Lungi! One of the most widely used comfortable clothes in Bangladesh. Bengali tradition! Doubt whether such a comfortable dress can be found anywhere else in the world! It seems impossible to find people who live in Bangladesh but have never worn lungi. And today's event with that lungi!
Origin
The garment called lungi is worn very carefully on the lower part of the body. It is most prevalent in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. Lungi is thought to have originated in South India. Tamil Nadu in South India is said to be its birthplace. Lungi still occupies a large place in the culture of South India. But now this lungi is used by many communities in our subcontinent.
A type of dress called vesti is considered to be the successor of lungi. According to history, at one time this muslin cloth was regularly exported from Tamil to Babylon. The word "Indus" has been found in archeological finds in Babylon. In Tamil, the word Sindhu means cloth. At that time there was a community of fishermen in Tamil Nadu called Baradavargal. They mainly exported lungi to West Africa, Egypt (now Egypt) and Mesopotamia.
Although for many foreigners this lungi is quite a surprise. Buttons, ropes, stay away from belts, ribbons, chains, safety pins, there is nothing in this lungi! Its users usually tie one or two knots around the waist and hang it on the legs.
Design
When it comes to popularity, one color or two color check lungi is more popular. Czech lungis are more popular among the elderly. However, different designed lungi is also available in the market. The skirt has a lot in common with the lungi. Lungi is sewn round like a skirt. In some communities only men wear lungi while in some communities both men and women wear this dress. Wearing lungi in different communities is not only a daily chore, but also a marriage
Although lungi is more prevalent in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, lungi is very popular in Maldives, many countries in Africa, Polynesian islands, Caribbean and even in Latin America. Lungi is also known as Lamba, Chitenje, Kapulana, Pareos, Zambias and Kikoi in Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Lungi and Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, mainly men wear lungi. This dress is not popular among girls. Most of the men wear this dress in their daily work. From that point of view, it is a daily use and essential dress of Bengalis. This lungi was the favorite dress of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, known as the oppressed public leader of Bangladesh. No one is unaware of his lungi love.
Although lungi is not usually worn for any special occasion in Bangladesh, the designed, batik or, silk lungi are often traditionally given as a gift to the groom at the time of marriage. In some areas, it is still customary to give lungi to teachers and imams on special days.
Lastly, lungi is a traditional dress for us. Being quite comfortable, it is appreciated not only in Bangladesh but also in different parts of the world. However, due to the influence of modern western culture, its popularity among the youth of the country has decreased a bit. Even then, this lungi survived, has survived and will continue to flourish in our culture.
Thank you. Now I know the history of lungi