The Significance of Sari in Punjab

When discussing the traditional attire of Punjab, the sari often plays a key role in various discussions. Some argue that the sari was a prominent dress among Hindu women, whereas others suggest that the salwar kameez was more commonly worn by both Hindu and Sikh communities. This article aims to explore the historical and cultural context of sari in Punjab, integrating personal experiences and traditional knowledge to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Historical Context and Cultural Background

The sari has a long history in India, tracing its roots back to the Indus Valley civilization. Kurtas, both for men and women, were a significant part of the attire during this era. Over time, different regions developed their own variations of these traditional garments, which eventually spread across the various states of India, including Punjab.

As a Punjabi individual from the Khatri community, I can personally attest to the cultural diversity and adaptability of attire in my region. My family, like many others, has a mixed background, with some distant relatives practicing Hinduism. This unique perspective has given me insight into the cultural nuances that have shaped the attire of Punjab historically and today.

Traditional Attire in Punjab

In my community, the sari has a significant place, but it is not the most common garment. I have never personally seen any of my female relatives from Punjab wearing a sari, which makes it difficult to visualize how they would look in one. Instead, both my maternal and paternal grandmothers, who were Arora Khatri Sikhs, wore a long blouse with pockets that they tied with a cotton-like material often resembling a saree. These garments were comfortable and practical for everyday wear.

Both sides of my family were predominantly involved in business, with a few members engaged in the army and agriculture. The women would only wear suthan (a style similar to salwar) when working in the fields. This suggests that the sari was not a suitable attire for the demanding agricultural tasks, while the salwar kameez provided greater freedom and comfort.

The Role of Environment in Clothing Choice

The prevalence of the sari in Punjab varied based on the environment and lifestyle of the individuals. In urban areas and among non-agricultural communities, such as the Hindu and Sikh families, the sari was a common dress for women to wear. For instance, my grandmother, who studied in Lahore college before 1947, often mentioned that Hindu and Sikh girls wore sarees in college, while Muslim girls wore salwar kameez.

In rural areas and agricultural communities, the sari was less common due to its impracticality for field work. Similar to Himachal Pradesh, a predominantly Hindu state, women there would wear sarees on specific occasions rather than as a part of their everyday attire.

Visual Evidence and Personal Narratives

Further evidence of the sari's presence in Punjab can be seen in photographs from the early 19th century. Women visiting the Harmandir Saheb (Golden Temple) wore sari and lehenga. Additionally, they often wore a salwar suit-like attire, known as suthan, with short kurta and chador dupatta, which indicates the region’s adaptability in clothing styles.

The Patiala salwar, a modern style of salwar kameez, became fashionable only in recent times. The urban and semi-urban areas of Punjab, particularly among non-agricultural communities, were more inclined towards the sari, while the rural areas preferred more practical and functional clothing suited to the agricultural lifestyle.

Conclusion

In summary, while the sari has a historical and cultural significance in Punjab, it is not the primary traditional attire for the majority of the population. The choice of clothing in Punjab has been influenced by practicality, environmental factors, and cultural preferences. The sari is a dress worn by ladies of Punjab and has been a part of their attire since ancient times, yet it is not the norm for the majority of the people, especially in rural areas and agricultural communities. Personal narratives and visual evidence support this narrative, providing a more nuanced understanding of traditional clothing in Punjab.