Salwar Kameez is a traditional and versatile attire. It is a prominent and important symbol of cultural identity in both the Arab world and India. Although they share a common name, the Indian and Arabic versions of salwar suit come with distinct features. Both the versions reflect the rich diversity and distinctive aesthetics of both the cultures. In this article we shall be delving into the important and aesthetic details which set apart the Indian and Arabic salwar suit.
A salwar suit is a go to wear outfit and can be worn on various occasions, day to day life and at the workplace as well. This is one of the many outfits which is easy to wear and effortless to carry. The best choice for all the contemporary women out there, this outfit comes with a lot of significance in different cultures. If you are looking for different designs of Indian salwar kameez, you can easily get them from different websites, including Like A Diva.
Let us now have a look at some of the differences in the Arabic and Indian versions of salwar suits.
The origin and influence
In order to know the difference between Indian and Arabic salwar suits, it is essential to get into their roots. The Indian salwar suit has its origins deeply rooted in the diverse and multicultural regions of the Indian subcontinent. It has drawn its influences from Mughal, Persian, and Central Asian cultures. On the other hand, the Arabic salwar suit draws its inspiration from the conventional garments of the Middle East. It reflects the rich heritage of the Arab world.
Elements and designs
Indian suits are renowned for their intricate embroidery, vibrant colours and detailed embellishments. conventional techniques like zari, gota patti, and thread work are commonly used to design and decorate the fabric. All these embellishments make each outfit an aesthetic work of art. On the other hand the Arabic designs have their inclination towards subtlety and sophistication. The Arabic designs often come with less elaborate embroidery and the main focus is on geometric patterns and motifs. They use rich fabrics for subtle embellishments to get an understated elegance to the outfit.
India is known for its diverse climate and diverse culture. It is this diverse climatic and cultural preferences which give rise to a wide variety of fabric choices. Silk, cotton, chiffon, and georgette are some of the popular options. When it comes to selecting the designs, they are often influenced by culture and traditions of different regions of India.
Also in India, different versions of salwar suits, such as sharara sets, palazzo suits and so on are found. The Arabic salwar suit often comes with lightweight fabrics like silk, satin and crepe. These fabrics are meant to provide a structured and polished appearance. The Arabic salwar suits are ideal for both formal and casual settings.
The cultural significance
In India, people wear salwar suits for various occasions, ranging from everyday wear to professional events to festive celebrations. It is because of the versatility of this outfit we get a wide spectrum of designs meant for different occasions and events. In the Arab world, the salwar suit is often meant for formal occasions. The outfit is popular among women across different Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, where they wear it to highlight their cultural pride.
Since India is known for its diverse culture, the regional variations of the salwar suit can be seen everywhere in the country. For instance, the Patiala suit in Punjab differs significantly from the churidar suit and Anarkali suit/dress in the northern part of India. This diversity showcases the adaptability of the outfit according to local tastes.
Summing up
These are some of the differences between the Indian and Arabic versions of salwar suits. While both the Arabic and Indian salwar suits share a common nomenclature, they are different when it comes to cultural diversity and rich fabrics. The Indian version comes with vibrant colours, embellishments highlighting the local cultures of different regions of the country and intricate designs. The Indian salwar suits, such as Anarkali suits and alike, celebrate the rich heritage of the country. Whereas the Arabic salwar suit highlights the tradition and refinement of the Middle East.
