta or shirt when at home. During ceremonies, they carry a cloth called angavasthram to cover their upper body. In case of farmers, a towel acts as an accessory. For dhoti pants, women can pair pearl necklaces or beads adding to the inherent charm of the outfit.
Interesting Facts and Comparisons
- They have become colorful in the northern regions of India but have maintained its traditional white color with a colorful border in the Southern regions.
- They have turned into dhoti pants with the innovations made on it.
I am confident that our esteemed viewers would have found this post interesting. We end this story and we shall meet tomorrow as usual and till then GOOD BYE!
Envius Thoughts 