Those who are passionate about garba and there are tens of millions of them, look foward for many weeks and months, preparing and deciding on their adornments, eagerly anticipating the many nights of dancing and posing and prancing that lie ahead.
Women generally wear heavily embroidered and embellished three piece outfits, consisting of a Chaniya which is a long flowing skirt, a Choli which is a a tight midriff baring blouse and a a form of flowing scarf known as an Odhani or dupatta. The Chaniyas and Cholis have differing patterns, with a wide range of motifs.
Quite often there will be vast numbers of small mirrors ( known as Abhla ) sewn into the garments which reflect the colours all around and about them.
The Chaniya is mostly embroidered and pleated, and is designed to allow freedom of movement and also to keep you cool. The Choli is cut to fit tightly to the body and usually has short sleeves and a low neck and is often cropped to expose the navel. Some modern Cholis will have cut out backs and front openings.
Men also dress splendidly and colourfully. They wear dhotis or a pyjama like garment which is tight towards the ankles but flowing and billowy from the hips to the knees
They wear a tight fitting top known as a Kediyu which is widely flared at the midriff and swings around as they dance. Some will wear colourful and extravagant bans or other decorative caps, and sport multicoloured scarves. The mens attire is also embroidered and embellished with patterns and small mirrors.
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