Worn mostly by men and also by women in some Indian states, Lungi is about 2 meters long cloth tied around the waist. The daily use Lungis are made out of cotton and for a special occasion out of silk material. Lungi is known by different names all over India, like in the South, it’s referred to as Vesti or Mundu. It is available in plain white, blue checks, with golden border etc.
It is like a long skirt with open ends that is tied together, when worn. This gives total freedom of movement and no room for perspiration. There are no buttons or zips to keep the lungi over the waist it’s simply tied up with two knots yet remains intact. In rural India, men use Lungi to move around their locality however it is rare to see that in Urban India.
According to one narrative, Lungi was accidentally found when Arjun one of the pandava brothers found some Saris near a river, which he distributed equally amongst his brothers on his mother’s instructions. These pieces of saris were used by pandava brothers as Lungi. And apparently, from here the practice of wearing Lungi started.
Keeping in mind the current trend, the younger generation in India has switched over to Pyjamas, Shorts, and Bermudas. While most women in urban and most rural areas also have long back stopped using Lungi as their attire. Nevertheless, the Lungi has served the Indian population for centuries and so definitely deserves a mention while speaking about Indian traditional outfits.