Kurtas: A Wearable Staple of Pakistani Identity
By Umar Siddiqui
Northridge, CA
Woefully, Pakistani youth has shown an attitude of hesitation towards identifying with Pakistan’s vibrant culture. It is one that is typically overshadowed by other Asian countries, and in South Asia, this humble country still boasts Nobel Prizes in physics for Abdus Salam and in education for Malala Yousafzai and a fashion industry, booming with designers like Hassan SheheryarYasin, Sana Safinaz, Deepak Parwani, Aamir Adnan, and others.
Kurtas are likely translated into English as tunics. They originate from nomads in the ancient eras and medieval times. What can tie these two together is a simple item of clothing, “kurtas.” A response to the indifference a Pakistan youth can feel toward culture or Pakistan itself, the kurta can mark identity in a versatile manner.
Kurtas can be solid-colored yet bold or feature patterns and be multi-colored and elaborate. They come ready one dress for virtually any occasion.
Kurtas are not to be confused with kurtis, which are for women. Kurtas are ageless and always will be worn, at home, at family or community events, or on holidays, like the two Eid festivals that present themselves in the year. A collarless, tunic-like garment, the kurta can be worn over jeans, the many variations of shalwar, which is the pant, of which a variation is the “dhoti,” which is loose and skirt-like, or it can also be worn with a pajama, of which a variation is the “churidar.” The kurta, as an item, resonates with the underappreciated yet deeply rooted Pakistani culture, as Pakistan was established 71 years ago, in 1947.
Today, Pakistan still faces challenges and has myriad obstacles to confront, but wearing the kurta is a sound way for young men to familiarize themselves with the radiant culture of Pakistan. Kurtas are not only a fashionable means through which Pakistani identity can shine regardless of geopolitical barriers, as they are also worn by Bengali, Indian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan people. They are also a festive and personal way to represent the evolving creative minds of Pakistani innovators. The kurta has evolved itself through centuries, originating from Central Asian tunics, typically presenting itself in cotton and silk.
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