Description
Rajasthan has artistic and cultural traditions which reflect the ancient Indian way of life. There is a rich and varied folk culture from villages which is often depicted symbolic of the state. Women of Rajasthan wear a long skirt called Ghaghra, Choli or Kurti (blouses and tops) with an Odhini The Odhni is an integral part of the Rajasthani women's attire and deserves special mention. It is generally a long piece of cloth (generally 3 meters by 2 meters). Though usually teamed up with the Ghagra Choli or Lehengas, The bulky jewellery which forms part of the woman’s ensemble is also noteworthy. Some tribes use only brass jewellery but the more affluent families treasure their heirlooms of silver and gold jewellery. In many Rajasthani tribes married women have to wear ivory bangles. An ideal set includes 17 bangles worn on the upper arm and nine on the lower arm, a total of 52 on both arms. They are never removed, not even during sleep, and are worn during a woman's entire married life. Nowadays expensive ivory bangles are replaced with plastic ones.
