While the traditional dress for women of South India would be the sari, the salwar-kameez has become popular throughout India. This pant and tunic ensemble, originally from northern India, is usually accompanied by a scarf known as a dupatta. Made from a length of fabric between 2 1/2 - 3 meters, the dupatta is an indispensable fashion accessory for today's modern Indian woman, worn with both Indian and western-style clothing. In south India, the most common way to wear the dupatta is over the chest, with the tail lengths trailing over the back. Often times it is more gathered together, as shown by the young woman on the right of this photo. When the air conditioner is a bit too high or the temperature drops below 22°C (71°F), the chilled woman can bring the cloth over her arms. Or, the fabric can serve as a slight sun block, mask to cover the face from dust, and much more. Safety pins over each shoulder help prevent the dupatta from flying away - essential if one is riding a motorcycle. The dupatta can also be draped over one shoulder or covering the head - more common in north India.
Dupatta fabric is as varied as Indian textiles used for dresses. It can be printed, embroidered, or plain. The material can be translucent or opaque; lightweight or rather heavy; beaded fringes or straight; stiff or flowing. Typically the dupatta matches the pant in terms of color or pattern. Regardless, the dupatta adds to the already regal look of the modern Indian woman.
This is a photo of two young women in my neighborhood picking through the garbage to find recyclable or usable items.
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