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Winter apparel 'Pheran' retains its charm in Kashmir
by Parvez Butt
Srinagar:
The traditional winter apparel 'Pheran' is retaining
its charm among the people in Kashmir valley as it scores
over the modern winter costumes due to its ease and warmth.
Pheran is a loose fitted gown worn by both men and women
in the valley since ages and acts as an overcoat for the
people and helps them protect from the winter chill in
Kashmir. Kashmiri women wear embroidered pherans with
wide sleeves while for men the dress is plain with narrow
sleeves and left side chest open collar. Despite an array
of attractive modern outfits available in the market,
the residents still prefer the good old Pheran to beat
the winter cold. So popular is this garment that Pheran
has become synonymous with Kashmiris, who wear it with
élan. "Pheran is the necessity of Kashmir. Anything else
can change but the tradition of Pheran is still prevalent.
It also underwent changes in its design, but still it
is very much in vogue and is the identity of Kashmir,"
said Ghulam Nabi, a resident. Though the apparel continues
to enjoy popularity with the Kashmiris, it has reinvented
itself time and again to keep pace with the changing trends.
Over the years, there have been changes in the embroidery
and the patterns to make the pherans more trendy and smart.
"Pherans have been undergoing changes. New designs and
embroideries have been incorporated in new Pherans," said
Atta Mohammed, a tailor. The dress provides comfort to
the people during winters as it facilitates the use of
kangri, a traditional portable earthen fire pot, for providing
warmth. The loose fitting is paving way for more fitted
silhouettes and shorter lengths. "Earlier, the Pheran
used to be long, but nowadays, it is very much fitting
and short in length. While the Pheran used in homes is
a bit loose to accommodate Kangri (earthen firepot) also.
The traditional patterns in embroidery are paving way
for newer designs and patterns," said Saleema, a resident.
The pheran has also cast its charm over the tourists visiting
Kashmir who carry the dress along as an ideal souvenir.
-Jan
9, 2009
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