The Parsi community with its own belief set of Zoroastrian, has its exclusive dressing style, which is an indication as well as manifestation of its culture and religion. Nonetheless, the Parsi religion has its own, which they call Zoroastrianism with diverse dressing styles, which they have for various events. The fashion in which the Parsis dress represents their culture, religion, and societies.
The Parsi traditional dress worn during any religious ceremony or ritual is one of the most important garments in Parsi culture. In addition, this normally consists of kasti, which is a special white cotton or silk shirt called dagli or sadra, loose fitting trousers and the kasti is a white sacred cord around the waist, symbolizing one’s spiritual unity and strength of inner protection.
However, women usually put on a long and flimsy dress named as “sari” or “ghara,” which are made of bright and attractive fabrics. The sari is thrown with style and artistry over the body while displaying elaborate patterns and designs. A woman usually combines sari with choli, some bangles, necklaces and earrings.
Parsi men wear a “jama” which is an ankle length robe during special occasions like weddings. It is made from silk or brocade and has rich embroidery. The jama is paired with matching trousers and turban exhibiting the elegance and grandeur.
Additionally, Parsi women also put on traditional clothing for weddings and holiday events. Therefore this group may decide to go for saris that are heavily embroidered and embellished which can be in bright colors like red, gold or any other such as maroon. Jewelry consisting of large necklaces, earrings, and hair accessories, help in adding grandeur and splendor to this complete outfit.
Parsi people also adhere to specific dress codes when in darkness, apart from the religious and ceremonial attire. Men and women clothe themselves in white during times of sorrowing to signify mourning and purity. A person can be dressed in white cotton or linen for men, while ladies usually prefer a white sari or dress. The clothing is a way of demonstrating respect to departed members of the community and expressing grief through visual means.
However, it is worth noting that although the traditional apparel holds many cultural and religious values, the Parsi community, like any of the other groups, adopts the latest fashion styles in daily living. The younger generation of Parsis prefer western-style clothing but wear traditional outfits during festive seasons.
Parsis religious clothing includes a variety of clothing types that have varying purposes but come from the same cultural background. The traditional dagli, sari worn for religious ceremonies to the elaborate jama’s, bridal clothes, illustrate an assimilation of traditional, spiritual and artistic values in Parsi costumes.