Dhoti- An Essence of South Indian Culture

Dhoti- An essence of South Indian Culture

In India, men wear dhoti as formal or ethnic wear. A dhoti is made from cotton or silk and is considered to be the most traditional attires. It commands respect and dignity. The dhoti is extremely popular all over India and is also known by different names.

In south India, it is known as mundu, and pancha in Telugu, veshti in Tamil and panche/lungi in Kannada. In India, one will usually see South Indian men or politicians in Dhotis. It is called laaccha in Punjab and dhotar in Marathi. At traditional family functions, it is beautiful to see all men in spotless white dhotis. It entirely adds to the solemnness of the occasion.

A dhoti is tied around the waist and legs. While the invention of the dhoti has been argued upon, there is no doubt that it is extremely sacred and solemn to South Indian culture. Dhotis hold a special place in the mind of Indian men. In Tamil Nadu, a four day festival called Pongal is celebrated. The festival marks the new harvest of a new season. Farmers express their gratitude to the sun Gods. To exhibit the solemnness of the occasion, farmers wear pure white dhotis.

While many people might think that a dhoti is meant only for politicians, farmers, aged people or priests, they are completely wrong. Today, dhoti has become a complete inspiration for the youth. The youth after visiting South India get inspired to wear dhoti as formal or ethnic wear. The essence of a dhoti can be dated back to many years ago when Mahatma Gandhi wore it during his struggle for freedom. Thus a dhoti portrays the rich Indian culture.

A dhoti is the most affordable piece of clothing compared to other clothes. There is no age barrier to wear a dhoti. It can be worn by young or old. Often, kids are also spotted in dhoti on auspicious occasions. Since it is light and comfortable it can be worn in all seasons. In South India, dhoti is mandatory for the bridegroom.

While many people might argue that the essence of dhoti is diminishing, the fact cannot be ignored that many foreigners and NRIs wear dhotis as a style statement during rituals and functions.

The youth today wear an innovative form of dhoti. They are commonly seen wearing dhoti pants. This innovation has taken a transition from being traditional wear to western wear.

Therefore, dhoti is an inspiration to the youth and the essence of South Indian culture.

Dhoti- A white revolution

Ever wondered how the dhoti became so popular in South India especially in Tamil Nadu. We have a little story to tell you. Many years ago, while still in his 20s, K.R Nagarajan headed out for dinner with his business colleagues at a five-star hotel in Chennai. While his colleagues were dressed in suits, Nagarajan opted to wear a white shirt and dhoti. Nagarajan was stopped by the watchman from entering while his colleagues were let in.

Nagarajan could not face such humiliation and came up with the white revolution. After completing his schooling in 1977, Nagarajan realised he could not afford further studies. Thus, he decided to plunge straight into business and learn the tricks of the trade. He spent nearly 18 months in a dhoti manufacturing firm in Andhra Pradesh. He learned the production and marketing side. He then started his own tiny office in 1983 in Tirupur, with one table and chair and called it Ramraj Khadi Traders.

Ramraj is a combination of his father, Ramaswamy, and his own name. Nagarajan sourced dhotis, and cycled from Avanashi to Tirupur every day to sell them.

From not having a vehicle to move around, Nagarajan now drives a Honda Accord.

By 1987, Ramraj Khadi Traders became Ramraj Cotton, as khadi was replaced by cotton. Nagarajan himself walked the talk, wearing dhotis with a white cotton shirt, much to the chagrin of his wife, children, nephews and nieces.Today his elder daughter and son-in-law have introduced their own range of track pants, t-shirts, sports attire and ladies’ wear to further modernise the brand.

Ramraj Cotton now manufactures 2,500 different types of dhotis. They recently organised a fashion show where all models were dressed in the signature white shirt and dhoti at a popular hotel.

The Ramraj advertisements see film stars, industrialists and other men of substance dressed in dhotis, alighting from shiny cars at five-star hotels, banks and other important places.He also gave birth to the ‘Salute Ramraj’ anthem.

He paved the way for the white revolution and today the white cotton shirt and dhoti, the signature of the Ramraj brand find themselves in prominent retail outlets and airports. Politicians and industrialists sport the white cotton shirt and a dhoti with pride and it has become an eminently recognisable brand all over Tamil Nadu.

It is not just business and money that motivate Nagarajan. Yoga, meditation and vegetarian food are a regular part of his life now.