Image: A Rajasthani farmer in dhoti and traditional head dress

Description: Rajasthan is India's largest state by area. Against the backdrop of dusty land and sun-soaked skies, it is filled with opulent colours, the sparkle of mirror and silver and precious stones, and the sheen of silk and vivid kaleidoscope of cotton. The exotic and vividly colorful state is synonymous with majestic forts, stately palaces, lakes, sand dunes, camels and people dressed in brightly coloured costumes. To add a dash of colour and life to the barren, colorless landscape and the monotonous, cloudless sky, the people show a distinct preference for bright costumes. From the simple village folk or tribal belle to the royalty, the preferred colours are bright red, dazzling yellow, lively green or brilliant orange, highlighted by a lavish use of sparkling gold and silver 'zari' or 'gota'. The turban, variously called 'pagari', 'pencha', 'sela' or 'safa' depending on style, an 'angrakha' or 'achakan' as the upper garment and 'dhoti' or 'pyjama' as the lower garment make up the male outfit. Varying styles of turban denote region and caste. These variations are known by different names such as 'pagari' and 'safa'. Infact, there are about 1,000 different styles and types of turbans in Rajasthan, each denoting the class, caste and region of the wearer. Turbans come in all shapes, sizes and colours; and there are specific turbans for specific occasions as well. A 'pagari' is usually 82 feet long and 8 inches wide. A 'safa' is shorter and broader. The common man wears turban of one color, while the elite wear designs and colors according to the occasion.
Title: A Rajasthani farmer in dhoti and traditional head dress
Credit: ........the head dress
Author: lensnmatter
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0
License: CC BY 2.0
License Link: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0
Attribution Required?: Yes