Lungi

Traditional dress

The lungi (Bangla: লুঙ্গি) is a garment worn around the waist in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Myanmar. While its origin is found in South Indian culture, it is worn by diverse communities across Southern Asia. It is normally woven in cotton with variety of designs and colors, though the most popular styles are either solid-colored or plaid. Depending on local tradition, lungis can be worn by men and/or women, are tied or fastened in various ways, and can be used in different cultural activities, ranging from normal daily life to elaborate wedding ceremonies. The lungi is thought to be quite comfortable, as its length can be adjusted rather easily. It is particularly popular in regions where the heat and humidity create an unpleasant climate for trousers.

Bangladesh

The lungi is the most commonly-seen dress of Bangladeshi men, although it is not normally worn on very formal occasions. In Bangladesh, lungis are worn by most men on a daily basis, although elaborately-designed cotton, batik, or silk lungis are also often presented as wedding gifts to the groom. Bengali women do not traditionally wear lungis, although non-Bengali tribal women do wear similar garments in some parts of southeastern Bangladesh. In neighboring West Bengal, the lungi is fast replacing the dhoti as the most popular men's garment for everyday wear. Some Bengali men avoid wearing the lungi, considering it to be too informal or inappropriate, despite the fact that it is both ubiquitous and comfortable.

South India

In Kerala, the lungi is worn by both men and women. Lungi is considered as an informal dress or working dress. Lungis are generally colourful, and with varying designs. The plain white version of a lungi is known as a mundu. For more ceremonial occasions (like weddings), mundus would be having a golden embroidery known as kasavu. Lungis are not used during occasions like weddings, or other religious ceremonies. Saffron-coloured mundus are also known as kaavi munde.

Kerala men folk generally tuck up their mundus or lungis. The bottom of the dress, is pulled up and tied back on to the waist. This would make the mundu or lungi only cover the body up to one's knees (from the waist). In this fashion it somewhat resembles a kilt, but without pleats.

In Tamil Nadu, it is also called Veshti.

Myanmar

In Myanmar, this skirt is called a longyi and is worn by both men and women. Women often fasten the longyi much higher under their arms to cover their breasts when going for a bath, unlike men who typically fasten it to the waist.

See also

• Indian Dress
• Skirt, Kilt, Sarong
• longyi