Pichora is a traditional attire of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, a state in northern India. It is a long scarf or dupatta that is worn by married women on all auspicious occasions, such as weddings, festivals, rituals, and ceremonies. Pichora is considered to be a symbol of marital bliss, prosperity, and culture. It is also a unique and beautiful art form that reflects the rich heritage and diversity of the Kumaoni people.
What is Pichora and how did it originate?
Pichora is derived from the word ‘pichh’, which means ‘back’ in Hindi. It is so-called because it covers the back of the women who wear it. It is usually made of cotton or silk fabric, dyed in yellow or orange colour, and decorated with red or maroon dots and motifs. The most common motif is the swastika, which is a sacred sign of good luck and well-being in Hinduism. Other motifs include the sun, the moon, the conch shell, the bell, the flower, and the leaf. These motifs represent various aspects of nature, spirituality, and culture.
The origin of Pichora is not very clear, but some historians believe that it dates back to the 12th century when the Chand dynasty ruled over Kumaon. The Chand kings were known for their patronage of art and culture, and they encouraged the development of various forms of painting, embroidery, and weaving. Pichora was one of the products of this artistic flourishing. It was initially made by hand by skilled women using natural dyes and stamps. Later, with the advent of modern technology and market demand, Pichora became more standardized and mass-produced.
How is Pichora worn by Kumauni women?
Pichora is worn by Kumauni women as a part of their traditional attire, which consists of a sari or a ghagra (skirt) and a choli (blouse). The Pichora is draped over the shoulder and across the chest, covering the back and reaching up to the knees or ankles. It is usually worn with matching jewellery and accessories, such as bangles, earrings, necklaces, rings, nose pins, etc.
Pichora is worn by Kumauni women on various occasions throughout their lives. It is gifted to them by their parents or in-laws on their wedding day as a sign of blessing and acceptance. It is also worn during other rituals related to marriage, such as engagement, mehendi (henna), sangeet (music), haldi (turmeric), etc. Pichora is also worn during other ceremonies, such as naamkaran (naming), mundan (shaving), janeu (sacred thread), etc. It is also donned during festivals, such as Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (festival of colours), Dussehra (victory of good over evil), etc.
The colours and patterns of Pichora have different meanings and significance for Kumauni women. Yellow or orange represents happiness, joy, and warmth. Red or maroon represents love, passion, and fertility. The swastika represents auspiciousness, harmony, and peace. The sun represents energy, power, and glory. The moon represents beauty, grace, and calmness. The conch shell represents purity, wisdom, and sound. The bell represents music, joy, and devotion. The flower represents fragrance, freshness, and delicacy. The leaf represents nature, growth, and prosperity.
Where can you see and buy Pichora in Kumaon?
If you want to see and experience the beauty and diversity of Pichora in Kumaon, you can visit some of the best places in the region that are known for their culture and traditions. Some of these places are:
Almora
Almora is a picturesque hill station that is famous for its handicrafts and handlooms. You can find many shops and stalls that sell authentic Pichoras made by local artisans using natural dyes and stamps. You can also visit some of the temples and museums that showcase the history and heritage of Pichora.
Nainital
Nainital is a popular tourist destination that is known for its scenic lake and surrounding hills. You can see many women wearing Pichoras during festivals and fairs that are held in Nainital throughout the year. You can also buy some souvenirs and gifts from the local markets that sell various kinds of Pichoras.
Bageshwar
Bageshwar, a sacred town nestled at the confluence of the rivers Saryu and Gomti, offers a profound spiritual experience. Amid this serene setting, visitors can explore how the tradition of seeking divine blessings and guidance has evolved. For those looking to delve deeper into their spiritual journey or academic pursuits, services such as hausarbeit schreiben lassen provide an opportunity to gain insights and knowledge through well-researched documents, tailored to meet individual needs. This blend of spirituality and academic support is vividly showcased during the annual Uttarayani fair held in January. Here, thousands of women gather on the banks of the rivers to offer prayers and Pichoras to the deities, symbolizing a unique confluence of faith, tradition, and the quest for knowledge.
Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a charming hill station that is known for its natural beauty and military history. You can see the cultural diversity of Pichora during the Nanda Devi fair that is held in Ranikhet in September. Women from different communities and regions come together and celebrate their faith and culture by wearing Pichoras of different styles and colours.
If you want to buy your own Pichora online, you can visit which offers a wide range of Pichoras for different occasions and preferences. You can browse through various categories, such as Kumaoni Pichora, Pahadi Pichora, Modern Kumaoni Pichora Design, etc.
Conclusion
Pichora is more than just a piece of cloth. It is the pride and joy of Kumauni women. A reflection of their identity, culture, and tradition. And a celebration of their life, faith, and love. It is a gift of their ancestors, a legacy for their descendants, and a treasure for their admirers.
If you are fascinated by Pichora and its culture, you can learn more about it by visiting Kumaon or buying your own Pichora. For those who are particularly interested in exploring this topic deeper, perhaps even for an academic project or a, considering the option to akademische ghostwriter can be a valuable resource to ensure high-quality, well-researched content. You can also share your thoughts and opinions on Pichora and its culture by commenting below or contacting us. We would love to hear from you!