Traditional Kathak Dance Costumes

Kathak Dance Costumes
White and Red Kathak Costume

A traditional Kathak costume typically consists:

  1. Lehenga or Skirt: The lehenga is a long, flared skirt that is usually made of silk or other rich fabrics. It is adorned with intricate embroidery, sequins, and decorative borders. The colors of the lehenga are often bright and eye-catching, such as red, blue, green, or yellow.
  2. Choli or Blouse: The choli is a fitted blouse that complements the lehenga. It is often designed to match the skirt’s embellishments and can have short or long sleeves. The choli may also be decorated with embroidery, mirrors, and beads
  3. Dupatta or Veil: The dupatta is a long scarf or veil worn over the shoulder or wrapped around the waist. It adds an extra layer of grace to the costume and is often made of sheer, lightweight fabric. Like the lehenga and choli, the dupatta is decorated with embroidery and other decorative elements.
  4. Odhi or Headpiece: Kathak dancers wear a distinctive headpiece called the odhi or maang tikka. It is typically a jeweled ornament that hangs on the forehead and is attached to the hair. The odhi enhances the dancer’s facial expressions and adds a regal touch to the overall appearance.
  5. Jewelry: Kathak costumes are adorned with various types of jewelry, such as earrings (jhumkas), necklaces, bangles, and anklets (ghungroo). The jewelry is often crafted from silver or gold and may be studded with precious or semi-precious stones.
  6. Footwear: Kathak dancers wear special shoes called Kathak or ghungroo juttis. These shoes have small bells (ghungroo) attached to them, which create rhythmic sounds when the dancer performs footwork.
  7. Makeup: The makeup for Kathak dance is usually subtle and emphasizes the eyes and facial expressions. It aims to enhance the dancer’s features and make them more visible to the audience.

Overall, a Kathak costume is a harmonious blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary designs, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India. It enhances the dancer’s movements and expressions, making the performance a visual delight.

Our costumes combine style, comfort, and tradition, allowing dancers to perform freely while looking their best.