Jammu and Kashmir Pherans

The mystic land of quixotic and charming hill stations, Jammu and Kashmir is noted for its cultural extravaganzas and artistic exploits. The state's age-old legacy has passed down the generations and accounts for the state's flourishing art and crafts. One of the highlights of the state's fascinatin handicrafts are the quintessential Jammu and Kashmir pherans.

The pheran or the phiran is possibly the most commonly worn garment in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Equally popular with both the men and the women, the pheran is basically a loose woolen garment that is draped over the regular clothes in order to keep out the spine chilling cold. The apparel is a mix of the a long cloak and a coat. The gowns are usually stark and the sole design that adds a dash of color to the garment are the traditional embroidered floral motifs that are a rage in Kashmir.

The Kashmiri men also wear the archetypal Jammu and Kashmir Pheran. However the material is usually made of tweed and harsh wool. The women's pheran however is made of finer raffel and exquisite ari or hook embroidery at the seams and cuffs add a stylish look to the garment. The greatest utility of the garment is that the loose garment permits the Kashmiri people with enough space to carry the quintessential earthen Kangri close to their body in order to protect themselves from the freezing subzero temperature of Kashmiri winters.