Indian Accessories

Indian costumes will never be complete devoid of classical dance costumes in bright radiant colors along with sparkling accessories. Even the male dance costumes are as elegant and colorful as the female costumes

Bharatanatyam costumes: Bharatanatyam dance is originated in Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India. The costumes of this style have evolved a lot and the present styles are the skirt/sari and the pajama. The sari consists of a knife pleated fan starting from the front portion of the waist touching the knee or the mid calf. In the midst of performance this pleated fan will open up during particular postures enhancing the beauty and richness of the costume. Hairstyle, a long plait/braid, is bedecked with jasmine flowers and each part of the body from head to toe is embellished with dazzling ornaments. Belts with small rings attached to them are tied around the ankles producing a pleasing noise while dancing.

Kathak costumes: Kathak is mentioned in Indian epics and performed in temples. During the Mughal period the costumes started to look like those in Mughal paintings. The male costume includes a flared kameez, a churidar and a cap. Female artist wears churidar-kameez or a long skirt, blouse and a dupatta. The accessories are the same as Bharatanatyam.

Kuchipudi costumes: Originated in Andhra Pradesh Kuchipudi has a costume, accessories all more or less resembling those of Bharatanatyam.
Manipuri costumes: Female dancer wears a tight velvet blouse and a wide bordered skirt with twirling flounces. The hair is coiled into a bun at the side of the head and a thin veil is draped over it. The male has a dhoti and embroidered bands across his chest. These bands end in flaps falling over his hips. In another form both male and female wear a richly embroidered silk or satin dhoti with a pleated /frilled cloth hanging from the middle of the waist to the knees. Women wear a tight blouse; but male only a necklace.

Mohiniattam is a feminine dance of Kerala. The costume consists of a white sari and a tight blouse. The hair is coiled into a bun at one side. She wears elaborate gold ornaments and her eyes are lined beautifully and sensually.