Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar, Apr 3: Arabic traditional attire Jubba has found its way into the streets of Kashmir, thanks to the holy month of Ramadan during which Muslims mostly prefer to wear modest outfits.
Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, sales of Jubbas have picked up in Kashmir as a large section of the people, mostly youth, prefer to wear it during the festival.
Jubba, also known as Thobe or Dishdasha in other parts of the Muslim world, is a flowing ankle-length garment, typically made of light fabric such as cotton or linen, worn by men. Its loose-fitting nature allows comfort, making it a popular choice during the festival of Eid Ul Fitr and Eid Ul Adha.
Inspired by the rich heritage of Arabian attire, Kashmiri youth are embracing these garments as a symbol of contemporary style and cultural amalgamation.
Kashmir has seen a notable increase in demand for jubba over the past several years, particularly on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
Many of the males these days can be seen offering Eid prayers in mosques or Eidgahs while sporting white and colored Jubbas.
“I have been in Saudi Arabia for many years and I imbibed the habit of wearing Jubba from there only. In Kashmir I wear it during Eid prayers. Seeing my designer Jubbas, many local youth have now also started wearing it during Ramadan and both the Eids,” said Shaheen Ahmad Bhat, a local.
According to retailers, Jubbas have become an essential dress code for men on Eid and other festivals in Kashmir. They claimed that because it’s Eid-Ul-Fitr, there is a greater demand for this traditional clothing from the Gulf.
“The trend towards embracing Arabic attire is not merely a matter of fashion; it also signifies a broader cultural exchange taking place in the region. Kashmiri youth are actively seeking inspiration from different cultures, fostering a sense of inclusivity and diversity,” sad Sheikh Irfan, a retailer.
He said a variety of Jubbas have hit the market, which are fast attracting the eye of youth.
“We have Indian, Omani, UAE, and Saudi Jubbas. Omani is people’s favourite because of its design and elegance,” Irfan said.
He said many youth prefer to buy it on e-commerce website. “Many prefer to buy it directly from e-commerce where there is also a good variety available,” Irfan said.
