Dainik Nation News Portal
Pichhoda or Pichhora, a traditional garment that enhances the beauty of Pahadi women. We will explore its significance and necessity in Uttarakhand’s culture. If you’re from Uttarakhand, you’ve likely noticed that across the Kumaon region, women wear a red and bright yellow dupatta known as “Pichhora” or “Rangwali Pichhora” on special occasions. This sacred garment is donned on weddings, naming ceremonies, fasts, festivals, religious rituals, and other auspicious events without any restrictions, symbolizing tradition and cultural pride.
Importance of Pichhoda
The Pichhoda holds the same cultural significance for the women of Uttarakhand as the Chuda for Punjabi women, Shakha and Pola for Bengali women, and Perakh for Ladakhi women. In Uttarakhand, it is seen as a symbol of Suhaag (marital status) for married women. In the Kumaon region, the Pichhoda is an integral part of wedding traditions. Women wear it for the first time during their marriage ceremony, and thereafter, it becomes customary for married women to don the Pichhoda on special occasions, symbolizing their marital bond and status.
Pichhoda Design
The vibrant yellow Pichhoda is adorned with a central red “appad” design, which is complemented by the sacred symbols of “Swastik” and “Om.” Both of these symbols hold great significance in Indian culture.
The “Om” symbol is believed to represent the universe in a single, profound form, while the Swastik symbolizes peace and goodwill, known worldwide as a symbol of harmony. On the four corners of the Swastik, additional elements such as the sun, moon, shell, and pier are artistically depicted. These motifs are often repeated throughout the lace border of the Pichhoda, adding intricate detail to the overall design. After creating this symbolic pattern, the Pichhoda’s border is finalized, reflecting both cultural richness and aesthetic beauty.
Pichhoda importance in Kumaoni women life
The Pichhoda has held cultural significance in Uttarakhand since ancient times. It is traditionally gifted by a bride’s parents during her wedding, and the bride wears it during her farewell. This garment is so deeply ingrained in the region’s customs that it is worn not only on auspicious occasions but also at the funeral of a “suhagan” (a married woman whose husband is alive).
The Pichhoda symbolizes completeness for Uttarakhandi women. The red in its design signifies the joy and prosperity of married life, while the yellow symbolizes the connection women share with the broader world. This duality reflects both the personal and societal roles that women fulfill.
