KP Dress

The dress of Kashmiri Pandits, especially that of the womenfolk, has undergone a drastic change in the last century. This change was brought about due to hectic efforts of Kashyp Bandu, a social reformer, and Prem Nath Bazaz, then held in high esteem in his community. The Kashmiriies, but for a few, now wear sarees, popularly known as dhoti and the gents wear the great coat depending on the weather conditions. During winter, the males wear a gown, known popularly as ‘pheran’. Prior to this change in the dress, the ladies used to wear a very costly dress consisting of a pheran, generally made of Pashmina with the border lining of golden thread, alongwith a veil on the head, known as ‘taranga’. Besides this, the ladies (married ones) wear golden ornaments called ‘Dejharoo’ and ‘Atharoo’ which is kept hanging from the both ears. This is the most popular thing found only among the Kashmiri Pandit ladies. The male folk would wear a simple trouser (pyjama). A shirt, a coat with turban fitted on their head. They would also wear small golden rings in both the ears. Nancy Bhushan Dhar